Philosophy

In general, children shall be placed at the grade level to which they are best adjusted academically, socially, and emotionally. The educational program shall provide for the continuous progress of children from grade to grade, with children spending one year in each grade. A small number of children, however, may benefit from staying another year in the same grade. Such retention may be considered when:

1. The child is in grades K-3, or, on very rare occasions, when the child is in grades 4-8.

2. The child is achieving significantly below ability and grade level.

3. Retention would not cause an undue social and emotional adjustment.

4. Retention would have a reasonable chance of benefiting the child totally.

Whenever such retention is being considered, but no later than the end of the first semester, the teacher shall confer with the principal and other staff members involved with the child, such as the child’s special teachers and counselor. The parents shall be invited to a meeting with the teacher, principal, and other staff members no later than February 1^st for discussion of the matter. This discussion shall consist of an explanation to the parents of their child’s current academic standing in relationship to the group and his or her own individual ability. The final decision shall be made jointly by the principal and the parents.

APPROVED: September, 1979