Scottsdale Unified presents new middle school electives including coding 3–4 and financial literacy in first read

District leaders brought a first read of the Scottsdale Unified middle school planning guide for the 2026–27 school year to the Jan. 13 governing board meeting, proposing nine new elective courses and a set of course-sequencing updates.

The planning guide committee reviewed course participation and stakeholder input and proposed new electives in fine arts (beginning/intermediate dance, sculpture, 3-D design), STEM (coding 3 and 4), financial literacy, and a middle-school JAG program that aligns Tonalea Middle School with Coronado’s JAG pathway. Presenter (director) said many new courses were requested by individual campuses and that teachers had been identified in most cases; oversight of electives will be placed in the teaching and learning department with academic coaches and departmental leads assigned to monitor course delivery.

Board members asked about finding qualified teachers for new electives and about how financial literacy would fit into a K–12 vision rather than appearing only as an elective. Director said the coding sequence would piggyback on existing TechSmart vendor content for coding 1–2 and the district’s digital innovation coach and new pathways would support advanced coding courses. The item was presented as a first read and staff indicated the guide will return for action on Jan. 20.

Why this matters: New elective offerings can expand student opportunities in arts, STEM and financial literacy, but the board emphasized need for curricular oversight, teacher recruitment, and alignment with district-wide academic goals.

What’s next: District staff will return with a second read/action on Jan. 20 with details on staffing and budgetary implications.