The Argument for Redshirting: Sometimes it can be difficult for parents to decide what is best for their children. In Malcolm Gladwell’s Outliers: The Story of Success, he discusses the debate of redshirting. Redshirting is when someone chooses to hold back their student for many reasons. Most kids are redshirted because of when their birth date falls. Some may hold them back because they feel their kids are not mature enough yet. There are also some people that choose redshirting because they have an advantage in school and sports. Redshirting should be allowed in the American education system. Redshirting can give scholars a certain advantage and strength. Researchers have explained how redshirting can help students achieve higher scores…show more content… From research, people can observe how the older the child is, the better they develop in school. They learn better skills because they are advanced. The more they advance, the better they do on their tests. This can help people get into a good college. It is not just helpful in early years of school. When in higher skilled classes, maturity can play a big role in focusing. Redshirting is a tough decision for parents to make for their children depending on when they were born. Students that are held back are able to take in information in a better way. A mother in Connecticut states that, “Kindergarten seemed to go well, but when her son entered the first grade, she said, “I got hit over the head. They told me he was way behind.” She watched in horror as her son’s self-confidence tanked” (qtd. In Paul. Even though the age difference might not seem that far apart, the way a child maintains information is very important in school. Parents may think that their scholars are ready, but soon realize they are falling behind. Seeing other kids do better can make someone feel bad about themselves and start to give up. When parents redshirt their children, it can impact their lives in many
