My name is Dr. Trudy Jermanovich. While reviewing the Pupil Progression Plan Requirements in the appendices beginning on page 92 of Policy 4000, I was pleasantly surprised to find that grades on quarterly report cards will finally be taken under consideration as proof that students have meet requirements for promotion. I believe this is a very positive step to bringing the teacher’s expertise back into focus. I applaud this change to count the 180 days of effort for each student. Thanks goes to this Superintendent and the Curriculum Staff for implementing this change which is long overdue.
Here is that change:“Appendix A. Promotion Criteria- Elementary Grades (K-5) 1. Students should be afforded the opportunity to meet any of the promotion criteria listed in the following charts; However, once one of the criteria is achieved for each content area, no additional criteria must be met. While they are numbered, the good cause criteria can be met in any order. 2. The evaluation of each student's progress shall be based upon state assessment, district-approved assessments, and report card grades, for ELA, mathematics, science, and social studies. *Third grade must follow state statute criteria for ELA.”

I am concerned about the removal of requirements for teaching the use of technology and learning basic life skills such as typing, word processing, using a spreadsheet or a computer for presentation. I believe these are skills which should be taught to every child and not something which is a school’s decision.

On Page 2 of Policy 4000, the proposal changes Elementary students’ instruction of computer skills (like typing or using a word processor for modifying your writing) FROM REQUIRED TO OPTIONAL.
“2. Regularly Scheduled Instruction (Grades K-5); a. Students shall receive regularly scheduled instruction in language arts, that includes reading, writing, speaking, listening, and language; mathematics; science; social studies; health; physical education; art, music, OR and computer education;”
Also removed was text on “Page 5 - # 8. Digital Tools REDLINED TO REMOVE”
I believe these requirements should be modified to include A.I. and other new technology, but certainly not removed at this time.