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You Are Here: Education > Promotion Standards

In February 2006, the New York City Department of Education put in place a promotion policy with clearly defined standards that children in grades 3 through 12 must meet in order to be promoted to the next grade. These standards apply to all NYC public schools.

Promotion Standards

Notification and Response

How will I know whether my child is in danger of being held back? What should I do if my child is being held back?

Are there standards for promotion in the early childhood grades (pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, First Grade, Second Grade)?

What must my child do to move from

Third Grade to Fourth Grade? Fourth Grade to Fifth Grade? Fifth Grade to Sixth Grade? Sixth Grade to Seventh Grade? Seventh Grade to Eighth Grade? Eighth Grade to Ninth Grade? Ninth Grade to Tenth Grade? Tenth Grade to Eleventh Grade? Eleventh grade to Twelfth Grade? What must my child do to graduate High School?

Tests and Assessments:

What is the Early Childhood Literacy Assessment System (ECLAS-2)? What is the Mathematics Assessment? What is the English Language Arts (ELA) Assessment?

Other Questions:

What information should I be receiving from my child's school regarding his or her promotion status? What does it mean to be an English Language Learner (ELL)?

Are there any standards for promotion in the early childhood grades (pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, First Grade, Second Grade)?

In these early years, promotion decisions are not as strict as they are later on.> There are, however, some general guidelines that are considered in assessing your child's progress in these years:

  • Whether your child has demonstrated progress towards meeting the Primary Literacy Standards and the New York State Learning Standards for Mathematics.
  • Whether your child is on track to become an independent reader and writer by the Third Grade.
  • Whether your child has attained 90% attendance.

What is the standard for promotion from Third Grade to Fourth Grade?

To find the standards your child must meet in order to be promoted, please select one of the following three options:

If you're not sure what it means to be an English Language Learner, click here for further information.

If your child is in General Education:

Ordinary Promotion: Beginning in the Third Grade, your child will take two separate, standardized tests: (1) an English Language Arts (ELA) assessment and (2) a Mathematics assessment. These are scored from 1-4 (and 4 is the highest score). Your child must achieve at (or above) Proficiency Level 2 on both these tests.

June Review and Appeal Process: Even if your child scores at Proficiency Level 1 on one or both of these tests, then your child may still take advantage of a process known as the 'June Review and Appeal Process.' Every child who is in danger of being held back because he or she scored at Proficiency Level 1 on one of the standardized tests will automatically be reviewed. Every child who is in danger of being held back because he or she scored at Proficiency Level 1 on one of the standardized tests will automatically be reviewed.

If your child scores at Proficiency Level 1 on one the standardized tests and at Proficiency Level 1 or 2 on the other:

  • Then your child's teacher should prepare a portfolio of your child's work by the end of the school year.
  • The teacher, after reviewing the portfolio, determines whether your child's scores on the standardized tests is an accurate reflection of their development. Taking into account grades and attendance, the teacher will indicate whether he or she believes that your child is performing at the equivalent of Level 1, Level 2, or a high Level 2, and will forward the portfolio with his or her assessment to the principal.
  • The school's principal then reviews the portfolios. If the principal agrees with the teacher's assessment that the child is performing 'at the equivalent of a high level 2', he or she must recommend promotion.
  • If the principal recommends promotion, the recommendation is then reviewed by the Local Instructional Superintendent (LIS), who makes the final determination.
  • If your child scores at Proficiency Level 1 on one of the standardized tests, but at Proficiency Level 3 or higher on the other, then the process is the same, except that your child's portfolio must be reviewed by the school's principal, regardless of whether your child's teacher believes the test scores are accurate.
  • If your child is not promoted after the June Review process, and you disagree with that decision, you may appeal. Click here to learn about what steps you can take if your child is being held back.

August Review Process: If your child is not promoted automatically or through the June Review Process, there is yet a third opportunity for promotion the 'August Review and Appeal Process.'

