3rd grade students must get a Level 2 out of 4 on the Citywide English Language Arts and Math tests to go to the 4th grade. Students will have two opportunities to take the tests, in April and August.

3rd Grade Promotion for English Language Learners

The 3rd grade promotion policy is only for students who have been enrolled in an English language school system for 3 or more years.

3rd Grade Promotion for Special Education Students

All Special Education students will be promoted based on criteria in the Individual Education Plan (IEP).

3rd Grade Promotion on Appeal

Students who scored below a Level 2 out of 4 on the two Citywide tests may be promoted on appeal. Your teacher, principal, and Local Instructional Superintendent will make the decision. If you appeal, they will look at the student's writing samples, reading ability, class work, teacher observations, and other information. 

If the appeal is granted, the student will be promoted in June. All other appeals will be determined in August.

For information on the appeals process during the school year, contact the school where you are currently enrolled.

During the summer, contact the parent support staff at the school district for your school.

Promotion standards do not apply to English Language Learners (ELL) that are receiving special education services and have been enrolled in an English language school system for less than 2 years. 

If a disabled student does not take State and City standardized tests under an Individualized Education Program (IEP), promotion standards do not apply to the student.

Schools work with teachers and parents to identify students who are struggling with school work.

These students will receive extra academic support and services to help them succeed.