The form below has just been posted on the PDE website. It allows a parent/guardian to request that a student be retained for the 21-22 school year due to “lost educational opportunities due to the COVID-19 pandemic.” It also applies to students with an IEP who turned 21 years of age prior to the beginning of the 21-22 school year. PLEASE NOTE: This form must be completed by the parent or guardian and must be turned in to the school district (not PDE) by July 15.

You may have parents asking about this and they must be made aware of the short timeline to complete this form. We highly recommend that if you receive such a request, you review this with your superintendent and clearly outline to the parents the implications of retention on a child. Some school districts have considered providing research on the implications of retention, having parents sign off on a document informing them of PIAA eligibility rules, or sign a document indicating their understanding that this decision cannot be rescinded once the school year has begun.

Click here for the form.

If you have questions, please feel free to contact me at 717-732-4999.

Dr. Eric C. Eshbach
Assistant Executive Director
Pennsylvania Principals Association