605 - Pupil Progress

 

 

 

605.1 - Student Progress Reports and Conferences

 

 

 

The following are objectives of a system of student progress reporting practices:

  1. To inform parents/guardians of their student’s progress
  2. To clarify the expectations of the instructional program
  3. To record for students their growth or achievement
  4. To assist students in evaluating their growth or achievement
  5. To assist the students, parents/guardians, and schools in working cooperatively for the welfare of the students

Students will receive a progress report at the end of each regular grading period. Prior to the end of the grading period, a reasonable attempt will be made to notify parents/guardians of students who are not achieving as expected. The board encourages notification to parents/guardians of students who have made marked improvement prior to the end of the grading period.

The elementary schools, middle schools, and high school will hold conferences at a minimum of once per year. Parents/guardians, teachers, or principals may request conferences for students in addition to these required conferences.

Parents/guardians and students are encouraged to discuss student progress or other matters with the student’s teacher.

Adopted: 6/70
Reviewed: 9/12; 4/18
Revised: 6/11; 10/13; 2/15
Legal Reference (Code of Iowa): §§ 256.11, .41; 280; 284.12; 281 IAC 12.3(4), 12.3(6); 5(16)
IASB Reference: 505.1
Mandatory Policy

605.2 - Testing Program

 

 

 

A comprehensive testing program will be established and maintained to evaluate the education program of the school district and to assist in providing guidance or counseling services to students and families.

The purpose of assessments is to measure individual student achievement. As students progress through the educational program, their progress as learners is to be assessed consistently in the classroom with regard to attainment of the essential learnings and curriculum standards, including content and process, as outlined in the district’s curriculum maps.

Assessments shall include formative assessments designed to monitor learning and adjust instruction, to optimize student achievement as appropriate, and summative assessments for the purpose of measuring achievement of curriculum standards.

In addition to formative and summative assessments, the district will employ standardized norm-referenced testing systems for reporting student progress and comparison of student performance, as well as benchmarking with other comparable school districts.

No student shall be required as part of any applicable program funded by the United States Department of Education to submit, without prior written consent from the student’s parent, guardian, or legal custodian to surveys, analysis, or evaluation which reveals information concerning the following without the prior consent of the student (if the student is an adult or emancipated minor) or, in the case of an unemancipated minor, without the prior written consent of the parents, guardians, or legal custodians.

  1. Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or the student’s parents, guardians, or legal custodians
  2. Mental and psychological problems of the student or the student’s family
  3. Sexual behaviors and attitudes
  4. Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, and demeaning behaviors
  5. Critical appraisals of other individuals with whom students have close family relationships
  6. Legally recognized, privileged, and analogous relationships such as those of lawyers, physicians, and ministers
  7. Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or student’s family
  8. Income (other than that required by law to determine eligibility for participation in a program or for receiving financial assistance under such program)

It is the responsibility of the superintendent [or designee] in conjunction with building principals to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.

It is also the responsibility of the superintendent [or designee] to provide the school board with annual reports on the testing program.

Adopted: 6/70
Reviewed: 6/11; 2/15; 4/18
Revised: 9/12; 10/13; 12/16; 6/20
Legal Reference (Code of Iowa): 280.3; 20 USC 1232h
IASB Reference: 505.4

605.3 - Graduation Requirements

 

 

 

Students must successfully complete the courses required by the board and the Iowa Department of Education in order to graduate.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent [or designee] to ensure that students complete grades one through twelve and that high school students earn a minimum of 250 credit hours to be awarded a Linn-Mar High School diploma.

Early Graduation: Students meeting all requirements for graduation and electing to graduate early must apply for early graduation at least one month prior to the student’s final quarter. Applications can be picked up in the high school guidance office and submitted to the principal’s office. The principal will meet with each early graduation applicant prior to recommending candidates to the board for approval.

