SCH CD-COMM RETENTION STUDENTS

Amends the School Code. Creates the Committee on the Retention of Students. Provides that, prior to retention in a grade, a school district must submit the names of all students determined by the school district to not qualify for promotion to the next higher grade and the reason for that determination. Provides that the Committee shall review the school district's decision to retain with respect to each student and shall make the final decision regarding whether or not to retain a particular student. Provides that the Committee may vote to prohibit a school district from retaining a student if the Committee determines that the student is being retained due to inadequate instruction, resources, or facilities provided by the school district or due to the student having an undiagnosed learning disability. Requires the State Board of Education to adopt rules to implement these provisions. Amends the Children with Disabilities Article to provide that a child with a learning disability must not be denied promotion, graduation, or a general diploma on the basis of failing a minimal competency test when such failure can be directly related to the disabling condition of the student. Effective immediately.