Convene an IEP team to review the student's current abilities and educational goals. Upon entering school, special education students, regardless of ability, are assigned to the grade levels appropriate for their ages. However, it is up to the IEP team to recommend referral or promotion to various grades throughout the student's educational career. A student's IEP must be reviewed whenever a change in placement occurs, and changing grade levels is considered a change in placement. Thus, a child's IEP should be reviewed annually.
Discuss the student's performance and his current IEP goals. Although it is expected that the student will be performing below grade level, is he making progress toward achieving his goals? Is he making social connections with his peers? Would he benefit from retention?
Consider the implications of retaining the special education student, with regards to his social emotional growth and academic performance. What would be the benefits of retention or referral?
Recommend placement in the appropriate grade level. If the student has made social connections with his peers, is making progress on his academic goals and would not benefit from retention, he should remain on track with his peers to provide the least restrictive learning environment, per IDEA.