Paradise Valley Unified School District will automatically enroll qualifying middle school students in advanced mathematics courses when those classes are available, under a policy unanimously approved by the governing board Nov. 5.
The revised policy brings the district into compliance with House Bill 2423, which establishes automatic advanced mathematics placement for eligible students entering sixth, seventh or eighth grade.
Students who demonstrate the highest levels of proficiency in grade-level mathematics through statewide assessments or district benchmarks will qualify for placement, provided an advanced course is offered.
Parents may object to the automatic enrollment.
Karen Benson, assistant superintendent for curriculum, instruction and assessment, said the changes are intended to expand access to advanced mathematics instruction while ensuring schools can implement the requirements.
"Our CIA department will work closely with Dr. Osnewsen, secondary principals, teachers, and our human resources team to expand access to advanced math opportunities through effective and coordinated implementation," Benson said.
The district did not make changes to the proposal following its initial presentation at the Oct. 22 board meeting.
Under the policy, eligibility is based on demonstrated academic proficiency rather than requiring families to independently request advanced placement.
The requirement applies only where advanced mathematics courses are available.
District officials said implementation will involve coordination among curriculum administrators, school principals, teachers and human resources staff.
The governing board approved the revisions unanimously without additional discussion.
Editor’s note: A grant from the Arizona Local News Foundation made this story possible. The foundation awarded 15 newsrooms to pay for solutions-focused education reporters for two years. Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.
Meet Stacy Stacy Mantle is joining the team at Independent Newsmedia, Inc. as an Education Solutions journalist, thanks to a grant from the Arizona Community Collaborative. She has a long history in education that ranges from teaching junior high and middle school to developing curriculum and standards-based assessments.
Community: A longtime advocate for animal welfare, Stacy is deeply involved in rescue efforts and volunteers with several nonprofit organizations.
Random Fact: Once upon a time, she shared her home with a pet coyote and two wolf hybrids. The experiences were wild enough to become the subject of her first book!
Education: She holds a BA in English with a minor in Political Science, a Post-baccalaureate in Secondary Education, and an MBA with a emphasis on Marketing.
Hobbies: In her spare time, Stacy writes fast-paced urban fantasy novels, crafts small-batch artisan soap, and is always up for hiking or off-roading through the Arizona wilderness with her husband of 23 years.
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