New Mexico high school students must meet certain scholastic requirements to graduate.
According to the New Mexico Public Education Department, freshmen entering high school during year 2009-2010 and later have new graduation requirements. (Reference 1) These new requirements cover math, English, science, social sciences, physical education and electives. (See Reference 1) The curriculum also requires one unit in either a career cluster course, a language other than English or a workplace readiness course. (Reference 1)
Math
New Mexico grads must pass Algebra 2.
New Mexico requires students to complete four or more units of mathematics. (Reference 1). One of these units must be equivalent to, or greater than, Algebra 2. (Reference 1) Math courses that meet New Mexico curriculum standards are: Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry, Interactive Math Programs I through III, Probability and Statistics, Pre-Calculus and AP Calculus. (Reference 1)
English
The New Mexico Public Education Department, or PED, says that students must also complete four units of English classes. (Reference 1) These are typically English/Language Arts I, II, III and IV (Reference 1). The PED also approves certain alternative credits for these and other courses, however. (Reference 1)
Science
Hands-on work with laboratory courses gives students experience with lab tools and techniques.
New Mexico high school students must complete three units of science, two of which must include a laboratory component. (Reference 1) At Ruidoso High School in New Mexico, science classes available are Physical Science, Biology I, Pre-Advanced Biology I, Forensic Chemistry, Pre-Advanced Placement Chemistry, AP Chemistry, Ecology/Forestry, Anatomy and Physiology, Pre-Advanced Placement Physics I, AP Physics, Geology/Astronomy, Robotics, and Science, Engineering and Technology. (Reference 2: SECTION: SCIENCE)
Social Sciences
To graduate in New Mexico, you must complete 3 1/2 units of social sciences. (Reference 1) These must include a half unit of New Mexico History, Economics, Government, Geography, U.S. History and World History. (Reference 1)
Electives
Some New Mexico high schools offer Chess I and II as elective courses. (Reference 2)
Students in New Mexico must complete 7 1/2 units of electives. In addition to traditional electives like music and art appreciation, New Mexico elective courses can include Drivers Ed, Chess, Internships and Marketing. (Reference 2: SECTION: ELECTIVES)
Career Cluster/Workplace Readiness
Graduates must complete one unit of either Career Cluster, Workplace Readiness or Language (other than English). (Reference 1). According to the PED, Career Cluster courses are career technical education courses. (Reference 1) Completion of these courses may result in industry certifications. Workplace Readiness courses, as defined by the PED, offer students entry-level career skills. (Reference 1)
Tags: must complete, Reference These, students must, Career Cluster, Career Cluster Workplace, Cluster Workplace