  • At this stage, your child is encouraged to:

    • Attend the Summer Success Academy and
    • Retake the two standardized tests in August. Note that, if your child scored at Proficiency Level 2 on one of the tests, he or she will not be required to retake that particular test in August. Note that, if your child scored at Proficiency Level 2 on one of the tests, he or she will not be required to retake that particular test in August.
  • If your child scores at Proficiency Level 2 on both the tests, then he or she will be promoted.
  • If your child scores below Proficiency Level 2 on one or both of the tests, then the principal must review the student's portfolio and any summer school work and teacher observations. If the principal believes the student is working 'at the equivalent of a Level 2', then he or she submits a recommendation for promotion to the Local Instructional Superintendent (LIS), who makes the final determination.

If your child receives Special Education services:

If your child receives special education services, please select one of the following after consulting your child's Individualized Education Program (IEP).

If your child's Individualized Education Program (IEP) adopts a 'modified promotion standard':

Then the standard promotion criteria applicable to most students do not apply.> Rather, the IEP itself establishes the relevant standards for promotion.

If your child's Individualized Education Program (IEP) adopts the standard promotion criteria set out in the Chancellor's Regulation:

Ordinary Promotion: If your child is in special education and your child's IEP adopts the standard promotion criteria, your child must:

  • Achieve at (or above) Proficiency Level 2 on two separate, standardized tests: (1) an English Language Arts (ELA) assessment and (2) a Mathematics assessment.

    • June Review and Appeal Process: Even if your child scores at Proficiency Level 1 on one or both of these tests, then your child may still take advantage of a process known as the 'June Review and Appeal Process.' Every child who is in danger of being held back because he or she scored at Proficiency Level 1 on one of the standardized tests will automatically be reviewed. Every child who is in danger of being held back because he or she scored at Proficiency Level 1 on one of the standardized tests will automatically be reviewed.

    • If your child scores at Proficiency Level 1 on one the standardized tests and at Proficiency Level 1 or 2 on the other...
      • Then your child's teacher should prepare a portfolio of your child's work by the end of the school year.
      • The teacher, after reviewing the portfolio, determines whether your child's scores on the standardized tests is an accurate reflection of their development.> Taking into account grades and attendance, the teacher will indicate whether he or she believes that your child is performing at the equivalent of Level 1, Level 2, or a high Level 2, and will forward the portfolio with his or her assessment to the principal.
      • The school's principal then reviews the portfolios. If the principal agrees with the teacher's assessment that the child is performing 'at the equivalent of a high level 2', he or she must recommend promotion.
      • If the principal recommends promotion, the recommendation is then reviewed by the Local Instructional Superintendent (LIS), who makes the final determination.
    • If your child scores at Proficiency Level 1 on one of the standardized tests, but at Proficiency Level 3 or higher on the other, then the process is the same, except that your child's portfolio must be reviewed by the school's principal, regardless of whether your child's teacher believes the test scores are accurate.
    • If your child is not promoted after the June Review process, and you disagree with that decision, you may appeal. Click here to learn about what steps you can take if your child is being held back.
    August Review Process: If your child is not promoted automatically or through the June Review Process, there is yet a third opportunity for promotion the 'August Review and Appeal Process.'
      At this stage, your child is encouraged to:
      • Attend the Summer Success Academy and
      • Retake the two standardized tests in August. Note that, if your child scored at Proficiency Level 2 on one of the tests, he or she will not be required to retake that particular test in August.> Note that, if your child scored at Proficiency Level 2 on one of the tests, he or she will not be required to retake that particular test in August.
    • If your child scores at Proficiency Level 2 on both the tests, then he or she will be promoted.
    • If your child scores below Proficiency Level 2 on one or both of the tests, then the principal must review the student's portfolio and any summer school work and teacher observations. If the principal believes the student is working 'at the equivalent of a Level 2', then he or she submits a recommendation for promotion to the Local Instructional Superintendent (LIS), who makes the final determination.