Graduation Requirements: Linn-Mar High School students are required to earn a minimum of 250 credits in order to graduate. In addition, the following department requirements must be met in order to earn a diploma:

  • English (40 credits): Must include English 9 or English I (10 credits each), English II (May opt out if pass English I with a 90% or higher grade), English III or Advanced English III, and one speech/acting course (5 credits).
  • Mathematics (30 credits): Must include Algebra (10 credits) or Algebra Fundamentals I and Algebra Fundamentals II (20 credits). Students who successfully complete both semesters of Algebra may not take Algebra Fundamentals I or Algebra Fundamentals II to fulfill the Algebra or three-year math requirement.
  • Science (30 credits): Must include General Biology (10 credits) or Fundamentals of Biology I and Fundamentals of Biology II (20 credits), a physical science course (Chemistry, Physics, or Earth and Physical Science) (10 credits).
  • Social Studies (30 credits): Must include US History 9 or US History I (10 credits) or AP US History (15 credits), World History (10 credits), or AP World History (15 credits), American Government (5 credits) or AP American Government (10 credits), and one social studies elective (5 credits).
  • Health/Fitness (20 credits): Must include Health I (5 credits). Must include a Lifetime Fitness course each school year.
  • Personal Finance (Starting with the class of 2020) (5 credits): Students must receive credit for Personal Finance (5 credits) or granted a waiver through completion of designated, online Financial Literacy course with certificate.

Graduation requirements for students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) will be in accordance with the prescribed course of study as written in their IEP. This course of study will be in alignment with the Linn-Mar High School graduation requirements. The IEP team will determine strategies to meet the graduation requirements for the student. Beginning with the class of 2022, graduation requirements for Special Education students will include successful completion of four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and three years of science [4-3-3-3].

COMPASS Credits: High School credits are available via the COMPASS Alternative Program. Linn-Mar will accept credit hours for approved courses that can be applied to requirements for the Linn-Mar High School diploma. Students should visit with their assigned counselor or the Academic Assistance Counselor to develop an approved plan for this option.

Post-Secondary Opportunities (PSEO): Credit may be awarded by a college upon successful completion of course requirements. Any college credit determination is made by the individual college.

Advanced Placement: Linn-Mar High School offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses in Art History, Calculus (AB and BC), Statistics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics (B), Computer Science A, English Literature, Microeconomics, Music Theory, Comparative Government, World History, Psychology, US Government, and US History. A minimal number of AP courses are available thru the Iowa AP Online Academy. Students who complete these courses can take a standard AP exam. Many colleges and universities accept AP courses for college credit depending upon individual AP exam scores. More information is available in the high school counseling and TAG office.

Board Recognition: The Board of Education will recognize students who earn 300 or more credits at graduation as Linn-Mar Board of Education Scholars for exceeding graduation requirements at an exemplary level.

Adopted: 12/71
Reviewed: 9/12; 4/18
Revised: 6/11; 10/3; 2/15; 11/18; 6/19; 2/21
Legal Reference (Code of Iowa): §§ 256.11-11A; 279.8; 280.3, .14; 281 IAC 12.2, .5; 12.3(5)
IASB Reference: 505.5
Mandatory Policy

605.31 - Early Graduation

 

 

 

Students who expect to meet the total hourly graduation requirements as specified in Policy 605.3 Graduation Requirements, may apply for early graduation.

The superintendent [or designee] will develop and communicate early graduation procedures to be followed.

Recommendations for early graduation will be submitted to the school board for final approval.

Final approval of early graduation is contingent upon fulfilling the requirements for graduation prescribed by Policy 605.3 Graduation Requirements.

Students who graduate early may participate in the regular commencement exercises if they meet the requirements of Policy 605.32 Participation in Graduation Ceremonies.

Adopted: 12/71
Reviewed: 1/10; 6/11; 9/12; 10/13; 2/15; 4/18
Revised: 12/07
Related Policy (Code #): 605.3; 605.31-R; 605.31-E1-E2; 605.32
Legal Reference (Code of Iowa): 279.8; 280.3; 281 IAC 12.3(5); 12.5
IASB Reference: 505.6
Mandatory Policy

605.31-R - Administrative Regulations Regarding Early Graduation Applications

 

 

 

Applications for graduation at the end of the junior year must be filed by February 1st of the junior year.

