Students

5124.2-AR

MIDDLE SCHOOL RETENTION

A. Purpose and Scope

To outline district requirements and procedures for promotion/retention of Middle School pupils

B. General

1. Any questions regarding these procedures should be directed to the site principal or to the Assistant Superintendent - Educational Services.

2. The site principal is responsible for implementing these regulations.

C. Forms Used and Additional References

Copies of letters, memorandums, anecdotal records

D. Procedure

1. Promotion

a. All students will be enrolled in the following course of study:

7th Grade	8th Grade
Language Arts	Language Arts
Mathematics	Mathematics
Social Science	Social Science
Physical Education/Wellness	Physical Education/Wellness
Science	Science
Keyboarding/Word Processing  Elective
(1 trimester), Health (1 trimester)
Language Arts Lab (1 trimester)
Exploratory Wheel or Elective
Performing Music

b. Students are expected to be attentive to the course of study and to successfully complete all classes. Any student who fails two or more courses shall be subject to study under the procedures for retention as set forth in this regulation.

c. Students are expected to successfully pass benchmark proficiency levels. Students who do not obtain passing scores on such proficiency tests are expected to pursue district-provided remediation programs. Failure to pass benchmark proficiencies and to pursue a remediation program may result in consideration for retention.

2. Retention

a. Students may be considered for retention for failure of two or more courses or for failure to achieve a passing level on benchmark proficiency tests with subsequent failure to pursue a district-provided remediation program.

b. In considering retention, a Student Study Team meeting shall be called. The team shall consist of a site administrator, at least one two of the student's current teachers, parent(s)/guardian(s), the student, and other staff if appropriate. The team shall determine if retention offers an appropriate alternative to meet the needs of the student.

c. Students being considered for retention must be identified not later than the end of the second trimester.

d. The following factors must be reviewed when retention is being considered: ability level, achievement level, emotional maturity, behavior patterns, social maturity, physical maturity, and any other factors which may affect the specific student's educational progress.

e. Any 8th grade student who fails two or more courses at the end of the first trimester or who is reported as failing two or more courses during the second trimester shall be referred to a Student Study Team. The team shall establish with the student and parent/guardian the minimum requirements to be fulfilled for the issuance of a certificate of promotion for participation in promotion ceremonies/activities or be subject to retention.

f. A decision to retain must be supported by an educational plan determined by the Student Study Team to have positive educational potential for the student. Retention must be supported by the school staff and the parent(s)/guardian(s) to be placed in effect.

g. Final determination of retention must be made by the principal on or before June 1.

h. A decision to retain must not be contingent on attendance at summer school.

i. By June 15, the site principal shall notify the Assistant Superintendent - Educational Services, in writing of all retentions.

j. All eighth grade retentions shall be for a full school year.

E. Reports Required

Notification of retention to Assistant Superintendent - Educational Services

F. Record Retention

Not applicable

G. Responsible Administrative Unit

Site manager and Assistant Superintendent - Educational Services

H. Approved by

Responsible Division Head

Date

Superintendent

Date