At Springs Charter Schools, we believe that every student is unique and that their educational journey should reflect their individual needs. Our personalized learning model allows students to engage in coursework that aligns with their academic levels, regardless of their assigned grade. We recognize that decisions regarding grade level promotion and retention are significant and are based on a combination of social, emotional, and academic factors.
While grade level placement cannot be determined at the time of enrollment, we offer a process to request changes after your child has joined our school. This process involves collaboration with your Educational Specialist (ES) or your student’s teacher, and decisions are made through our Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework. If your child’s previous school recommended a grade level change, please provide a letter from a current school administrator to the Director of Guidance or their designee for consideration. Our goal is to ensure that each student thrives in an environment tailored to their needs.
Retention / Promotion
The California Department of Education addresses specific guidelines for grade level placement, promotion and retention of students. California Education Codes 48070.5 and 48011 address the school’s responsibility and parent rights for Kindergarten and Grade 1-8 promotion and retention for California public schools.
Under California Education Code 48070.5, retention/promotion decisions must be based on documentation of all assessments and opportunities for remedial or advanced instruction attempted on behalf of the student over the course of the school year. At Springs Charter Schools, the MTSS process currently serves these functions.
Kindergarten
Under California Education Code 48011, the general provisions for retention or promotion of students enrolled in Kindergarten require the parent or guardian of the child and the school district to agree that the child may continue in kindergarten for not more than an additional school year. At SCS, all kindergarten students will automatically be promoted to the first grade at the completion of the school year. If a parent wishes to retain a kindergarten student, they should contact their student’s school counselor who can complete the Kindergarten Retention Form. The supervisor will make the determination for retention or promotion. The parent has the right to appeal.
Grades 1 through 8
California Education Code requires that school staff identify students who are being considered for retention and/or promotion as early as possible in order that assessments and instructional interventions can be attempted and measured for success. Students being considered for retention/promotion in grades 1-8 must be supported through the MTSS process with a current inervention planby the end of December.
Specific criteria to be met before retention/promotion for a student grade 1-8 is considered:
- Student receives support through the MTSS process prior to end of December.
- A RTI Tier 2 meeting is held between staff and parents to discuss concerns and the possibility of retention and to develop an assessment/intervention plan. Additional Tier 2 meetings are held regularly (every 6 to 8 weeks) throughout the year in order to monitor student progress and to insure ongoing communication between the parent and school staff. A final meeting is held in May and a final decision is made to either retain or promote.
- The parent has the right to appeal the decision of staff to the program director, Senior Administrative staff, Assistant Superintendent, and the Superintendent of the charter school.
High School
Grade level placement for high school students is based on both a minimal unit completion and grade level benchmark courses attempted. Grade level placement is based on a transcript review of the coursework the student has completed.
Additional Resources
Kindergarten and Grades 1-8 Questions and Answers
For more information about Kindergarten Readiness visit these links…
California Department of Education – Kindergarten in California
http://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/gs/em/kinderinfo.asp
California Department of Education – Guiding Principles for Early Primary Education
http://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/gs/em/frstclsprinciples.asp
