Skip to main content

IKE - Promotion, Retention and Acceleration of Students

IKE - Promotion, Retention and Acceleration of Students

It is the intent of the MSAD #35 Board of Directors to provide sequential instructional programming that provides opportunities for students to meet the content standards of the Maine Learning Results and District curriculum. The Board recognizes that at every grade level, there are differences among students in their intellectual, physical, social, and emotional development, and that individual students may be more proficient in some content areas of the Learning Results than in others. Students may also differ in their progress toward achieving the cross-curricular skills identified in the Guiding Principles of the Learning Results. 

Any decisions made concerning promotions, retentions or accelerations shall be made with the best interest of the individual student as the primary concern.

 A. Criteria  

The following criteria will be used in making decisions concerning promotion, retention and acceleration. Although all listed criteria may be considered in the decision-making process, because of the relationship between a student’s achievement of the content standards of the system of Learning Results and their future success in school, more consideration shall be given to the criterion articulated in paragraph “A” below than to any other factors.

  1. Achievement of the content standards of the Learning Results as demonstrated through use of assessment measures utilized in the District; 

  2. Achievement of cross-curricular skills associated with the Guiding Principles of the Learning Results;

  3. Success achieved in remedial programs, tutoring, summer school or other opportunities provided for the student;

  4. Potential benefit & success from the grade level placement decision that is being considered;

  5. Record of attendance;

  6. Social/emotional maturity and age;

  7. Program options;

  8. Student engagement and aspirations;

  9. Parental concerns; and

  10. Student Health.

B. Retention

The Board recognizes that research regarding retention shows that retention has a negative impact on student success in most cases.

Parents should be notified as early as possible in the event that retention is being considered. Parents will be informed of the remediation options available to students such as tutoring, online/Internet-based resources, after-school programs, and summer school. Whenever possible, decisions concerning retention should be made through a conference involving parents, the student’s teacher, the building principal, and as appropriate, the school counselor, other professional staff, and/or consultants. Advancement to the next grade may be made conditional on successful remediation or demonstrated proficiency within a specified period of time. 

The principal shall be responsible for making the final decision regarding retention. A parent who is dissatisfied with the principal’s decision may appeal to the Superintendent. The Superintendent’s decision shall be final.

C. Acceleration  

Decisions regarding acceleration shall be made by the principal after discussion with the student’s parents, the student’s teacher(s), the Gifted and Talented instructor and other professional staff or consultants deemed appropriate by the principal. A parent who is dissatisfied with the principal’s decision may appeal to the Superintendent. The Superintendent’s decision shall be final. 

D. High School Grade Level Assignment

The Board recognizes the value of students remaining with their cohort group throughout their high school career.

Successful completion of the requirements specified in the Board’s policy IKF (Graduation Requirements) and demonstrated achievement of the mandated content  standards as established by Department of Education rules or regulations will be   required for graduation.

E. Transfer Students

For students who transfer into the school system from another state, home school, or an educational program not required to meet the content standards of the system of Maine Learning Results, the principal will determine the grade level placement and/or the fulfillment of  credit requirements. 

Cross Reference: 

IK - Evaluation of Student Achievement 

IKA - Grading/Academic Assessment

IKF - Graduation Requirements

ILA - Student Assessment

 

Policy Adopted: May 1, 1991

Policy Revised: November 17, 1999; December 20, 2006; April 2, 2025

Back to top