PURPOSE AND PHILOSOPHYThe purpose of this policy is to set forth procedures for responding to a parent to request a  retention of their student in kindergarten through grade eight (K-8), or request a specialized class, program, or advanced course. With regard to retention, the general philosophy of the District is to encourage and assist each student to advance year to year with their cohorts in order to maximize normal social and emotional development. Research which has shown that retention is usually not the optimum solution.  Other options—such as summer school,...