PVSchools approves Native American language proficiency graduation credits

Paradise Valley Unified School District students may receive elective credit toward high school graduation by demonstrating proficiency in a Native American language under a policy unanimously approved Nov. 5.

The revised policy reflects House Bill 2895, which allows Native American language proficiency to satisfy a world language graduation requirement when one exists.

District administrator Karen Benson told the governing board that PVSchools does not require world language coursework for graduation. Instead, language courses may count toward the six or seven elective credits required, depending on the high school or program.

The policy clarifies the district will accept and award transfer credit for demonstrated proficiency in a Native American language, consistent with its existing practice of recognizing world language credits accepted by the Arizona Department of Education.

The policy does not require the district to offer Native American language classes or establish a new graduation requirement.

The board approved the revision without discussion.