While numerous studies have been conducted to determine the impact of grade retention on future academic achievement and psychosocial development, few studies have targeted Florida-specific grade retention as mandated by Florida law. As it exists today, there is very little evidence that the practice of retaining students resulted in increased achievement. The purpose of this study was to determine if mandatory retention in Grade 3, as dictated by Florida law, was producing the desired effect of increased academic achievement and growth. This study examined 5 years of data from a medium-sized school district in southwest Florida to see if students who were retained in Grade 3 performed better than their peers who initially had similar performance but were promoted to Grade 4. The data showed that there was a statistically significant increase in achievement and growth at Grade 4 and that this difference began to dissipate by Grade 5. The results of this study indicated that although grade retention had a statistically significant impact on short-term achievement, the effect dissipated quickly and was no longer statistically significant by Grade 5. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]