This document outlines general considerations and academic and non-academic guidelines to be observed by Milwaukee teachers and principals in making K-6 grade placement decisions in accordance with the School Board's new policy. The first section, "General Considerations for Grade Placement at All Grade Levels," considers: (1) evaluation as grade placement basis; (2) decision making; (3) academic and non-academic factors; (4) documentation throughout the school year; (5) pre-retention actions; (6) programs for low achievers; (7) summer school advancement; (8) placement beyond the next grade; and (9) specialty school exceptions. The second section provides guidelines for first grade placement of five-year-old kindergarten pupils, including how to identify "transitional" pupils (those who are not quite ready for ordinary first grade) and bilingual pupils who do not demonstrate readiness competencies in their dominant language. The third section provides academic guidelines for grade placement in grades 1 through 6. Bilingual programs for Spanish-dominant pupils are discussed separately. The final section discusses non-academic factors to be considered in grade placement: chronological age/years in school; physical, social, and emotional maturity and peer relationships; family relationships; learning rate and growth; attendance and mobility; and participation in outside academic programs. The School Board's statement outlining its new policy is appended. (RDN)