REGULATION
PROMOTION AND RETENTION
OF STUDENTS
Procedure for Retention of
Elementary School Students
At the end of the first grading period, each teacher in a common school should send to the principal a list of the students who are experiencing difficulty in their classes. At the earliest parent conference this must be shared with the parents and recorded in the student's cumulative folder. The teacher and the parent will discuss ways to assist the student in attaining expected achievement levels.
At the end of the second and subsequent grading periods, students - including new students - who achieve below expected grade level standards will be reviewed by the principal and staff members to consider retention. Parent conferences will be held to inform parents of the concern and to involve them in this process.
No decision for retention shall be made without parent involvement and student counseling. Late entries should receive special consideration.
The final recommendation to retain should be made by the teacher. Consultation with the principal and other staff members, and involvement of parents in all steps of the retention process are vital.
Appeal of Teacher Decision to Promote,
Retain, Pass or Fail a Pupil
Pursuant to Arizona Revised Statutes, a parent or student of majority may appeal to the Board for reconsideration on any placement decision. The parent or student of majority has the burden of proof to overturn the decision of a teacher to promote, retain, pass or fail the pupil. It must be demonstrated to the Board that the student has or has not mastered the State Board adopted standards required for the placement recommended by the teacher. If the Governing Board overturns the decision of the teacher, a written finding of mastery or non-mastery of the State Board adopted standards must be adopted by the Governing Board.