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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.

WhileThe mostBoard recognizes that at every grade level, there are differences among students willin advancetheir fromintellectual, onephysical, gradesocial, toand anotheremotional atdevelopment, theand endthat individual students may be more proficient in some content areas of the academicLearning year,Results somethan studentsin others. Students may benefitalso fromdiffer retentionin attheir progress toward achieving the samecross-curricular gradeskills levelidentified orin accelerationthe toGuiding anotherPrinciples gradeof level.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 consideringmaking placementdecisions concerning promotion, retention and acceleration. Although all listed criteria may be considered in the decision-making process, because of studentsthe atrelationship anybetween givena gradestudent’s level.achievement Theof itemsthe thatcontent followstandards willof the system of Learning Results and their future success in school, more consideration shall be given to the highestcriterion level of considerationarticulated in decidingparagraph upon“A” promotion,below retentionthan orto acceleration.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 attitude;engagement and aspirations;

  9. Parental concerns.concerns; and

  10. Student Health.

B. Retention

RetentionThe shallBoard berecognizes consideredthat asresearch anregarding alternativeretention toshows promotion,that whenretention ithas willa benefitnegative theimpact student.on student success in most cases.

Parents shallshould be notified as early as possible in the event that retention is being considered. AParents decisionwill regardingbe 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 willshould involvebe discussionmade withinthrough a teamconference ofinvolving individuals includingparents, the student’s parent(s),teacher, classroomthe teacher(s),building guidance counselorprincipal, and principal.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.

Assignment to high school grade levels will be based on the number of credits earned prior to the beginning of the current school year.

For sophomore status, a student must have earned 5 credits, for junior status 10 credits and senior status 15 credits.

E. Transfer Students

For students who transfer into the school system from another state, home schoolschool, 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. 

For decisions regarding promotion, retention or acceleration, the principal shall be responsible for making the final decision. A parent who is dissatisfied with the principal’s decision may file a written appeal with the Superintendent. The Superintendent’s decision shall be final.

 



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 and1999; December 20, 20062006; April 2, 2025

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