Grade 4-Grade 5 and Grade 8-Grade 9
What is Grade Advancement Law?
According to Wisconsin State Law, beginning September 1, 2002, a school board may not promote a pupil from 4th to 5th grade or from 8th to 9th grade unless the pupil satisfies the criteria specified in the school board’s policy:
- Pupil’s score on Wisconsin Forward Exam
- Academic performance
- Committee recommendations
- Other academic criteria
Benefits of the Grade Advancement Law
Grade advancement decisions should be based on understood criteria and should consider multiple ways of demonstrating proficiency. The grade advancement law requires each school board to develop a written policy for making these decisions and to consider a variety of information about students. A written grade advancement policy communicates expectations to students, parents, teachers and the community. Considering a variety of information ensues all students are included. Teaching and learning improve when expectations are discussed and when students are assessed in a variety of ways.
Parents….How is my child doing?
Schools may use many ways to measure the progress of students: homework, class projects, portfolios, unit tests, and student effort. Another way to measure student progress is with state tests. In Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Student Assessment System consists of the following testing programs:
- Wisconsin Reading Comprehension Test (Grade 3)
- Other DPI assessment methods to replace the previous WKCE assessment in Fall 2015
Other Questions to Ask Your Child’s Teacher, Principal or Counselor
- Is my child meeting content areas standards?
- Can I see a copy of the Standards? Of the state test?
- Is the school’s curriculum aligned with the Standards?
- What are some learning strategies my child and I can do at home? How can I become more involved in my child’s school?
For more information please contact:
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