Many urban districts are sending thousands of poorly performing students to summer school to boost achievement. Boston, New York City, and other districts are finding summer school a costly, complicated intervention that does not always show immediate results or resolve social-promotion problems. Implementation strategies are outlined. (MLH)

Led by Chicago Public Schools, many districts have adopted strict retention and promotion policies, often abandoning social-promotion programs that pushed students ahead with their peers regardless of achievement. Research shows that grade repetition is a strong predictor for dropping out. Summer, weekend, and transitional programs are partly…