The rule gives the criteria for school districts, administrators and parents to use when a third-grade student identified for retention may be promoted to fourth grade using an alternative assessment or the third-grade student portfolio. Criteria is determined through an analysis conducted by the Department of Education. Also included in the rule are criteria for the third-grade student portfolio, specifically, who may select items to be included in the portfolio, assurance that the items are appropriate and demonstrate the students ability to perform successfully on third grade standards. The portfolio must contain a percentage of informational and literary text and be signed by the student’s teacher and principal.