PROMOTION/RETENTION POLICY
The following paragraphs are your annual notification of the Promotion/Retention Policy in Middlesex County. Decisions regarding promotion and retention in grades PK-8 will be evaluated carefully. The decision to promote, or retain a student will be based on a set of multiple criteria including academic performance, prior retentions, attendance, Standards of Learning test scores, developmental needs, and the teachers’ recommendations. Student classification at the high school (9-12) is based on number of accumulated course credits.
Student promotion will be based on each student learning the relevant grade level/subject matter. Students will not be excluded from membership in a grade, or participation in a course, in which SOL tests are administered.
Promotion or retention of a child should be based on the teacher's and Principal's assessment of what best serves the educational welfare of the child. This assessment is based on criteria and guidelines established by the Virginia Department of Education Office of Accreditation pursuant to Code 20-131-30. For grades in which the Standards of Learning (SOL) tests are given, achievement of a passing score on the SOL tests will be considered in promotion and retention. All students who take the SOL tests and are not successful shall be included in the SOL remediation process. Although many factors should be considered when making the decision, the responsibility and authority for making the placement of the child belongs to the school, not to the parents. Parents should be informed by the end of first semester of the possibility that placement will result in the retention of the child. This information will be conveyed to the parents through a conference and/or in writing. If, after final placement has been made, circumstances indicate a change in the pupil's status is warranted, the individual responsible for the change will sign or initial the appropriate records. Requests for a clarification of decisions regarding retention should be addressed to the Principal.