Letter Regarding Promotion/Retention Policy

In 1999 a Promotion/Retention Policy went into effect for every 2nd through 8th grade classroom in the Healdsburg Unified School District (HUSD). The policy, required by the State of California and adopted by the HUSD School Board in August, is the product of many months of intense work involving teachers, parents, administrators, and community members.

This policy requires that students demonstrate that they have learned what is required at each grade level to earn promotion to the next grade. Expectations for students at each grade level are described in the district curriculum standards for language arts and mathematics and the grade level Standards for Expected Student Achievement (SESA’s).

How are decisions about students’ promotion made?
At the end of second grade and at the end of third grade, the decision whether to promote a student will be based on a student’s progress in reading. The ability to read is critical for each student’s academic success. In grades four through eight, the decision whether to promote a student will be based on a student’s progress in reading, language arts, and mathematics.

 Classroom teachers will work with the school’s Student Study Team to determine the best plan for each student at risk of retention based on:

• grades
• multiple measures (a series of assessments administered by each classroom teacher)
• standardized test scores
• classroom assessments
• social and physical development

We are hopeful that every child will be promoted. We will work to identify student needs early and provide appropriate assistance so that all children can succeed. When a teacher has a concern about a student, parents will be notified early in the school year.

Support for Students Who Need Extra Help
There will be multiple opportunities during the school year for each student to demonstrate their skills and knowledge. As soon as the student’s performance indicates that the student is struggling, the classroom teacher and specialists at the school will take steps to help the student improve. Parents will be a part of the plan to accelerate the child’s learning. Our goal is to help all students move forward with the skills and knowledge to be successful at the next grade level. If you have any concerns about your child’s performance, please contact your child’s teacher as soon as possible.

Students in Special Education and Bilingual Programs
The promotion of Special Education students will be determined by their Individual Education Plan (IEP). English Language Learners are expected to demonstrate satisfactory progress while learning English and other subjects. However, there may be special accommodations for English Language Learners who have received English instruction for a limited period of time. 

What This New Policy Requires of All of Us
All Healdsburg staff is working to ensure that students are prepared for the new promotion standards. We believe our students can meet the high expectations set by this policy. But, we must all work together to ensure student success. Students must take responsibility for working hard and learning. Teachers and administrators must create a positive learning environment and provide challenging, quality instruction. Parents must be responsible for making education a priority in their children’s lives. If you have any concerns about your child’s performance, please contact the school as soon as possible.

If you would like to review the entire policy, please ask your school principal.