Last modified: January 5, 2024

Policy No. 4421 Advancement and Retention of Students

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Successful completion of the work of one grade level in one school year constitutes normal progression for most students. At the end of each year, students who have successfully completed the work of one grade level will be promoted. Since most students learn best when placed with their own age group, and since basic learning concepts are reviewed and expanded each year, annual promotion for most students is desirable and expected.

A student shall be advanced or retained outside of normal grade progression if such action would seem to benefit the student. Provo City School District strongly recommends against the retention of students because of a preponderance of research showing retention to be an ineffective (even harmful) academic intervention. The question of advancement or retention shall be considered carefully by the student’s teacher(s), counselor, and principal. The reasons proposed by the school team for advancement or retention of a student shall be documented and shared with the parent(s) or guardian(s) according to district procedures.

Provo City School District accepts recent legislation that addresses certain rights of a parent or guardian of a student enrolled in a public school. Utah Code 53G-6-803 states, “A student’s parent or guardian is the primary person responsible for the education of the student, and the state is in a secondary and supportive role to the parent or guardian. As such, a student’s parent or guardian has the right to reasonable accommodations from the student’s Local Education Authority (LEA)…” Because the Board of Education recognizes their supportive role to the parent(s) or guardian(s), all decisions related to the advancement or retention of students will be made jointly between district educators and parents or guardians through a conference that examines evidence and data identifying the pros and cons of the proposed action.

The district will be expected to make reasonable accommodation when a parent or guardian requests advancement or retention of their child. All documentation of procedures and records from meetings with the parent(s)or guardians(s) shall be maintained in the student’s cumulative file. Building principals shall maintain accurate lists of students advanced or retained. If a parent or guardian does not believe that the decision made is in the best interest of their student, he/she may submit a written appeal to the assistant superintendent describing their concerns related to the decision.

Legal References

Utah Code 53G-6-803

Parental Right to Academic Accommodations

Utah Administrative Rule R277-707

Enhancement for Accelerated Students

Utah Administrative Rule R277-708

Program Enhancement for At-Risk Students

Approved by Board of Education:

 September 9, 2014