Applications for graduation at the end of the first semester of the senior year must be filed by September 15th of the senior year.

Applications not filed with the high school principal by the above-stated deadlines will not be considered for that semester unless unusual circumstances are involved. Any exceptions must have the approval of the high school principal.

The procedures below will be followed for the early graduation process:

  1. Student completes and submits an application to the high school principal.
  2. A list of early graduation applicants is given to high school staff for review. Staff members have seven calendar days to communicate any information regarding the applicants.
  3. A conference between parents/guardians/legal custodians and designated school personnel will be held to discuss the student’s early graduation request. If the student is 18 years of age or older, the parents/guardians/legal custodians are not required to attend.
  4. Parent/guardian/legal custodian written approval is received after the conference.
  5. Parent-approved applications are reviewed by an evaluation committee.

Adopted: 12/71
Reviewed: 6/11; 9/12; 2/15; 4/18
Revised: 10/13
Related Policy (Code#): 605.3; 605.31; 605.31-E1-E2; 605.32

605.31-E1 - Early Graduation Application

 

 

 

Click here to download a copy of the early graduation application form

I, ________________________________, apply for early graduation from Linn-Mar High School at the end of the ________________ semester of the __________________________ school year.

My reasons for wishing to graduate before _______________________________ are listed below (attach additional sheet if needed):

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

I understand that in addition to having met the prescribed requirements for graduation by the time noted in the application, the following procedures will be followed before a diploma is granted:

1. On September 15th, or as soon as possible thereafter, and on February 1st, or as soon as possible thereafter, all high school licensed personnel will be notified of my application. Any staff member who has information or knowledge bearing upon my application request will have seven calendar days to communicate the information to the principal. These deadlines may be waived by the principal when unusual circumstances arise.

2. A conference between my parents, guardians or legal custodians, and designated school personnel will be held to discuss the ramifications of my early graduation.  If I am 18 years of age or older my parents, guardians, or legal custodians are not required to attend.

3. My parents, guardians, or legal custodians must sign their approval after the conference before any further proceedings. This phase is to be completed by November 1st for a winter application and February 20th for a spring application.  If I am 18 years of age my signature is sufficient for completion of Step 3.

4. An evaluation committee consisting of one guidance counselor and one principal will accept or reject my application. Results of the committee’s decision will be communicated to me by November 15th for winter applicants and by March 7th for spring applicants.

5. Final approval for my early graduation request must be given by the Board of Education.

6. Formal commencement exercises will be held only in the spring of each year. I must communication with school officials if I wish to participate.

Right of Appeal: If the evaluation committee rejects my application I may appeal the decision to the superintendent.

Student's Printed Name: _____________________________________________________
Student's Signature: _________________________________________________________
Date: _____________________________________________________________________

Reviewed: 2/15; 4/18
Revised: 10/13
Related Policy (Code#): 605.3; 605.31; 605.31-R; 605.31-E2; 605.32

605.31-E2 - Parental Permission for Early Graduation

 

 

 

Click here to download a copy of the early graduation parental permission form

Having conferred with school personnel regaridng early graduation for my student, __________________________________, I agree to let the school proceed with the evaluation process.

Student's Signature: ____________________________________________________ Date: ___________________________

Parent/Guardian/Legal Custodian's Signature: _______________________________ Date: ___________________________

 

Evaluation Committee Report

After due consideration, the early graduation application of _____________________________________________ is hereby:

______ Accepted

______ Rejected

Guidance Counselor's Signature: _______________________________________________ Date: ___________________________

Principal's Signature: _________________________________________________________ Date: ___________________________

Reviewed: 2/15; 4/18
Related Policy (Code#): 605.3; 605.31; 605.31-R; 605.31-E1; 6054.31

605.32 - Participation in Graduation Ceremonies

 

 

 

Only students who have completed all the graduation requirements and who have completed their final school year in good standing may participate in graduation ceremonies.

