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KEARNY BOARD OF EDUCATION File Code: 5123 Kearny, New Jersey
POLICY |
PROMOTION/RETENTION
A student’s promotion from one grade level to the next, especially in the elementary
grades, must depend on the student’s academic progress and his/her social, emotional
and behavioral readiness to profit from instruction at the next grade level. Academic
and personal progress shall be measured in terms of achievement of district goals and
objectives.
The decision to promote or retain a student will be made in the best interest of the student.
The ultimate decision to promote or retain a student is the responsibility of the building principal.
Adequate and continued notice, in the form of progress reports, will be sent to the parents of students who are not progressing at the normal rate and who will ultimately be in danger of failing.
Listed below are guidelines to be followed when considering promotion/retention of students.
Teachers should take these guidelines into consideration, but not be limited by them, when making her/his recommendation for promotion/retention.
Board Policy – Promotion/Retention -2- File Code: 5123
ELEMENTARY
CRITERIA FOR PROMOTION
There are certain criteria to consider when decisions are made about the retention/promotion of students in the elementary schools. They include the following:
1. Academic Achievement
2. Age
3. Learning disabilities
4. Language
5. Health
6. Record of previous years (retention)
7. Teacher recommendation
8. Attendance
9. Social Development
It is important that the students build a sound educational foundation in their early years of education. Therefore, if there is a need, the Kearny Public Schools believe that it is most beneficial to retain students in the primary grades.
KINDERGARTEN
The primary function of kindergarten is reading and math readiness. In addition, social and emotional maturity must be considered.
The teacher’s judgment of each child is of the utmost importance. If the teacher’s evaluation and student’s test scores show evidence of a severe lack of readiness for first grade, the child should be retained.
If, however, the child shows that he/she can reasonably be expected to succeed in first grade, the child should be promoted. It is often more advantageous for some children to spend two years in first grade, unless they are severely lacking in readiness skills.
GRADE 1
The primary basis of promotion in the first grade:
1. Child has shown progress in reading
2. Possesses adequate number ability
3. Attendance
Student’s progress throughout the entire year should be considered. Some students require additional readiness work at the beginning of the year, but then start to progress normally. If this is true, the child should be promoted to second grade and the second grade teacher should pick up where the child left off in the first grade.
Teacher’s Responsibility for students who are being considered for retention:
1. Child must have been I&RS (Intervention & Referral Services)
2. Progress Reports sent home and signed
3. Failing Letters sent home and signed
4. Conferences with parents (documented)
5. Help period utilized
GRADE 2
The primary basis for promotion in the second grade is the child’s progress in reading and math.
1. Child has shown progress in reading and math
2. Satisfactory grades on report card
3. Attendance
Teacher’s Responsibility for students who are being considered for retention:
1. Child must have been I&RS (Intervention & Referral Services)
2. Progress Reports sent home and signed
3. Failing Letters sent home and signed
4. Conferences with parents (documented)
5. Help period utilized
GRADES 3 & 4
Emphasis should be placed on reading and math, however, consideration should be given to
reasonable progress in all subjects.
The primary basis for promotion:
1. Child shows effort
2. Passing grades on report card
3. Attendance
4. Passing reading and math
5. Standardized Test scores
Teacher’s Responsibility for students who are being considered for retention:
1. Child must have been I&RS (Intervention & Referral Services)
2. Progress Reports sent home and signed
3. Failing Letters sent home and signed
4. Conferences with parents (documented)
5. Help period utilized (documented)
GRADES 5 & 6
The primary basis for promotion:
1. Child shows effort
2. Passing grades on report card
3. Attendance
4. Standardized Test scores
Teacher’s Responsibility for students who are being considered for retention:
1. Child must have been I&RS (Intervention & Referral Services)
2. Progress Reports sent home and signed
3. Failing Letters sent home and signed
4. Conferences with parents (documented)
5. Help period utilized (documented)
6. Quarterly grade point average no less than 60
Students who fail two or more major subjects (math, reading, writing, science, social studies) must attend and pass summer school.
JUNIOR SCHOOL GRADES 7 & 8
Students in the Junior Schools are promoted to the next grade by attaining a general average of at least 65 and passing 4 major subjects.
The average is measured by adding the grades in Reading, Math, Writing, Social Studies and Science. Other subjects that must be considered in determining promotion/retention are Physical Education, Computers, Art, and Health.
Generally, a seventh and eighth grade student who does not achieve the required average will repeat the grade unless other factors do not make it feasible.
The primary basis for promotion:
1. Child shows effort
2. Passing grades on report card
3. Attendance
4. Standardized Test scores
Teacher’s Responsibility for students who are being considered for retention:
1. Child must have been I&RS (Intervention & Referral Services)
2. Progress Reports sent home and signed
3. Failing Letters sent home and signed
4. Conferences with parents (documented)
5. Help period utilized (documented)
6. Quarterly grade in duplicate record book less than 60
Students who fail two or more subjects must attend summer school and receive a passing grade. Eighth graders going to summer school will not participate in the Eighth Grade Promotion Ceremony or Promotion functions.
NOTE: In all cases of promotion, retention, and assignments, each case must be considered individually. The criteria listed for each of the grades is to be considered as guidelines. All variables and considerations of what is best for the student should be used in all final decisions.
Principals should discuss potential retentions or assignments with teachers by the middle of May.