Students will receive a progress report at the end of each grading period. Students who are not excelling academically, and their parents, are notified prior to the end of the semester in order to have an opportunity to improve their grade. The board encourages notification of students who have made marked improvement prior to the end of the semester.
Parent/teacher conferences will be held at a minimum of once per year at the elementary schools, middle schools, intermediate schools, and high school to keep parents informed.
Parents, teachers, or principals may request a conference for students in grades kindergarten through twelve in addition to the scheduled conference time.
Parents and students are encouraged to discuss the student's progress or other matters with the student’s teacher.
Adopted: 6/70
Reviewed: 9/12; 4/18
Revised: 6/11; 10/13; 2/15; 6/21; 2/24
Legal Reference (Code of Iowa): §§ 256.11, .41; 280; 284.12; 281 IAC 12.3(4), 12.3(6); 5(16)
IASB Reference: 505.01
Mandatory Policy
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.
No student is required as part of any applicable program funded by the United States Department of Education to submit to surveys, analysis, or evaluation which reveals information concerning:
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 parent.
Prior to an employee or contractor of the district providing information on a student enrolled in the district on any survey related to the social or emotional abilities, competencies, or characteristics of the student; the district will provide the parent/guardian of the student detailed information related to the survey and obtain written consent of the parent/guardian of the student. This includes the person who created the survey, the person who sponsors the survey, how the information generated by the survey is used, and how information generated by the survey is stored. This requirement will not prohibit a district employee from answering questions related to a student enrolled in the district as part of developing or implementing an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) for the student.
It is the responsibility of the superintendent [or designee] in conjunction with building principals to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.
It is the responsibility of the board to review and approve the evaluation and testing program.
Adopted: 6/70
Reviewed: 6/11; 2/15; 4/18; 6/21
Revised: 9/12; 10/13; 12/16; 6/20; 8/23; 2/24
Legal Reference (Code of Iowa): 280.3; 20 USC 1232h
IASB Reference: 505.04
Students must successfully complete the courses required by the school 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 1 through 12, 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 counseling office and submitted to the principal’s office. The principal will meet with each early graduation applicant prior to recommending candidates to the school board for approval.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
Linn-Mar High School students are required to earn 250 credits to graduate. In addition, the following department requirements must be met in order to earn a diploma:
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 students receiving special education services 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 school counselor or academic assistance counselor to develop an approved plan for this option.
POST-SECONDARY OPPORTUNITIES (PSEO) & CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT
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 Environmental Science, Art History, Calculus (AB and BC), Statistics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics (1&2), Computer Science (A), English Literature & Composition, 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 through the high school counseling and TAG office.
LEGISLATIVE PAGE PROGRAM
Students who complete a regular session in the Legislative Page Program of the General Assembly at the State Capitol will receive a half (1/2) credit in Social Studies.
JUNIOR ROTC
Students enrolled in the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corp Program will receive a one-eighth (1/8) credit in physical education for each semester they are enrolled in the program.
FEDERAL STUDENT AID
Prior to graduation, the district will advise students on how to successfully complete the free application for federal student aid.
BOARD RECOGNITION
The Linn-Mar Board of Directors will recognize students who earn 300 or more credits at graduation as Linn-Mar Board of Education Scholars for exceeding the graduation requirements at an exemplary level.
Adopted: 12/71
Reviewed: 9/12; 4/18; 6/21
Revised: 6/11; 10/3; 2/15; 11/18; 6/19; 2/21; 9/21; 10/22; 2/24
Related Policy: 605.31; 605.31-R; 605.31-E1-E2; 605.32
Legal Reference (Code of Iowa): §§ 256.7, .11, .41; 279.8; 279.61; 280.3, .14; 281 IAC 12.3(5); 12.5
IASB Reference: 505.05
Mandatory Policy
Students who expect to meet the total hourly graduation requirements as specified in Policy 605.3, may apply for early graduation.
The superintendent [or designee] will develop and communicate the 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.
Students who graduate early may participate in the regular commencement exercises if they meet the requirements of Policy 605.32.
Adopted: 12/71
Reviewed: 1/10; 6/11; 9/12; 10/13; 2/15; 4/18; 6/21; 2/24
Revised: 12/07
Related Policy: 605.3; 605.31-R; 605.31-E1-E2; 605.32
Code of Iowa: 279.8; 280.3; 281 IAC 12.3(5); 12.5
IASB Reference: 505.06
Mandatory Policy
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:
Adopted: 12/71
Reviewed: 6/11; 9/12; 2/15; 4/18; 6/21; 2/24
Revised: 10/13
Related Policy: 605.3; 605.31; 605.31-E1-E2; 605.32
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE 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; 6/21; 2/24
Revised: 10/13
Related Policy: 605.3; 605.31; 605.31-R; 605.31-E2; 605.32
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FORM
Having conferred with school personnel regarding 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; 6/21; 2/24
Related Policy: 605.3; 605.31; 605.31-R; 605.31-E1; 605.32
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; 6/21; 2/24
Revised: 7/03
Related Policy: 605.3; 605.31; 605.31-R; 605.31-E1-E2
Code of Iowa: 279.8; 280.3
Students will be promoted to the next grade level at the end of each school year based on the student’s achievement, age, maturity, emotional stability, and social adjustment.
The district shall adhere to the following:
For students in grades kindergarten through sixth, if a student is not reading at proficiency according to state assessments, the district will notify a student’s parent or guardian of the student’s reading proficiency and the option for parents to request that the student be retained in the student’s current grade level for the subsequent school year. The district is prohibited from promoting a student to the next grade level if the student is not reading proficiently and the student’s parent or guardian requests the student be retained at their current grade level for the next year.
Any student or parent who is not satisfied with the decision of the district’s professional staff may seek recourse through Policy 502.12.
Adopted: 6/85
Reviewed: 6/11; 9/12; 2/15; 4/18; 6/21
Revised: 1/10; 10/13; 2/24; 8/24
Related Policy: 502.12
Legal Reference (Code of Iowa): 256.11, .41; 279.8; 281 IAC 12.5(16)
IASB Reference: 505.02
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; 6/21; 2/24
Revised: 12/09
Related Policy (Code #): 605.2; 605.3; 605.31
Legal Reference (Code of Iowa): § 256.11; 281 IAC 12.5(19)
Students will have an equal opportunity for a quality education without discrimination regardless of their race, religion, creed, color, sex, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.
The education program is free of discrimination and provides 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, as well as 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 sexes.
Adopted: 4/99
Reviewed: 6/11; 9/12; 2/15; 4/18; 6/21
Revised: 1/10; 10/13; 2/24
Related Policy: 103.1; 600.1
Legal Reference (Code of Iowa): §§ 216.9; 256.11; 281 IAC 12.5(8)
IASB Reference: 603.04
Mandatory Policy