TRANSCRIPT:
For South Carolina Public Radio, I'm Dr. Rénard Harris from the College of Charleston. This is Teachable Moments, a minute of education for students and parents.
Making decisions about your child’s education starts early. One of the first decisions a parent makes is whether their child is ready to begin kindergarten or should be held back a year, a practice known as academic redshirting.
This trend is more common among higher-income families, especially those with boys born in summer months. But it’s not without controversy.
Supporters say it gives kids more time to develop emotionally and physically. Critics argue it's unfair to families who can't afford an extra year of childcare.
Research is limited and the effectiveness of the practice varies. Ultimately, for parents, the decision to redshirt should be based on your child’s individual needs.
For the College of Charleston, I’m Dr. Rénard Harris
