NORTHFIELD BOARD OF EDUCATION FILE CODE: 6146.2
Northfield, New Jersey
Regulation
PROMOTION/RETENTION
The following rules are promulgated in accordance with the policy of the Northfield Board of Education dealing with the promotion and retention of students.
A. Placement
1. The Principal has the responsibility for placing students at the grade level most suited to their cognitive and affective needs in light of the available documentation.
If the Principal has any concerns given the available documentation, he/she shall review the child’s progress within thirty school days. At that time, the Principal may reconsider the decision regarding the child’s initial placement. If changes are in order, a conference shall be held with the parent/guardian.
2. Grade level programs shall provide for continuous progress on a yearly basis.
3. Students are expected to spend one year in each grade level.
B. Promotion/Retention
1. Grades Kindergarten through Two
Students in grades Kindergarten through two who will be promoted or retained will be assessed by the classroom teacher. All recommendations for promotion or retention will be forwarded to the Principal for his/her review.
Based on all available information and services at his/her disposal (e.g. Child Study Team, elementary guidance counselor) the Principal will make the final decision if retention or promotion is in the best interest of the student.
2. Grades Three through Eight
Any student in grades three through eight who fails two or more subjects will be considered for retention. At the end of the second marking period, retention notices and conference requests will be sent to the parent/guardian of all students who may be in danger of failing two or more subjects for the year. The purpose of these conferences will be to look for positive ways to help students improve their academic performance.
The final decision in grades three through eight will be made at the end of the year. At that time, a committee consisting of teachers, parent/guardian of the student, the guidance counselor, a member of the Child Study Team and Principal will make a recommendation if retention is in the best interests of the student. After this consultation takes place, the Principal will decide regarding retention or non-retention in this matter.
Based on the Principal’s assessment of the information and given the Superintendent of Schools’ approval, the Principal may elect to retain or to promote the child. Written notice of the decision as
well as the school’s efforts to afford the student every opportunity to succeed shall be given to the parent/guardian and a copy shall be placed in the student’s folder.
Students may be considered for retention per the Attendance Policy 5113 and its accompanying regulations.
C. Changes of Placement – Grades Kindergarten through Eight
Any decisions to change a child’s grade placement during the school year shall be done by the Building Principal with consultation of the Child Study Team, or guidance counselor and shall involve the child’s parent/guardian and upon the Superintendent of Schools’ approval.
Acceleration shall be accomplished only with the parent/guardian agreement, the school Principal’s recommendation and Superintendent of Schools’ approval.
D. Parent/Guardian Notification – Grades Kindergarten through Eight
No child shall be retained unless his/her parent/guardian has been given written notice.
Written summaries of all conferences are to be maintained as part of the student’s record. The summary shall include a description of the staff’s efforts to help the student master the curriculum as well as a place for all present, including parent/guardian, to sign indicating their presence and participation. Copies shall be sent to the student’s parent/guardian. Parents will receive written notification of the promotion/retention decision.
Adopted: March 27, 2006
Revised/Reviewed: October 20, 2008
NORTHFIELD BOARD OF EDUCATION FILE CODE: 6146.2
Northfield, New Jersey
Regulation
PROMOTION/RETENTION
The following rules are promulgated in accordance with the policy of the Northfield Board of Education dealing with the promotion and retention of students.
A. Placement
1. The Principal has the responsibility for placing students at the grade level most suited to their cognitive and affective needs in light of the available documentation.
If the Principal has any concerns given the available documentation, he/she shall review the child’s progress within thirty school days. At that time, the Principal may reconsider the decision regarding the child’s initial placement. If changes are in order, a conference shall be held with the parent/guardian.
2. Grade level programs shall provide for continuous progress on a yearly basis.
3. Students are expected to spend one year in each grade level.
B. Promotion/Retention
1. Grades Kindergarten through Two
Students in grades Kindergarten through two who will be promoted or retained will be assessed by the classroom teacher. All recommendations for promotion or retention will be forwarded to the Principal for his/her review.
Based on all available information and services at his/her disposal (e.g. Child Study Team, elementary guidance counselor) the Principal will make the final decision if retention or promotion is in the best interest of the student.
2. Grades Three through Eight
Any student in grades three through eight who fails two or more subjects will be considered for retention. At the end of the second marking period, retention notices and conference requests will be sent to the parent/guardian of all students who may be in danger of failing two or more subjects for the year. The purpose of these conferences will be to look for positive ways to help students improve their academic performance.
The final decision in grades three through eight will be made at the end of the year. At that time, a committee consisting of teachers, parent/guardian of the student, the guidance counselor, a member of the Child Study Team and Principal will make a recommendation if retention is in the best interests of the student. After this consultation takes place, the Principal will decide regarding retention or non-retention in this matter.
Based on the Principal’s assessment of the information and given the Superintendent of Schools’ approval, the Principal may elect to retain or to promote the child. Written notice of the decision as
well as the school’s efforts to afford the student every opportunity to succeed shall be given to the parent/guardian and a copy shall be placed in the student’s folder.
Students may be considered for retention per the Attendance Policy 5113 and its accompanying regulations.
C. Changes of Placement – Grades Kindergarten through Eight
Any decisions to change a child’s grade placement during the school year shall be done by the Building Principal with consultation of the Child Study Team, or guidance counselor and shall involve the child’s parent/guardian and upon the Superintendent of Schools’ approval.
Acceleration shall be accomplished only with the parent/guardian agreement, the school Principal’s recommendation and Superintendent of Schools’ approval.
D. Parent/Guardian Notification – Grades Kindergarten through Eight
No child shall be retained unless his/her parent/guardian has been given written notice.
Written summaries of all conferences are to be maintained as part of the student’s record. The summary shall include a description of the staff’s efforts to help the student master the curriculum as well as a place for all present, including parent/guardian, to sign indicating their presence and participation. Copies shall be sent to the student’s parent/guardian. Parents will receive written notification of the promotion/retention decision.
Adopted: March 27, 2006
Revised/Reviewed: October 20, 2008