I-4700 IIE
STUDENT SCHEDULES
AND COURSE LOADS

The Board requires that each student at the end of grades eight (8) through eleven (11) develop an interim next-step plan that sets forth the coursework for the grades remaining until high school completion or transition following high school. The Board shall ensure each student has the opportunity to develop a plan based upon reports of college and workplace readiness assessments and other factors and be reasonably informed about:

• Curricular and course options, including:

▪ honors or advanced placement courses, dual-credit courses, distance learning courses, career clusters or remediation programs that college and workplace readiness assessments indicate to be appropriate;

• Opportunities available that lead to different post-high-school options; and

• Alternative opportunities available if the student does not finish a planned curriculum.

The plan shall explain any differences from previous interim next-step plans, shall be filed with the principal of the student's high school and shall be signed by the student, the student's parent or guardian and the student's guidance counselor or other school official charged with coursework planning for the student. An individualized education program (IEP) filed with the principal that meets the applicable transition and procedural requirements of the federal Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act for qualified students shall satisfy the next-step requirements for that student.

It shall be the responsibility of the principal, with the cooperation of assigned counselors, to assist students in the scheduling of coursework. All students in the high school are required to be enrolled at least half time.

Dual credit programs allow high school students to enroll in college courses prior to graduation and receive high school and college credit simultaneously for elective courses approved by the school or core courses verified as meeting Public Education Department standards and benchmarks when these courses are aligned to meet postsecondary requirements also. To offer dual credit in academic and career technical courses the District must execute a dual credit agreement with a qualified postsecondary institution. Such agreement must address the components found in 6.30.7.8 NMAC and be signed by both entities.

Adopted: date of manual adoption

LEGAL REF.:
22-13-1.1 NMSA (1978)