PI35 Middle School Curriculum Guidelines
Instructional Plan
Each middle school shall include in their instructional plan and programs required district competencies as outlined in the APS Middle School Core Curriculum. This instructional plan will include the following requirements.
- Language Arts Competencies - full year for two periods or the equivalent at Grade 6; full year at Grade 7 and 8.
- Social Studies Competencies - full year at Grade 6, including Geography; full year at Grade 7, including New Mexico History and Geography for the equivalent of one semester; full year at Grade 8, including U.S. History.
- Mathematics Competencies - full year at each grade level.
- Science Competencies - 2.5 years throughout Grades 6,7, and 8, to include life, physical, and earth science topics.
- Health Education Competencies - one semester or the equivalent during Grade 6, 7, and/or 8.
- Physical Education Competencies - full year or the equivalent at Grade 7, unless site specific waiver for other grade levels.
- Computer Skills, Fine Arts, and Practical Arts Competencies - see Exploratory/Elective, B., below.
- Employability Skills Competencies will be included as appropriate across the curriculum.
Exploratory/Elective Plan
Each school will design an exploratory/elective program at all three grade levels to address required District competencies in fine arts, practical arts, and computer skills. Other elective topics which address the needs of the individual school communities may be included upon approval of the board of education. If schools choose to offer modern and classical languages, curriculum development will be guided by the middle school core curriculum.
English Language Development
Each middle school must provide an instructional program to meet the needs of identified non-English speaking students.
Special Education
APS will provide services for middle school students with diagnosed exceptionalities. These programs will adhere to federal, state, and district regulations and guidelines.
Waivers
Waivers for district and state requirements can be requested by submitting a waiver request to the superintendent. See attached waiver granted January 17, 1995.
Cross Ref.: APS Board Policy I.13
22-2-8.3 NMSA 1978
NSBA/EPS Classification: IHA
Revised: November, 1994
Revised: January 1995
Revised: May 1997