Policy 2520 – Promotion and Retention

The purpose of promotion and retention is to provide maximum consideration for the long-range
welfare of the student and to provide an opportunity for each student to progress through school
according to his/her own needs and abilities.

It is expected that most students in the schools will be promoted annually from one grade level to
another upon completion of satisfactory work; however, a student may be retained when his/her
standards of achievement or social, emotional, mental, or physical development would not allow
satisfactory progress in the next higher grade. Retention normally occurs before the student leaves
the primary grades.

Parents/guardians who wish to appeal the decision for retention must first contact the building
principal. If parents/guardians do not accept the decision at the building level, an appeal may be
made in writing to the Superintendent. All appeals must be requested within two (2) weeks after the
close of school.

The process for reading assessments and remediation, and retention guidelines for students who fail
to meet the District’s objectives for reading, are contained in Regulation 2520 – Promotion and
Retention.