3.4 — Promotion Policy

3.4 — Promotion Policy: Academic Policies

(LCS Policy 5.7)

Elementary and Intermediate Students (K-6)

Our primary goal at the elementary levels is solid literacy.  A child cannot go on to more complex studies if he or she does not have adequate reading skills.  Not meeting any one of the following categories is grounds for retention. The policy for passing to the next grade is as follows:

1. Reading Level

A student may pass to the next grade if the child has adequate reading ability. For example, first graders must read at a minimum of 1.8 instructional level to pass to second grade; second graders must read at a minimum of 2.8 instructional level to pass to third grade; third graders must read at a minimum of 3.8 instructional level to pass to fourth grade; fourth graders must read at a minimum of 4.8 instructional level to pass to fifth grade. The teacher will test all students and determine grade level. These levels are defined by STAR reading assessment. The intent is that a student is reading at or above grade level to be promoted to the next grade.

A student in kindergarten must achieve mastery of the phonograms at 100% of the first 45 phonograms taught.

2. Age

Age is the second criteria for placement in a grade level at Liberty Common School. A student must fall within district guidelines to enter a grade: · A student must be 5 years old by October 1st to enter Kindergarten· A student must be 6 years old by October 1st to enter first grade· A student must be 7 years old by October 1st to enter second grade

3. Math Automaticity

A student must demonstrate math fact automaticity standards for his/her classroom by the end of the year. NOTE: FPM = Facts Per Minute

Grade	Addition	Subtraction	Multiplication	Division
k	Not tested	Not tested	Not tested	Not tested
1	Not timed to 9+9	Not timed to 18-9	Not tested	Not tested
2	20 FPM to 9+9	20 FPM to 18-9	15 FPM 0,1,2,3,4,5,10’s (second semester)	Not tested
3	20 FPM to 9+9	20 FPM to 18-9	15 FPM to 9x9	15 FPM to 81÷9
4	25 FPM to 10 + 10	25 FPM to 18-9	20 FPM to 12x12	18 FPM to 144÷12
5	30 FPM to 10+10	30 FPM to 20-10	25 FPM to 12x12	25 FPM to 144÷12
5	35 FPM to 12+12	35 FPM to 20-10	35 FPM to 12x12	35 FPM to 144÷12

*1st-grade tests are limited to 15 min. and number lines are not available 2nd semester

4. Classroom Grades

A student needs to be receiving grades that are at a passing level. We have determined that at or above a 70% is a passing level to be considered for promotion. This percentage is acquired by averaging the semester grades. A student with a cumulative failing grade (D or an F) at year-end in any two core classes or three or more failing grades in all classes (including specials and electives) will fail the grade and will not be promoted to the next grade.

The final determination for promotion will be made by STAT (Student, Teacher, Assistance Team), administration, and the classroom teacher. The parents will be notified in advance if retention is a possibility.

Students on IEPs with modified curriculum requirements will be considered separately from this policy.