Policy – Category 5000
BP 5006 – Student Promotion and Retention
3.0
Frequently Asked Questions
Can students in special education be retained?
Yes, however, careful consideration in the development and implementation of the student’s individualized education program should preve nt student failure in most cases.
Does the IEP automatically exempt a student from statewide assessment or accountability to content standards?
No, in fact, IDEA specifically requires that students with disabilities be included in statewide assessments and that their progress be reported at least as often as their non- disabled peers. The Act further clarifies that the “general curriculum” is the same as for non-disabled peers, with modifications or accommodations if appropriate, and the historically “low expectations” for students with disabilities will no longer be tolerated. If special education students are exempted from state assessments, the process to exempt must follow general education guidelines. The exemption is recorded in the IEP.
Which special education student can be retained and by what criteria?
All students are subject to the local board-adopted policy on promotion and retention. Within the framework of that policy, IEP teams should consider:
a. If the special education student receives specific accommodations in the classroom, that student may be entitled to the same accommodations in a testing situation and modified grades. b. The IEP team determines what accommodations and modifications are appropriate and are specified in the IEP and clearly communicated to all teachers. c. Modified grades are not based on student special education status or placement and are available to all students, not just students with disabilities. d. Identification of a modified grade on report cards and transcripts is permissible as long as the student is not identified as a student with a disability and such reporting is available to all students.
Are special education students eligible to participate in the Intensive Instructional or Summer Program if they are at risk of or are being retained?
BP 5006 – Student Promotion and Retention
Page 8
Desert Mountain Special Education Local Plan Area (DMSELPA) (rev. 11/07)
Made with FlippingBook interactive PDF creator