PVSchools reviews automatic advanced math placement policy

Paradise Valley Unified School District is reviewing a policy that would automatically enroll qualifying middle school students in advanced mathematics courses when those courses are available.

The proposed changes follow Arizona legislation requiring automatic placement for students entering grades six, seven or eight who demonstrate the highest level of proficiency on state or qualifying benchmark mathematics assessments.

Parents would be notified of the placement and given an opportunity to object.

During the Oct. 22 governing board meeting, Assistant Superintendent Karen Benson clarified the law does not require districts to create advanced courses where none currently exist.

Because Paradise Valley does not offer advanced sixth-grade mathematics courses for general education students across its elementary campuses, the district does not anticipate adding those courses solely to comply with the legislation.

Gifted students already have access to accelerated mathematics instruction, including coursework one or two years above grade level depending on their program.

Board member Sandra Christensen questioned how parents would be informed about the potential effect of advanced placement on student grade point averages.

Benson said the district is developing a straightforward opt-out process and plans to communicate those implications clearly.

The proposal remains under review.