Board adopts updated grade‑promotion policy aligned with state reading law

The Milwaukee School District committee approved revisions to administrative policy 7.36 on promotion and retention of students, updating local policy to align with Act 20 and a Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction model promotion policy.

Dr. John Hill, director of college peer readiness, told the committee the revisions require consideration of a student's reading ability when deciding whether a third‑grade student who has not completed a personalized reading plan should be promoted. He said the revisions identify factors to consider for students with incomplete reading plans, exceptions to post‑promotion requirements, and mid‑year enrollment transfers.

Dr. Hill said the revisions were drafted with NEOLA and “closely matched the model promotion policy developed by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.” He said the policy will take effect for students in grade 3 in the 2025–26 school year. Regarding family communication, Dr. Hill said, “It is our intent, to do communication to all families about this process as well as all staff that will be directly working with this process,” and described an ongoing pilot of personalized reading plans.

Directors asked how the district will keep local policy current if state definitions or statutes change. Owen Moore of the Office of Board Governance said contracted policy services monitor statutes and legal developments and bring updates to the board on a regular cycle. Director Jackson moved to approve the administration's recommendation; the roll call recorded five ayes and the motion passed.

The policy approval directs administration to communicate the process to families and staff and implement the revised promotion criteria in preparation for the 2025–26 school year.