School Promotion

C. Promotion from the Eighth Grade

Students shall be promoted from eighth grade after demonstrating competency as defined by academic standards adopted by the Arizona State Board of Education in the following subject areas:

1. English Language Arts
2. Mathematics
3. Science
4. Social Studies; including:
   1. Civics; and
   2. Instruction on the Holocaust and other genocides at least once in the seventh grade or the eighth grade
5. Two or more electives, including, but not limited to:
   1. Visual Arts
   2. Dance
   3. Theatre
   4. Music
   5. Media Arts
   6. Health/Physical Education

Note: This no longer applies to "passing" or "demonstrating proficiency" at all three grade levels, only eighth grade. Also, the language does not say passing classes, but "demonstrating competency. "Admittedly, this is language that is open to a lot of interpretation. An interpretation would be that if we have evidence that a student has shown proficiency on all essential learning outcomes (or essential standards), then they have earned promotion. 

Promotion & Retention of Students

Promotion and Retention of Students; Passing Grades (5-216, 5216.A)

The Superintendent shall ensure that students are promoted from one grade to another after meeting minimum competency requirements as defined by the Arizona State Board of Education, together with other requirements adopted by the Governing Board. A student shall earn academic credit in a course if the student receives a grade of D (2 at MEMS) or better. Teachers shall assign grades based on the student's demonstration of competency in the subject area through tests, papers, projects, and other coursework as determined by the teacher. Competency standards shall be based on standards adopted by the Arizona State Board of Education or the Governing Board. Students shall have regular opportunities to review their progress through progress reports and other teacher feedback. Teachers shall notify students and their parents/legal guardians if the teacher determines that the student is not making satisfactory progress toward a passing grade.