Approved: July 30, 2012 421.1
Revised: April 9, 2014
Revised: June 26, 2019
ADMISSION TO FIRST GRADE
In accordance with Act 41, as of September 1, 2011, no public school board or charter school is to enroll a student in first grade unless the child has completed 5-year-old kindergarten except as otherwise specified by law or by the exemption procedures adopted by the Evansville Community School District Board of Education.
It is consistent with the Evansville Community School District’s mission to educate all students with their age peers. A student who has not completed a five-year-old kindergarten or its equivalent and who does not demonstrate the skills identified as needed for successful completion of first grade may be denied the transition to first grade. This would take place if it has been determined that the student will likely fail in a first grade placement or otherwise experience significant harmful effects in spite of extensive supports.
Age Requirements
- Regardless of kindergarten completion status, no child may be admitted to first grade in the District unless the child is six years old on or before September 1 of the year they intend to enter first grade, except when the student meets the first grade early entrance requirements identified in this policy.
- The parent/guardian may appeal a decision of the principal, in writing, to the district administrator or designee.
Students Transferring From Outside the State
Students who transfer into the District from another state, territory, or country and who have not completed five-year-old kindergarten will be admitted into first grade if either of the following applies:
- Before either commencing or completing first grade, the child moved into the District from a state, country, or territory in which completion of five-year-old kindergarten is not a prerequisite to entering first grade.
- Before either commencing or completing first grade, the child moved into the District from a state, country, or territory in which completion of five-year-old kindergarten is a prerequisite to entering first grade and the child was exempted from the requirement.
Conditions and Standards for Exemption from Kindergarten Completion Requirements
With the exception of transfer students identified in the previous section, evidence must exist that the child’s educational welfare would be better served by placement in first grade. A student who has not completed a formal five-year-old kindergarten, and for whom transfer exemptions do not apply, will be admitted into the first grade if either of the following can be demonstrated:
- The student successfully completed a program for five-year-old children that the District deems equivalent to kindergarten (e.g., structured home school program). Documentation of the program completion and student performance is required.
- Through the use of a variety of assessment options (e.g., formal assessment, informal assessment, interview, work samples, observation, etc.), the student demonstrates academic, emotional, social and developmental readiness skills identified as necessary for successful participation in first grade.
Admission Procedure
- Requests are to be submitted in writing to the principal of the school the student is anticipated to attend. If possible, this application should be submitted by August 1 prior to the upcoming school year or at least four weeks in advance for students transferring during the school year.
- The principal will meet with the parent/guardian of the student to discuss the reasons for requesting the student enter first grade without first completing a five-year-old kindergarten or equivalent and to review relevant information available.
- Based on the information available, the principal will determine if sufficient information is available to make the decision relative to first grade placement for the student. If the principal deems additional information or assessment is needed, appropriate staff will be assigned to complete the assessment. Upon completion of this assessment, the principal will meet with staff and parents to review results and determine what levels of academic, emotional, social, and developmental readiness skills the student demonstrates.
- For students who meet the age requirement, but who do not demonstrate the academic, emotional, social, or developmental skills deemed necessary for success in first grade, the principal, in collaboration with appropriate staff, will determine what additional supports the student requires to participate in first grade. (Note: if the principal deems a special education evaluation is necessary, procedures consistent with that process will be observed.)
- Any decision that an age-eligible student will not be admitted into first grade even with supports, or will be admitted to first grade on a probationary basis, can be made only with the participation of the Director of Student Services or designee.
- Any decision to enroll a student in first grade on a conditional or probationary basis will be reviewed no later than nine weeks after the student’s initial participation in first grade.
Appeal Procedure
- Any decision relative to first grade placement can be appealed.
- The parent/guardian must make their appeal in writing and submit that appeal to the Director of Student Services or designee.
- The decision of the Director of Student Services or designee may be appealed to the District Administrator. Any such appeal must be made in writing. The decision of the District Administrator is final.
Legal Ref.: Sections 118.13 Wisconsin State Statutes (Pupil Discrimination Prohibited)
118.14(1) (Age of Pupils)
120.12(25) (School Board Duties)
120.44 (School Board Powers and Duties)
Chapter 115, subchapter V (Children With Disabilities)
Local Ref.: Policy #421 - Entrance Age
Policy #422 - Early Admission to School
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