Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Elementary Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
District staff explain third‑grade retention policy changes, emphasize SAT interventions and summer retesting
Summary
District staff said third‑grade retention language in the proposed policy reflects state code, stressed using SAT interventions, extended learning and a free retake (GSA) after summer school, and highlighted parent notification via diagnostic letters and SAT meetings.
District staff and Ms. Giles reviewed proposed policy language on elementary retention tied to state code and described how the district intends to support students at risk of retention.
Ms. Giles emphasized that the policy's exemption language comes from state code and that the Student Assistance Team (SAT) process is central to determining interventions. "We believe that best practice is when we have a struggling student to make sure that we put them on SAT," she said, adding that interventions include an extended school day, tutoring, and a four‑week summer program that provides transportation for invited students who did not meet cut scores.
Staff also explained that an alternative assessment (the GSA) can be retaken after summer school at no cost, and that intensive interventions and special‑education referral status are tied to where a child is in the SAT and evaluation process. Board members asked how parents are being informed; Ms. Giles said the district sends form letters after each diagnostic and discusses status in SAT meetings so families understand potential retention implications.
The exchange clarified that the policy uses state‑prescribed exemption wording, that documentation and communication will be emphasized, and that staff will continue working with the state department on outstanding language.
