2007-2008 Promotion Policy

The question of promotion is one that challenges every school, at every grade level. At (MS)² we know that neither automatic retention nor automatic promotion is the solution for students who do not successfully complete their work. Given the importance of the decision, our promotion policy is designed to provide students with optimal learning opportunities throughout the year to achieve at proficient or advanced levels.

The goal is that all students have the support needed to move forward successfully from one level to the next. To move forward students must demonstrate satisfactory or better completion of work in their core courses. Therefore, we have carefully planned a proactive approach including parents, teachers, students and administrators for the prevention of academic failure. Through on-going monitoring of student performance, starting before the first day of class, appropriate interventions will be provided to ensure academic success for all students.

Evaluation of student achievement focuses on academic performance and other dimensions of student growth. The Head of School is ultimately responsible for determining the placement that best meets the student's academic, social, emotional and physical needs; each member of the school Teaching Team is responsible for evaluating the growth of each individual.

Promotion Criteria:

To be promoted to the next grade level each school year, each middle school student should:

• Receive no more than one D and no Fs in any core subject*
• Perform at the Proficient Level or higher on the DC-CAS or comparable standardized assessment in mathematics, science, and reading**
• Complete a writing folder/portfolio that includes 3 required writing pieces – one from mathematics, one from science and one from English/language arts. One of the writing pieces must be a report on a science or mathematics project conducted by the student.

* Students receiving a D in a core course at the end of the school year will be required to attend summer school.
** Students scoring less than Proficient on the DC-CAS or comparable standardized assessment, will be required to attend summer school.

The Head of School and Teaching Team will also consider the following factors in determining promotion/retention of students:

• Academic achievement (successful mastery at the current level as evidenced by grades earned during academic reporting periods);
• Demonstrated ability to function at the next level;
• Organizational skills and work habits that are commensurate with requirements at the next grade level;
• Attendance
• Level of maturity – including social, emotional and physical factors.

Students who are failing one or more core academic subjects in the total program or scoring less than Proficient on the DC-CAS assessment in mathematics, reading or language arts will be considered “at risk”. For a student “at risk” the Head of School and Teaching Team may recommend from the following alternatives:

• Attendance at summer school
• Supplemental instruction/ assignments/tutoring or other interventions as determined by the school;
• Promotion to a Transition Year at the end of the second term (Grade 8 only);
• Repeat the entire year (with enhanced supports available and an alternative approach to the delivery of the subject matter that promises greater opportunity for success).

Students entering the school at the 6th grade level will be given diagnostic assessments in mathematics and reading/language arts. Any student placing more than 2 grade levels below the beginning 6th grade level will be considered “at risk” and accompanying recommendations listed in #3 will apply.

Students with Disabilities
Students with disabilities are expected to master the general curriculum to the maximum extent appropriate with the use of supplementary aides and services. The IEP goals and objectives developed by the School Team and parents determine how a student with disabilities is expected to meet the (MS)² promotion criteria and must be documented in the student’s IEP.

Notification of Parents

• At the opening of each school year, the Parent/guardian of each student is given a copy of the (MS)2 Promotion Policy. All incoming parents receive an explanation of the policy during their initial interviews.
• Within 2 weeks of the first grading period the parent/guardian of any student who is considered “at risk”, according to the criteria above, is sent a letter notifying them of the “at risk” status and requesting a conference to discuss an intervention support plan which will require monitoring and support by parents as well as the student and the (MS)² Teacher Team. After each report card and standardized test, parents are updated on the progress of their student vis-à-vis his/her “at risk” status. The parents/guardians of any students who are deemed to be “at risk” of failure by March, are notified of the requirement for their child to attend summer school in addition to the other interventions in place. In addition, they are informed of the possibility that their child may be recommended for retention, or in the case of 8th graders, recommended for the Transition Year after 8th grade before being promoted to the 9th grade and high school.

Schoolwide Grading Rubric - Standards for End-of-Course Grading

“A”: 90-100%. An “A” signifies an EXCEPTIONALLY clear and creative grasp of the concepts and skills which reflect full mastery of the standards for the subject/area of study for his/her grade level. Students demonstrate the ability to apply these skills and knowledge in novel situations. They demonstrate mastery through oral and written communication. An “A” also means that the student has actively participated in class activities and has completed all assignments and projects in a timely manner. The quality and appearance of the assignments and projects indicate that the student has spent extra time, personal energy, and critical reflection in an effort to demonstrate exceptional work.

“B”: 80-89%. A “B” signifies a SOLID understanding and full mastery of the major concepts and skills of the standards for the subject/area of study for his/her grade level. Students are able to demonstrate the application of the concepts and skills studied. It also means that the student’s effort and class participation have exceeded the minimal basic requirements for the course. All assignments and projects were judged to be solid in content and were completed in a timely manner.

“C”: 70-79%. A “C” signifies a SATISFACTORY understanding and application of the concepts and skills targeted in the standards for the subject/area of study for the given grade level as well as minimal participation in class discussion and activities. It also indicates that the student completed the appropriate assignments and projects that satisfied the basic course requirements.

“D”: 60-69%. A “D” signifies a BELOW AVERAGE demonstration and application of the subject area concepts and skills and/or inadequate preparation for class discussions or activities. It may also indicate that assignments were not completed in a satisfactory or timely manner. A grade of “D” is minimally passing.

“F”: 59% and Below . An “F” signifies that the student has NOT DEMONSTRATED adequate understanding or application of the concepts and skills reflected in the content standards for his/her grade level targeted in the course. It may also indicate that the student HAS NOT met the attendance or assignment requirements. A grade of “F” is NOT passing.

(April 2008)

 

 

 

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