MN SF1407

Beginning in the 2015-2016 school year, schools must not promote students from grade 3 to grade 4 unless they demonstrate grade-level reading proficiency on statewide or locally determined reading assessments.

Districts and charter schools may establish good cause exceptions in their literacy plans to promote students without grade-level proficiency, including limited English-proficient students, students with disabilities on appropriate IEP plans, and students who demonstrate proficiency through alternative assessments or teacher portfolios.

Students with disabilities who received intensive reading remediation for more than two school years and were previously retained, or students who received intensive instruction for two or more years and were retained for a total of two years, may be promoted under good cause exceptions.

Parents of students not reading at grade level who do not qualify for exceptions may request a meeting with school administrators and professionals to discuss promotion versus retention before the end of the school year.

If a parent objects to retention after the meeting and signs a form acknowledging educational risks, the school must promote the student to grade 4.