    If your child is an English Language Learner (ELL):

    If your child is an English Language Learner (ELL), please select one of the following to find the applicable promotion standards:

    • If your child has been enrolled in an English language school system for less than 2 years, click here.
    • If your child has been enrolled in an English language school system for between 2 and 3 years, click here.
    • If your child has been enrolled in an English language school system for more than 3 years, click here.
    Not sure what it means to be an English Language Learner (ELL)? Click here for more information.

    If your child has been enrolled in an English language school system for less than 2 years:

    If your child is an English Language Learner (ELL), but has been enrolled in an English language school system for less than 2 years, then your child is exempt from promotion standards.

    If your child has been enrolled in an English language school system for between 2 and 3 years:

    All ELL students who have been enrolled in an English language school system for less than 3 years are exempt from the English Language Arts (ELA) Assessment and Mathematics Assessment.> If your child is an English Language Learner (ELL), and has been enrolled in an English language school system for between 2 and 3 years, then your child's promotion is based upon a comprehensive assessment of his or her performance.

    In order to be promoted from Third to Fourth Grade, your child must pass a comprehensive assessment that takes into account:

    • English Proficiency and ESL performance.
      • Whether your child has achieved a satisfactory level of proficiency in English in the NYS English as a Second Language Achievement Test (NYSESLAT).
      • Whether your child has either performed satisfactorily at beginning/intermediate ESL levels (also referred to as 'ESL literacy development') or has met the standards of advanced/transitional ESL levels (also referred to as 'Primary Literacy Standards').
    • Mathematics Performance.
      • Whether your child has either performed satisfactorily in mathematics, taught using ESL methodologies, or has met New York State learning standards, taught in your child's native language or through ESL methodologies.
      • Whether your child scored at a Proficiency Level 2 or above on a standardized mathematics test.
    • Attendance Attendance of 90% is expected.

    If your child has been enrolled in an English language school system for more than 3 years:


    If your child is an English Language Learner (ELL), and has been enrolled in an English language school system for more than 3 years, then your child is held to the standard promotion criteria unless your child has otherwise been approved for an extension of services. Absent this approval, the promotion standards that will apply are the following:
    • Proficiency Level 2 on two separate, standardized tests, (1) an English Language Arts (ELA) assessment and (2) a Mathematics assessment, then your child will be promoted to the Fourth Grade.
    June Review and Appeal Process: Even if your child scores at Proficiency Level 1 on one or both of these tests, then your child may still take advantage of a process known as the 'June Review and Appeal Process.' Every child who is in danger of being held back because he or she scored at Proficiency Level 1 on one of the standardized tests will automatically be reviewed.
    • If your child scores at Proficiency Level 1 on one the standardized tests and at Proficiency Level 1 or 2 on the other
      • Then your child's teacher should prepare a portfolio of your child's work by the end of the school year.
      • The teacher, after reviewing the portfolio, determines whether your child's scores on the standardized tests is an accurate reflection of their development.> Taking into account grades and attendance, the teacher will indicate whether he or she believes that your child is performing at the equivalent of Level 1, Level 2, or a high Level 2, and will forward the portfolio with his or her assessment to the principal.
      • The school's principal then reviews the portfolios. If the principal agrees with the teacher's assessment that the child is performing 'at the equivalent of a high level 2', he or she must recommend promotion.
      • If the principal recommends promotion, the recommendation is then reviewed by the Local Instructional Superintendent (LIS), who makes the final determination.
    • If your child scores at Proficiency Level 1 on one of the standardized tests, but at Proficiency Level 3 or higher on the other, then the process is the same, except that your child's portfolio must be reviewed by the school's principal, regardless of whether your child's teacher believes the test scores are accurate.
    • If your child is not promoted after the June Review process, and you disagree with that decision, you may appeal. Click here to learn about what steps you can take if your child is being held back.

August Review Process: If your child is not promoted automatically or through the June Review Process, there is yet a third opportunity for promotion the 'August Review and Appeal Process.'