Students who do not meet these conditions prior to the graduation ceremonies will be awarded a diploma after the graduation requirements and requirements for good standing have been completed.

Adopted: 5/82
Reviewed: 6/11; 9/12; 10/13; 2/15; 4/18
Revised: 7/03
Related Policy (Code #): 605.3; 605.31; 605.31-R; 605.31-E1-E2
Legal Reference (Code of Iowa): 279.8; 280.3

605.5 - Student Promotion and Retention

 

 

 

Students will be promoted or retained at the end of each school year based on their achievement, age, maturity, emotional stability, and social adjustment.

The promotion or retention of a student will be determined on the judgment of licensed personnel, the principal, and the associate superintendent. When, in the judgment of licensed personnel, a student's academic skill development is inadequate or a student's completion of grade level requirements is unsatisfactory, the possibility of retaining the student shall be discussed with the parents/guardians. The purpose of this discussion will be to clarify the concerns about the student's performance and to enlist the support of the parents/guardians in corrective action.

When, in the judgment of licensed personnel, a student needs to be retained in the same grade or class for another year, parents/guardians will be informed as early in the year as possible. Final decisions regarding retention are the responsibility of the associate superintendent. Parents/guardians and/or students may appeal such decisions to the superintendent.

Each year students in grades 9 through 12 will be informed of the required coursework necessary to graduate. When it becomes evident a student in these grades will be unable to meet the graduation requirements, the parents/guardians will be informed. Students who are determined to be unable to meet graduation requirements with their class will receive academic counseling to identify deficiencies and to create a remediation plan.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent in conjunction with the building principals to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy. In developing the regulations, the procedures for promotion and retention will be included.

Early graduation is allowed in accordance with Policy 605.31 Early Graduation.

Adopted: 6/85
Reviewed: 6/11; 9/12; 2/15; 4/18
Revised: 1/10; 10/13
Related Policy (Code #): 605.31
Legal Reference (Code of Iowa): 256.11, .41; 297.8; 281 IAC 12.5(16)

605.6 - Student Performance Testing for Course Credit

 

 

 

In meeting the needs of the students, a student may earn credit through performance testing for course work which is ordinarily included in the school curriculum. Students wishing to receive credit by testing shall have the approval of the superintendent [or designee] prior to taking the test.

Testing for credit may only be utilized prior to the offering of a course. Once the course has begun, students must attend the class and complete the required work for credit.

No grade will be given for credit obtained through performance testing and the credit will not be involved in computing the student’s grade point average (GPA).

Adopted: 9/90
Reviewed: 6/11; 9/12; 10/13; 2/15; 4/18
Revised: 12/09
Related Policy (Code #): 605.2; 605.3; 605.31
Legal Reference (Code of Iowa): § 256.11; 281 IAC 12.5(19)

605.7 - Multicultural/Gender Fair Education

 

 

 

Students will have an opportunity for a quality education without discrimination regardless of their age, color creed, national origin, race, religion, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical attributes, genetic information, physical or mental ability or disability, ancestry, political party preference, political belief, military status, socioeconomic status, pregnancy, or familial status.

The education program will be free of discrimination and provide equal opportunity for all students. The education program will foster knowledge of and respect and appreciation for the historical and contemporary contributions of diverse cultural groups of both men and women to society. Special emphasis is placed on Asian-Americans, African-Americans, Hispanic-Americans, European-Americans, American Indians, and persons with disabilities. It will also reflect the wide variety of roles open to men and women and provide equal opportunity to both genders.

The district will support multicultural and gender fairness in the education program through a committee involving parents, guardians, legal custodians, students, employees, and community members appointed by the superintendent. The committee will be charged with monitoring district programs and reporting annually to the board.

Adopted: 4/99
Reviewed: 6/11; 9/12; 2/15; 4/18
Revised: 1/10; 10/13
Related Policy (Code #): 103.1; 600.1
Legal Reference (Code of Iowa): §§ 216.9; 256.11 (2013); 281 IAC 12.5(8)
IASB Reference: 605.7
Mandatory Policy