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IKE - PROMOTION, RETENTION, AND ACCELERATION OF STUDENTS

It is the Board's intent to provide sequential instructional programming that provides equitable opportunity for students to acquire the knowledge and skills that will enable them to meet the grade-level learning targets aligned to the Maine Learning Results. The Board recognizes that at every grade level, there are differences among students in their intellectual, physical, social, and emotional development, and that individual students may be more proficient in some content areas than others. While most students will be promoted from one grade to another at the end of the academic year, some students may benefit from retention or acceleration. Decisions concerning promotion, retention, or acceleration of a student should be consistent with the best educational interests of that student.

  1. Criteria
    The following criteria will be used in making decisions concerning promotion, retention, and acceleration:
    1. Student achievement;
    2. Academic potential;
    3. Attendance;
    4. Health;
    5. Social and emotional maturity;
    6. Physical size;
    7. Age in relation to grade placement;
    8. Student attitude;
    9. Parent concerns; and
    10. Program options.
  2. Retention
    Decisions concerning grade-level retention should be made through a conference involving parents, the student's teacher(s), the principal, the guidance counselor, and, as appropriate, other professional staff and/or consultants. This team shall be responsible for reaching consensus regarding retention.
  3. Acceleration
    Decisions concerning grade-level acceleration should be made through a conference involving parents, the student's teacher(s), the principal, the gifted and talented teacher, the guidance counselor, and, as appropriate, other professional staff and/or consultants. The team shall be responsible for making the final recommendation regarding acceleration. Parents dissatisfied with the team's decision may appeal to the Superintendent. The Superintendent's decision shall be final. 

Cross References: 

  • 20-A M.R.S.A. §§ 4711; 4721 et seq.; 6201 et seq.
  • Chapters 125 and 127 (Maine Department of Education Rules)

ADOPTED:

  • October 10, 2006

Revised:

  • November 13, 2012
  • September 12, 2017
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