    • At this stage, your child is encourage to:
      • Attend the Summer Success Academy and
      • Retake the two standardized tests in August. Note that, if your child scored at Proficiency Level 2 on one of the tests, he or she will not be required to retake that particular test in August.> Note that, if your child scored at Proficiency Level 2 on one of the tests, he or she will not be required to retake that particular test in August.
    • If your child scores at Proficiency Level 2 on both the tests, then he or she will be promoted.
    • If your child scores below Proficiency Level 2 on one or both of the tests, then the principal must review the student's portfolio and any summer school work and teacher observations. If the principal believes the student is working 'at the equivalent of a Level 2', then he or she submits a recommendation for promotion to the Local Instructional Superintendent (LIS), who makes the final determination.

What is the standard of promotion from Fourth Grade to Fifth Grade?

To find the standards your child must meet in order to be promoted, please select one of the following three options:

If you're not sure what it means to be an English Language Learner, click here for further information.

If your child is in General Education:

If your child is in General Education, then your child will be promoted from Fourth to Fifth Grade if he or she:

  • Standardized Tests.
    • Scores at (or above) Proficiency Level 2 on the NYS assessment in Language Arts.
    • Scores at (or above) Proficiency Level 2 on the NYS assessment in Mathematics.
      Grades and Teacher Evaluation. Meets the New York State Learning Standards in Language Arts and Mathematics, as shown by:
      Student work.
    • Teacher observation.
    • Grades.
  • Attendance. Attains 90% attendance.

If your child receives Special Education Services:

If your child receives special education services, please select one of the following after consulting your child's Individualized Education Program (IEP).

  • If your child's Individualized Education Program (IEP) adopts a 'modified promotion standard', click here.
  • If your child's Individualized Education Program (IEP) adopts the standard promotion criteria established by the Department of Education, click here.

If your child is an English Language Learner (ELL):

If your child is an English Language Learner (ELL), please select one of the following to find the applicable promotion standards:

  • If your child has been enrolled in an English language school system for less than 2 years, click here.
  • If your child has been enrolled in an English language school system for between 2 and 3 years, click here.
  • If your child has been enrolled in an English language school system for more than 3 years, click here.

Not sure what it means to be an English Language Learner (ELL)? Click here for more information.

    If your child has been enrolled in an English language school system for less than 2 years:

    If your child is an English Language Learner (ELL), but has been enrolled in an English language school system for less than 2 years, then your child is exempt from promotion standards.

    If your child has been enrolled in an English language school system for between 2 and 3 years:

    All ELL students who have been enrolled in an English language school system for less than 3 years are exempt from the English Language Arts (ELA) Assessment and Mathematics Assessment.> If your child is an English Language Learner (ELL), and has been enrolled in an English language school system for between 2 and 3 years, then your child's promotion is based upon a comprehensive assessment of his or her performance.

    In order to be promoted from Fourth to Fifth Grade, your child must pass a comprehensive assessment that takes into account:

    • English Proficiency and ESL performance.
      • Whether your child has achieved a satisfactory level of proficiency in English in the NYS English as a Second Language Achievement Test (NYSESLAT).
      • Whether your child has either performed satisfactorily at beginning/intermediate ESL levels (also referred to as 'ESL literacy development') or has met the standards of advanced/transitional ESL levels (also referred to as 'Primary Literacy Standards').
    • Mathematics Performance.
      • Whether your child has either performed satisfactorily in mathematics, taught using ESL methodologies, or has met New York State learning standards, taught in your child's native language or through ESL methodologies.
      • Whether your child scored at a Proficiency Level 2 or above on a standardized mathematics test.
    • Attendance. Attendance of 90% is expected.

    If your child has been enrolled in an English language school system for more than 3 years:

    If your child is an English Language Learner (ELL), and has been enrolled in an English language school system for more than 3 years, then your child is held to the standard promotion criteria unless your child has otherwise been approve for an extension of services. Absent this approval, your child will be promoted from Fourth to Fifth Grade if he or she:

    • Standardized Tests.
      • Scores at (or above) Proficiency Level 2 on the NYS assessment in Language Arts.
      • Scores at (or above) Proficiency Level 2 on the NYS assessment in Mathematics.
    • Grades and Teacher Evaluation.
      • Meets the New York State Learning Standards in Language Arts and Mathematics, as shown by:
        • Student work.
        • Teacher observation.
        • Grades.
    • Attendance. Attains 90% attendance.

