Critical Issues for
Middle School Students

620 East University Avenue
Gainesville, FL 32601

Will Your Middle Schooler Be Promoted To High School?

The Florida Legislature passed several laws affecting public school students. These laws and changes in the policies of the School Board of Alachua County raise the academic and attendance standards for middle school students. You and your student need to be aware of these changes to ensure the successful completion of middle school.
 
 

Grading Scale

All middle and high school students are graded on the following scale:

 A =  90-100 = 4.0  Outstanding
 B+ =  88-89 = 3.0  
 B =  80-86 = 3.0  Above Average
 C+ =  77-79 = 2.0  
 C =  70-76 = 2.0  Average
 D+ =  67-69 = 1.0  
 D =  60-66 = 1.0  Lowest Acceptable
 F =  0-59 = 0.0  Failure
 I =  0 = 0.0  Incomplete
 
 

Academic Improvement Plan

A student who does not meet district or state standards in reading, writing or mathematics will be assessed to determine his or her specific difficulty.

The school staff, parent or guardian, and the student will meet to develop an Academic Improvement Plan. The plan will outline the strategies to be used to raise the student’s academic achievement.

If an exceptional education student is identified as having academic deficiencies, the deficiencies will be addressed through the student’s Individual Education Plan.

If a student’s academic deficiencies are not corrected, the student may be considered for retention.
 
 

Academic Standards

To successfully complete middle school, a student should:

  • Achieve at or above grade level in reading and mathematics, based on standardized test scores
     
  • Maintain passing grades in four of five core subject areas
     
  • Earn a 2.0 GPA
 
 

Attendance Requirements

Students who miss more than 15 days per semester may be retained unless a medical excuse from a competent medical authority is presented to the principal. A principal may also determine that there are extenuating circumstances for the excessive absences after consulting with teachers, guidance counselors or student services personnel.
 

Students who do not meet these minimum  
standards shall be considered for retention.
 
 

Appealing a Promotion or Retention

Parents or guardians may request that a middle school student be retained.

Parents or guardians may also appeal a decision to promote or retain their child.

The appeal must be submitted to the Deputy Superintendent for Curriculum and Instructional Services before the beginning of summer school.

 
 
 

For more information about middle school requirements,
contact your school guidance counselor or the
Curriculum Department at 955-7595.

 
 

The School Board of Alachua County is committed to the academic achievement of all students. The Board is also committed to setting high standards so that students may reach their full potential and find success in the 21st century. We encourage parents and students to join us in this effort.

Board Members
Ginger Childs
Wes Eubank - Vice Chairman
Tina Pinkoson - Chairman
Eileen Roy
Janie Williams


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