I think Sol brings up a good point. Back in the day, they never moved a kid forward, but they sure as hell kept them back. The rest of the class learned what was presented and the dumb kids either got it or got a chance to do it all over again. They don't do that now. Everybody passes, everybody wins.

Side note: Remember when the kid that flunked wound up in your class ?? That kid had a chip on his shoulder and proceeded to bully and pound on every kid that even look sideways at him. I guess I was in 4th or 5th grade. Some kid who was a year ahead of me got held back and wound up in the desk behind me for the year. Longest year of my life. Not only was he stupid, he was tough. After about his 3,000 th threat I decide enough was enough, took my bros advice and decided to go ahead and meet him after school in the vacant lot. I'd like to say other wise, but he kicked the crap outa me. On the plus side, he never bothered me again and moved on to other, bigger things to pick on.