What is the standard of promotion from Fifth Grade to Sixth Grade?

To find the standards your child must meet in order to be promoted, please select one of the following three options:

If you're not sure what it means to be an English Language Learner, click here for further information.

If your child is in General Education:

Ordinary Promotion: If your child is in general education, your child must achieve at (or above) Proficiency Level 2 on two separate, standardized tests: (1) an English Language Arts (ELA) assessment and (2) a Mathematics assessment.

June Review and Appeal Process: Even if your child scores at Proficiency Level 1 on one or both of these tests, then your child may still take advantage of a process known as the 'June Review and Appeal Process.' Every child who is in danger of being held back because he or she scored at Proficiency Level 1 on one of the standardized tests will automatically be reviewed. Every child who is in danger of being held back because he or she scored at Proficiency Level 1 on one of the standardized tests will automatically be reviewed.

  • If your child scores at Proficiency Level 1 on one the standardized tests and at Proficiency Level 1 or 2 on the other..
    • Then your child's teacher should prepare a portfolio of your child's work by the end of the school year.
    • The teacher, after reviewing the portfolio, determines whether your child's scores on the standardized tests is an accurate reflection of their development.> Taking into account grades and attendance, the teacher will indicate whether he or she believes that your child is performing at the equivalent of Level 1, Level 2, or a high Level 2, and will forward the portfolio with his or her assessment to the principal.
    • The school's principal then reviews the portfolios. If the principal agrees with the teacher's assessment that the child is performing 'at the equivalent of a high level 2', he or she must recommend promotion.
    • If the principal recommends promotion, the recommendation is then reviewed by the Local Instructional Superintendent (LIS), who makes the final determination.
  • If your child scores at Proficiency Level 1 on one of the standardized tests, but at Proficiency Level 3 or higher on the other, then the process is the same, except that your child's portfolio must be reviewed by the school's principal, regardless of whether your child's teacher believes the test scores are accurate.
  • If your child is not promoted after the June Review process, and you disagree with that decision, you may appeal. Click here to learn about what steps you can take if your child is being held back.

August Review Process: If your child is not promoted automatically or through the June Review Process, there is yet a third opportunity for promotion the 'August Review and Appeal Process.'

  • At this stage, your child is encourage to:
    • Attend the Summer Success Academy and
    • Retake the two standardized tests in August. Note that, if your child scored at Proficiency Level 2 on one of the tests, he or she will not be required to retake that particular test in August.
  • If your child scores at Proficiency Level 2 on both the tests, then he or she will be promoted.
  • If your child scores below Proficiency Level 2 on one or both of the tests, then the principal must review the student's portfolio and any summer school work and teacher observations. If the principal believes the student is working 'at the equivalent of a Level 2', then he or she submits a recommendation for promotion to the Local Instructional Superintendent (LIS), who makes the final determination.

If your child receives Special Education Services:

If your child receives special education services, please select one of the following after consulting your child's Individualized Education Program (IEP).

  • If your child's Individualized Education Program (IEP) adopts a 'modified promotion standard', click here.
  • If your child's Individualized Education Program (IEP) adopts the standard promotion criteria established by the Department of Education, click here.

    • If your child's Individualized Education Program (IEP) adopts a 'modified promotion standard':

    Then the standard promotion criteria applicable to most students do not apply. Rather, the IEP itself establishes the relevant standards for promotion.

    If your child's Individualized Education Program (IEP) adopts the standard promotion criteria set out in the Chancellor's Regulation:

    If your child receives Special Education services, but your child's IEP adopts the standard promotion criteria, then the following process applies: Ordinary Promotion: Your child is automatically promoted if he or she achieves at (or above) Proficiency Level 2 on two separate, standardized tests: (1) an English Language Arts (ELA) assessment and (2) a Mathematics assessment.

