7212 - Promotion and Retention of Students

Policy: Promotion and Retention of Students	Policy Number: 7212
Date of Original Policy: 04/16/2013	Date Revision Adopted: 01/19/2022
Reviewed by Policy Committee: 10/17/2018	Date of Next Review: 01/20/2024
Replacement of Policy Number: 7210 Student Evaluation

It is essential that each child experience both challenge and success from school activities. To this end, the District will make every effort to place each student in the most appropriate learning level for a successful educational experience.
   
The District curriculum guides indicate goals for achievement by the "average" student at each grade level. However, academic growth, like physical growth, does not take place at the same pace or time for all individuals. Certain students may achieve mastery in a shorter period, while others need additional time. Early identification and intervention, promotion and retention are methods of meeting the needs of each student.

The following guidelines shall govern student progression:

Early Identification/Intervention

Classroom teachers are expected to make every effort to identify early those students at risk of failing. The building principal and the parents/guardian must be notified promptly if retention is anticipated, and a special support program shall be designed for each child identified as in danger of failing. Such support services may include, but are not limited to, individualized assistance before, during or after the school day; remedial classes; a change in instructional treatment, and, where appropriate, referral to the Committee on Special Education for evaluation.

Promotion/Retention

Elementary school  At the elementary level, students who pass all subjects will be promoted. Students who do not make satisfactory progress in one or more basic subjects -- Reading, English, Mathematics, Spelling, Social Studies and Science -- shall have their cases considered on an individual basis and may be retained. Retention shall be limited to those situations where the best interest of the child is reasonably assured. Diligent effort shall be made to use all available resources to determine the child’s appropriate placement.
 
Middle school  Students who fail only one subject shall have the failure evaluated and a determination made as to the reason for the failure. The student may be required to repeat the subject, but in typical cases shall be promoted with recommendation for either summer school or assignment to academic intervention services. The decision shall be arrived at by consensus from a case conference approach involving teacher, principal and guidance counselor, and parent(s) or legal guardian(s).

Students who fail two subjects shall have their cases considered on an individual basis through a case conference approach described above.

Students who fail more than two subjects shall fail for the year.

Senior High School.  In general, promotion from one class to the next shall be contingent upon the passing of all required subjects and the accumulation of 4 or 5 units of credit at each level.

Academic Standards. Building principals shall be responsible for ensuring that written standards for student progress at each grade level are available to parents and others upon request. Such academic standards are to be forwarded to the Superintendent of Schools each year.

Retention.  A decision to retain shall be arrived at by consensus from a case conference approach involving the teacher, building principal, school psychologist, and parent/guardian. Factors to be considered include teacher recommendation; classroom achievement and attitude; standardized test scores; social and emotional development; results of the family conference; and, for identified students, recommendations by the Committee on Special Education. If a consensus cannot be reached, the decision of the Building Principal shall be final.

No student will be retained without an appropriate educational plan defining what will occur that is instructionally different for the student. Once the educational plan has been implemented, the student will be monitored regularly. The educational plan will be revised until the student demonstrates acceptable performance.

Education Law §§1709; 2503(4); 3202
8 NYCRR §100.4
Isqwith v. Levitt, 285 App. Div. 833; 137 N.Y.S.2d 497 (1955)
Matter of Eckert, 13 EDR 270 (1979)
Op. Counsel, 1 EDR 775 (1952)