Promotion, Retention and Graduation Policy

• Elementary/Middle School

The process for making decisions about promotion and retention of elementary and middle school students shall take into consideration a variety of factors including academic, social, and emotional welfare of students. No student shall be allowed to pass to the next grade or course level so long as he or she fails to master the minimum standards for the current grade level or course content. The authority for determining promotion and retention rests entirely with the teacher(s) and principal. Such decisions shall be final.

• Secondary

Twenty-eight (28) credits are required for graduation from the Tuscaloosa City School System. The minimum number of credits necessary to be promoted from one grade to the next is as follows:

Current Grade Level (Beginning with 2004-2005 9th Graders)

Students who lack sufficient credits to graduate will be given the opportunity to attend an alternative academic program where they may earn up to two Carnegie units of credit per term. The decision of the principal, with appropriate input from the professional staff and parents, concerning student’s promotion, placement, and/or retention will be final.

• Graduation

Only those students who have met graduation requirements will be permitted to participate in the graduation exercise. End of Term examinations will be administered in a timely manner so determination can be made two working (days) prior to graduation. When graduation requirements have not been met, reasonable efforts will be made to notify the non-graduating students and their parents. All communication related to the graduation status of a senior will be handled in a confidential manner.

SOURCE: Tuscaloosa City Schools, Tuscaloosa, AL
DATE: 5/19/80
REVISED: 7/23/90
REVISED: 7/15/91 REVISED: 1/27/97 REVISED: 6/21/04
REVISED: 12/19/05

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