    June Review and Appeal Process: Even if your child scores at Proficiency Level 1 on one or both of these tests, then your child may still take advantage of a process known as the 'June Review and Appeal Process.' Every child who is in danger of being held back because he or she scored at Proficiency Level 1 on one of the standardized tests will automatically be reviewed.

    • If your child scores at Proficiency Level 1 on one the standardized tests and at Proficiency Level 1 or 2 on the other...
      • Then your child's teacher should prepare a portfolio of your child's work by the end of the school year.
      • The teacher, after reviewing the portfolio, determines whether your child's scores on the standardized tests is an accurate reflection of their development.> Taking into account grades and attendance, the teacher will indicate whether he or she believes that your child is performing at the equivalent of Level 1, Level 2, or a high Level 2, and will forward the portfolio with his or her assessment to the principal.
      • The school's principal then reviews the portfolios. If the principal agrees with the teacher's assessment that the child is performing 'at the equivalent of a high level 2', he or she must recommend promotion.
      • If the principal recommends promotion, the recommendation is then reviewed by the Local Instructional Superintendent (LIS), who makes the final determination.
    • If your child scores at Proficiency Level 1 on one of the standardized tests, but at Proficiency Level 3 or higher on the other, then the process is the same, except that your child's portfolio must be reviewed by the school's principal, regardless of whether your child's teacher believes the test scores are accurate.
    • If your child is not promoted after the June Review process, and you disagree with that decision, you may appeal. Click here to learn about what steps you can take if your child is being held back.

    August Review Process: If your child is not promoted automatically or through the June Review Process, there is yet a third opportunity for promotion the 'August Review and Appeal Process.' At this stage, your child is encourage to:

    • Attend the Summer Success Academy and
    • Retake the two standardized tests in August. Note that, if your child scored at Proficiency Level 2 on one of the tests, he or she will not be required to retake that particular test in August.
      • If your child scores at Proficiency Level 2 on both the tests, then he or she will be promoted.
      • If your child scores below Proficiency Level 2 on one or both of the tests, then the principal must review the student's portfolio and any summer school work and teacher observations. If the principal believes the student is working 'at the equivalent of a Level 2', then he or she submits a recommendation for promotion to the Local Instructional Superintendent (LIS), who makes the final determination.

If your child is an English Language Learner (ELL):

If your child is an English Language Learner (ELL), please select one of the following to find the applicable promotion standards:

  • If your child has been enrolled in an English language school system for less than 2 years, click here.
  • If your child has been enrolled in an English language school system for between 2 and 3 years, click here.
  • If your child has been enrolled in an English language school system for more than 3 years, click here.

Not sure what it means to be an English Language Learner (ELL)? Click here for more information.

If your child has been enrolled in an English language school system for less than 2 years:

If your child is an English Language Learner (ELL), but has been enrolled in an English language school system for less than 2 years, then your child is exempt from promotion standards.

If your child has been enrolled in an English language school system for between 2 and 3 years:

All ELL students who have been enrolled in an English language school system for less than 3 years are exempt from the English Language Arts (ELA) Assessment and Mathematics Assessment.> If your child is an English Language Learner (ELL), and has been enrolled in an English language school system for between 2 and 3 years, then your child's promotion is based upon a comprehensive assessment of his or her performance.
In order to be promoted from Fifth to Sixth Grade, your child must pass a comprehensive assessment that takes into account:

  • English Proficiency and ESL performance.
    • Whether your child has achieved a satisfactory level of proficiency in English in the NYS English as a Second Language Achievement Test (NYSESLAT).
    • Whether your child has either performed satisfactorily at beginning/intermediate ESL levels (also referred to as 'ESL literacy development') or has met the standards of advanced/transitional ESL levels (also referred to as 'Primary Literacy Standards').
  • Mathematics Performance.
    • Whether your child has either performed satisfactorily in mathematics, taught using ESL methodologies, or has met New York State learning standards, taught in your child's native language or through ESL methodologies.
    • Whether your child scored at a Proficiency Level 2 or above on a standardized mathematics test.
  • Attendance. Attendance of 90% is expected.

