Promotion or retention decisions will be made at the building level by the teachers primarily responsible for the child’s education, the principal of the building, the parents of the child and other administrators, if appropriate.In making this decision, these persons shall consider the documented information as to the child’s total educational program thus far.
Before a decision to retain a child is made, the responsible principal shall ensure that appropriate communications between the district and the parent(s) have taken place at appropriate times as to the child’s educational or related difficulties.
Students must have grade-level skills or passing grades in three out of four core areas to be considered for promotion.The core areas are defined as: Reading/Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies.Third, fifth, sixth and seventh grade students must also score at or above the basic level on the Reading and Mathematics sub-tests of the Wisconsin Knowledge and Concepts Exam (WKCE).When a student scores below the basic level on either subtest, his/her needs may be analyzed with recommendations to develop a plan for achievement.
Grade Advancement in Fourth and Eighth Grade
WisconsinState statutes require that each school board must adopt a policy that addresses the advancement of students from grade four to grade five and from grade eight to grade nine.In making the decision for grade advancement, the following criteria must be considered:
Pupil Academic Performance
The student’s score on the Wisconsin Knowledge and Concepts Exam (WKCE)
Recommendation(s) of teacher(s) based on academic performance
Other academic criteria identified by the Board
Determination of grade advancement for students in grade four and eight will be determined through the steps outlined in the “Grade Advancement for 4th and 8th Grade” flow chart (Exhibit A).The criteria limits for each level of the flow chart are outlined in detail below:
Academic Performance
For the purpose of this policy, Academic Performance is defined as the student’s grade point average for the current year.
To meet criteria for Academic Performance:
A fourth grade student must have a grade point average of 70% or higher based on grades from the first three-quarters of the school year.Grades from ALL areas will be used when determining grade point average.
An eighth grade student must pass (70% or higher) at least three CORE area subjects and have a cumulative grade point average of 70% or higher based on grades for the first and second semester of the school year.
Wisconsin Knowledge and Concepts Examination (WKCE)
The Wisconsin Knowledge and Concepts Examination (WKCE) is administered to students in grades four and eight as outlined in state statute.
To meet the criteria for the WKCE:
A fourth or eighth grade student must score at least basic or above on all five sub-tests.The sub-tests are Reading, Mathematics, Language Arts, Social Studies and Science.
If a student is opted out of the WKCE by their parent, for purpose of the “flow chart”, they need to follow the path set under “Did Not Meet Criteria”.
Teacher Recommendation Based on Academic Performance and Other Academic Criteria:
To meet the criteria for Teacher Recommendation based on Academic Performance and for Other Academic Criteria:
A team of at least three DPI certified staff members, who have information about the child and are familiar with his/her academic performance, will meet to evaluate whether the student should be advanced to the next grade.The building administrator, in cooperation with the primary teacher, will determine the membership of this committee.
The team will use the District developed “Guidelines for Grade Advancement in Grades Four and Eight” to structure the meeting and to determine the appropriate grade placement for the child.
The team will use data to reach their decision regarding grade placement for the child.
In the event of a disagreement on the action, the District Administrator would make the final decision.
Ninth Through Twelfth Grade
Students are placed in grade levels according to the number of credits earned.One-half credit is earned for each class successfully completed per semester.The number of credits that need to be earned to be placed in a grade level are as follows:
Grade 9:
Less than 5.5 credits
Grade 10:
5.5 credits to less than 8 credits
Grade 11:
8 credits to less than 14.5 credits
Grade 12:
14.5 or more credits
LEGAL REF:118.33 Wisconsin Statutes
CROSS REF: 345.4-Exhibit, Guidelines for Grade Advancement in Grades Four andEight