Definition of Enrollment & Repeaters in Primary Education

Primary education can greatly affect the success of adults.

Several factors influence the enrollment of students in the primary grades. The results of numerous studies, such as that by Riva Ranivnder (2007), show the importance of the first (primary) years of school and that these years have the largest impact on success later in school and in life. As such, the repetition of a grade early on can decrease dropout rates and other negative effects of a poor early education.

Definitions

A good start in the primary grades plays an essential role in future success.

"Primary education" refers to the first years of schooling, usually up to the third year or so.

Importance of Primary Education

All children should have the opportunity to attend school.

Primary education increases the health of expectant mothers and their children. Better nutrition, higher immunization rates and a general overall emphasis on the importance of schooling by parents and other family and community leaders all contribute to the level of education obtained.

Influences on School Enrollment

Poverty greatly reduces school attendance.

According to a November 2007 article in the publication "Young Children," social, economic and logistical factors all influence school enrollment. The article also names the educational level of the parents as the largest determinant of educational level achieved.

Global Issues

Limited space and supplies negatively affect school enrollment.

Many areas lack adequate facilities and supplies to provide quality education to a large number of students. Along the same lines, difficulty finding quality teachers lowers the completion rate of children in the primary grades (under the age of eight).

Results

Addressing the issue of poverty will greatly increase the number of children getting a firm educational foundation.

According to the book "A Chance for Every Child," areas with good primary school programs experience lower poverty rates, fewer inequalities among members of the community and faster economic growth.

Repeaters

Intervention in the early grades can have a positive influence on struggling students.

Students who fail to do well in the primary grades benefit from repeating one year of schooling in those grades—particularly the first year. The effectiveness of repeating grades beyond the primary years shows no benefits.

References

• "A Chance for Every Child"; Barbara Burns, Alain Mingat, Ramahatra Rakotomelala; 2003
• "Young Children"; The 2007 Education for All Global Monitoring Report: Highlighting the Benefits of Investment in the Early Years; NA; November 2007
• "Essays in Education: Factors Affecting the Enrollment and Retention of Students in Primary Education"; Riva Ravinder; Fall 2007