IKE - Promotion and Retention of Students (Grades K-8)**

Promotion and Retention of Students:

Roseburg Public Schools (The District) recognizes the importance of considering the individual characteristics of each student in determining grade level placement.  Ordinarily, students will benefit most by being advanced to the next grade level at the completion of each academic year.  Requests to accelerate or retain a student can be made in accordance with the guidelines set out in this policy and the related procedures established by administration.

After considering all input, the decision to accelerate or retain a student shall be made by the school team.  The school team will include parent(s), the principal, and the relevant teaching and specialist staff.  Parental decisions will be final, but when the parents' decision is not in agreement with the school team's recommendation, parents must sign a "release from responsibility" form to be placed in the student's file.

Acceleration:

Students will normally progress annually from grade to grade.  An exception may be made if it is in the best interest of the student.  If a member of the school team requests an exception to the normal progression so that a student will "skip" a grade, the school team will consider the request.  The team will conduct a thorough review of the student's cumulative record, any testing or records from programs such as TAG, Title I, Special Education and any information submitted by the parent.  If the principal believes additional testing is necessary, it will be completed before a decision is made.

Retention:

Any member of the school team can request consideration of retention of a student.  Teachers should notify the principal as early in the spring as possible regarding students who may be considered for retention.  In addition, an early spring conference should be held with parents (around March 15).  A school team will then consider the student's potential retention in light of data regarding the student's educational and social needs.  The school team will conduct a thorough review of the student's cumulative record, any testing or records from programs such as TAG, Title I, Special Education, and any information submitted by the parent.  If the principal believes additional testing is necessary, it will be completed before a decision is made.

Retention is typically not regarded as an effective educational practice.  However, the District feels that lack of academic performance is almost always a result of physical, emotional, social and/or psychological difficulties.  Retention should occur only after other options have been examined.