Academic redshirting and its effect on the delay of special education services

This Causal-Comparative Ex Post Facto Research design study examines the impact of the delay of kindergarten entry, called academic redshirting, on special educations students. The research explored the impact of academic redshirting on children, with particular emphasis on students with learning disabilities. The study analyzed 139 parent questionnaires that sought data related to the frequency, timing, grade and age of academic redshirted and non-academic redshirted children who qualify for special education services. The results did not prove significant, but this study provides additional insight into the role of academic redshirting on students with learning disabilities. Suggestions are given for repeating the study under different conditions, such as using SES as a variable. Implications for teachers, parents and administrators are reviewed.