Albuquerque Public Schools
Instruction
Academic Excellence and Expectations
Albuquerque Public Schools shall implement an academic plan aimed at improving achievement for all students with an intense focus on closing the achievement gap.
- Vision for a Learning Community (Board Policy AB)
- Commitment to Student Based Decisions (Board Policy AE)
- Equity and Diversity (Board Policy AF)
- Equity and Diversity
- Equal Educational Outcomes (Board Policy JB)
Academic Program Requirements
- Instructional Program (Board Policy IH)
- Instructional Program
- Graduation Requirements (Board Policy IH6)
- High School Course Guidelines
- Transcript Evaluation
- Transcript Evaluation Matrix
- Instructional Credit Acceptance (Board Policy IH7)
- Basis for Offering Credit
- Alternative Methods of Earning Credit
- Exemptions from Health or Physical Education Curriculum
- High School Elective Credit
- Final Course and Student Grade Changes
- Graduation (and Graduation Requirements)
- Grade Reporting and Recording
- Awarding of Graduation — Albuquerque Public Schools Credit or Extra Credit for Non-Academic Activities
Academic Opportunities
- Student Travel: Field and Activity Trips (Board Policy IJ1)
- Field Trips
- Honors and Advanced Placement Programs
- Algebra 1 in Grade 8
- Placement of Modern and Classical Language Students
- Middle School Curriculum Guidelines
- High School Credit Earned by Middle School Students
- Guidelines for Subject Related Contests and Competitions
- School Schedule Guidelines
- Course Proposal Planning and Review
- Admission Charge for Student Programs
Academic Interventions and Support
- Student Intervention Guidelines: Multi-Layered System of Supports (MLSS) and Student Assistance Teams (SAT)
- Identification of Students Needing Remediation and Academic Improvement Plans
- Online Content Accessibility
- Exemptions from Health or Physical Education Curriculum
- Remediation of Student Learning
- Student Grade Retention Process
- Double Promotion
Alternative Language Services
Alternative Language services are programs designed to meet the educational needs of all language minority students to enable them to participate effectively in the regular school program, thus ensuring equal access to a quality education. For more information view the Language and Cultural Equity Department website or call (505) 881-9429.
Attendance
NM Attendance for Success Act
- Chaptered Law
- NM PED Attendance for Success Act
- Student Attendance (Board Policy JE)
- Attendance
- Student Withdrawal Before the School Year’s End
Delays and Closings
Early Checkout
Emergency School Closings
Excused/Unexcused Absences and Tardies
Make-up work
Release of Students
Bilingual Seal
Students have the opportunity to acquire a district and State of New Mexico Bilingualism and Biliteracy Seal in Spanish, Native American languages (i.e. Navajo and Zuni) and foreign languages (i.e. French, German, Chinese, etc.). These seals of bilingualism and biliteracy serve as formal recognitions of students who have studied and attained a high level of proficiency in English and another language by high school graduation. Bilingual Seals are available in elementary and middle school and on a student’s high school diploma. For more information visit the APS Bilingual Seal website.
Controversial Issues
Students shall have the right to encounter diverse points of view. Students shall have opportunities to hear speakers, view presentations, and engage in civil discourse representing a wide range of views in classes, clubs, and assemblies under guidelines established by the school district. Below are policy and procedures to explain the process for controversial issues for schools and families.
- Controversial Issues and Outside Speakers
- Teaching About Controversial or Sensitive Issues (Board Policy IM)
- Parental/Legal Guardians Concerns about Instructional Print and Non-Print Materials
- Human Sexuality and AIDS Instructional Material
- Treatment of Religious Issues (Board Policy IH1)
- Religious Issues and Holiday Practices
- Flag Display and Pledge of Allegiance
- Distributing or Posting Informational, Promotional and Instructional Materials and Campaign Solicitations
- Use of Videos and Other Instructional Audiovisual Media
Field Trips and Activity Trips
- Student Travel: Field and Activity Trips (Board Policy IJ1)
- Field Trips
- Education Travel (Alternative Methods of Earning Credit)
Guest Speakers
Homeschool
Homework
Indian Education
- Indian Education (Board Policy IH9)
- Indian Education Policies and Procedures
Instructional Council
Next-Step Plans
Per state law, the Next Step Plan is a personal, written plan that is developed by each student at the end of grades 8–11 and during the senior year (grade 12). The purpose of the plan is to target the student’s postsecondary interests, and set forth the studies they will complete during high school in order to be on track for graduation. Options such as Advanced Placement, International baccalaureate, honors, dual credit, distance learning, career technical education, work-based learning courses, or pre-apprenticeship programs should be included.
The student reviews and updates his or her NSP annually, and each year’s plan must explain any differences from the previous year’s NSP (State Law: 22-13-1.1 NMSA 1978).
Student Drop off and Pick up
Testing and Examinations
- Academic Accountability (Board Policy IK)
- Tests and Examinations
- End-of-Semester Testing Schedule and Activities
Volunteering
- School Volunteers (Board Policy GE)
- Volunteer Programs
- Background Checks and Fingerprinting
Updated as of July 2024