If your child has been enrolled in an English language school system for more than 3 years:

If your child is an English Language Learner (ELL), and has been enrolled in an English language school system for more than 3 years, then your child is held to the standard promotion criteria unless your child has otherwise been approve for an extension of services. Absent this approval, your child will be promoted from Fifth to Sixth Grade through the standard process:

Ordinary Promotion: Your child is automatically promoted if he or she achieves at (or above) Proficiency Level 2 on two separate, standardized tests: (1) an English Language Arts (ELA) assessment and (2) a Mathematics assessment.

June Review and Appeal Process: Even if your child scores at Proficiency Level 1 on one or both of these tests, then your child may still take advantage of a process known as the 'June Review and Appeal Process.' Every child who is in danger of being held back because he or she scored at Proficiency Level 1 on one of the standardized tests will automatically be reviewed.

  • If your child scores at Proficiency Level 1 on one the standardized tests and at Proficiency Level 1 or 2 on the other...
    • Then your child's teacher should prepare a portfolio of your child's work by the end of the school year.
    • The teacher, after reviewing the portfolio, determines whether your child's scores on the standardized tests is an accurate reflection of their development. Taking into account grades and attendance, the teacher will indicate whether he or she believes that your child is performing at the equivalent of Level 1, Level 2, or a high Level 2, and will forward the portfolio with his or her assessment to the principal.
    • The school's principal then reviews the portfolios. If the principal agrees with the teacher's assessment that the child is performing 'at the equivalent of a high level 2', he or she must recommend promotion.
    • If the principal recommends promotion, the recommendation is then reviewed by the Local Instructional Superintendent (LIS), who makes the final determination.
  • If your child scores at Proficiency Level 1 on one of the standardized tests, but at Proficiency Level 3 or higher on the other, then the process is the same, except that your child's portfolio must be reviewed by the school's principal, regardless of whether your child's teacher believes the test scores are accurate.
  • If your child is not promoted after the June Review process, and you disagree with that decision, you may appeal. Click here to learn about what steps you can take if your child is being held back.

August Review Process: If your child is not promoted automatically or through the June Review Process, there is yet a third opportunity for promotion the 'August Review and Appeal Process.'

    At this stage, your child is encouraged to:
  • Attend the Summer Success Academy and
  • Retake the two standardized tests in August. Note that, if your child scored at Proficiency Level 2 on one of the tests, he or she will not be required to retake that particular test in August.
  • If your child scores at Proficiency Level 2 on both the tests, then he or she will be promoted.
  • If your child scores below Proficiency Level 2 on one or both of the tests, then the principal must review the student's portfolio and any summer school work and teacher observations. If the principal believes the student is working 'at the equivalent of a Level 2', then he or she submits a recommendation for promotion to the Local Instructional Superintendent (LIS), who makes the final determination.

What is the standard of promotion from Sixth Grade to Seventh Grade?

To find the standards your child must meet in order to be promoted, please select one of the following three options:

If you're not sure what it means to be an English Language Learner, click here for further information.

If your child is in General Education:

If your child is in General Education, then your child will be promoted from Sixth to Seventh Grade if he or she passes a comprehensive assessment which takes into account whether your child:

What is the standard of promotion from Seventh Grade to Eighth Grade?

To find the standards your child must meet in order to be promoted, please select one of the following three options:

What is the standard of promotion from Eighth Grade to Ninth Grade?

To find the standards your child must meet in order to be promoted, please select one of the following three options:

If you're not sure what it means to be an English Language Learner, click here for further information.

What is the standard of promotion from Ninth Grade to Tenth Grade?

To find the standards your child must meet in order to be promoted, please select one of the following three options:

If you're not sure what it means to be an English Language Learner, click here for further information.

What is the standard of promotion from Tenth Grade to Eleventh Grade?

To find the standards your child must meet in order to be promoted, please select one of the following three options:

If you're not sure what it means to be an English Language Learner, click here for further information.

What is the standard of promotion from Eleventh Grade to Twelfth Grade?

