STUDENT PROMOTION, RETENTION OR ACCELERATION
Students will be promoted to the next grade level at the end of each school year based on the student's achievement, age, maturity, emotional stability, and social adjustment.
Students will normally progress annually from grade to grade. Exceptions may be made when, in the judgement of the teachers and the principal, such exceptions are in the best educational interest of the students involved. Exceptions will always be made after prior notification and explanation to the student's parents, but the final decision will rest with school authorities.
Report forms shall be given or sent to parents at nine-week intervals as to course performance and attendance. Additional reports may be sent at unscheduled intervals if it is felt that additional information would be beneficial to the student or parents or guardian. The school administrators will be responsible for scheduling parent-teacher conferences at least once each year.
When it becomes apparent a secondary student will be unable to meet the minimum credit requirements for the year, both the student and parents will be informed. Students who cannot demonstrate proficiency at their grade levels will also be considered for retention. Teachers must notify the principal of these students, make a recommendation to the principal concerning their promotion or retention, and hold a conference with parents.
The final report of courses completed or not completed for the past school year shall also indicate the grade level in which the pupil will be placed at the beginning of the following school term.
The superintendent of schools, school principal, and staff will review all situations which may involve student failures. Consideration will be given to the following:
I. The student's ability.
II. The student's actual achievement level and the reason for failure.
III. If the student is in junior or senior high school, the opportunity to repeat courses at the next grade level.
IV. The provision of a sound program if the student is to repeat a given grade.
V. The pro's and con's of repeating the grade.
In those instances when a child's educational needs demand that he or she be retained, the child's parents or guardian shall be notified and conferences held at an early date and in all instances, before the end of the school year. The outcome of the discussion of Items 1 through 5 above will be discussed with the child's parents or guardian.
Students with exceptional talents may, with the permission of the principal and parents, take classes beyond their current grade level. Enrichment opportunities outside the school district may be allowed when they do not conflict with the school district's graduation requirements. Acceleration ahead in a grade level should be approached with caution and should only occur with the joint approval of the superintendent, the principal and the parent or guardian.
Legal Reference: Nebraska Statute 79-526
