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Mayor: DCPS admits children by age; chancellor can make exceptions for individual cases
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Summary
The mayor said District of Columbia Public Schools policy admits children to grade levels based on age and that the chancellor has authority to make case-by-case exceptions; he expressed concern about a broad redshirting policy that could disadvantage other students.
When asked about reports that some children were placed in first grade instead of kindergarten, the mayor (Executive Office of the Mayor) said DC Public Schools admits children to the grade their age determines, and that the chancellor can make exceptions for individual children who demonstrate a need.
"That's our policies don't allow that," the mayor said of broad 'redshirting' practices. "Now if there are specific cases and for specific children that have, that demonstrate why they need to be in a lower grade, then that possibility exists in the chancellor's authority."
The mayor said he has concerns about broadly changing the rule to favor some children if it disadvantages others and noted the Administration favors more enrollment in the city's free prekindergarten program.
He said individual cases that require differentiation would be handled by the chancellor, and that supports like differentiated instruction would be applied once students are enrolled.