To find the standards your child must meet in order to be promoted, please select one of the following three options:

If you're not sure what it means to be an English Language Learner, click here for further information.

What must my child do to graduate High School?

There are 3 types of diplomas available to students in New York:
  • Regent's Diploma. Students may earn a diploma by earning 44 credits. A total of 40 credits must be earned in academic subjects, 4 credits are earned for a required 7 semesters of gym plus 1 semester of health education. In addition, students must pass a set of graduation tests called Regents exams with a score of 55 or 65, depending on the year the student entered the 9th grade. Click here for more information. In addition, an Advanced Regent's diploma is also available if the student meets additional requirements.
  • Local Diploma. Students may earn a local diploma only if they entered 9th grade before September 2005. Students must earn 44 credits and must pass Regents exams with at least a score of 55.
  • IEP Diploma. A diploma available to students receiving special education services. Click here for more information.
Click here for more information on the difference between these diplomas.

What is an English Language Learner (ELL)?

English Language Learners (ELLs) are students with limited English proficiency, regardless of whether they are in General Education or Special Education. A child is designated as an ELL student after taking a language assessment test upon enrolling in the NYC public school system. Thereafter, ELL students take an annual exam to determine whether they will remain eligible for ELL services.

Click here to view some Frequently Asked Questions about how a child is classified as an ELL.

What is the NYC English Language Arts (ELA) Assessment?

The NYC ELA Test is a timed test with multiple-choice questions. Students are given 65 minutes to answer 50 multiple-choice questions. The questions are based on short reading passages consisting of original stories, articles, and poems. Students answer questions based on these reading passages.

Each test includes three types of written material: creative, informational, and functional.

  • Creative - Material read for enjoyment and/or for the literary experience, including fiction, poetry, and humor.
  • Informational - Non-fiction material read for information, with content from science, social studies, and various cultures and also includes biographies and general nonfiction materials.
  • Functional - Material read for directions on how to perform a task or written to sway the reader, including advertisements, schedules, posters, multi-step instructions, labels, and brochures.

The level of difficulty ranges from easy to challenging and complex. Test questions ask students to:

  • Recall details or sequence of events
  • Select a main idea
  • Analyze plot, characters, setting, or tone
  • Distinguish between cause and effect
  • Analyze use of language
  • Draw conclusions
  • Predict outcomes

What is the NYC-Mathematics Test?

The NYC-Mathematics Test is a multiple-choice test that lasts approximately one hour. It consists of one-and two-step word problems. Here are some Frequently Asked Questions about the test:

What is the Early Childhood Literacy Assessment System (ECLAS-2)?

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions about the Early Childhood Literacy Assessment System (ECLAS-2): For more information, click her to be transferred to the NYC Department of Education website.

How will I know whether my child is in danger of being held back?

Notification of Promotion Issues. If your child is in danger of being held back, you should receive the following forms of notification:
  • Your child's teacher should notify you if your child's performance is not approaching the required standards no later than the fall parent-teacher conference. This early notification is intended to provide you with an opportunity to help improve your child's performance.
  • Written notice that your child is at risk of not meeting promotion standards should be sent to you no later than February 15.
  • Written notice of the June decision not to promote your child should be mailed to you no less than 14 days before the end of the school year.
Note that, although the school should notify you if your child is in danger of being held back, failure to provide notice does not require your child's promotion.>

Ongoing Communication. More generally, you should always make an effort to communicate with teachers to know how your children are progressing in school. The Chancellor's Regulation assumes that parents will be 'active partners' in their child's education.
  • For this reason, schools should be communicating with you about:
    • What your child must know.
    • What level your child must perform at in order to be promoted on to the next grade.
    • Attendance requirements.
  • So far as it is possible, communication should be in your native language.
  • If you feel you are not receiving this information, speak with your child's teacher and, if necessary, other school officials.
    • Click here to learn more about what steps you should take if your child is in danger of being held back.

What should I do if my child is being held back?


Talk it over with your child's teacher.
Consider appealing the decision.
Consider supplementing your child's education.