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District staff outline new graduation requirements, math and literacy screening changes for future freshmen
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Summary
Academic services presented updated graduation requirements affecting incoming freshmen — including a math progression (algebra, geometry, statistics plus two elective offers), a 0.5 health credit, and expanded literacy coaching and screening mandated under state bills; staff said the district expects no net new hires will be required.
Gloria Mendoza, introduced as the district presenter on graduation requirements, briefed the Clovis Municipal Schools Board on March 24 about state-driven changes that will affect current freshmen and future cohorts.
Mendoza said the district will maintain four credits of English for grades 9–12 but that math requirements shift for new freshmen to algebra I, geometry and statistics along with two additional math-course offerings (modern algebra II and data/financial literacy as required options). She said the district must offer, though not require, two additional math courses for students to choose from.
On social studies and course alignment, Mendoza said the district reorganized credits so incoming freshmen will take world geography and New Mexico studies; sophomores will take world history aligned with English 10; juniors will take U.S. history aligned to AP U.S. History; and seniors will take government and economics. She noted electives/CTE requirements shift (current cohorts keep prior requirements; freshmen/future students will see slightly different elective-credit totals).
Mendoza also described state requirements for expanded screening and parent notification: under recently passed measures, districts must screen K–3 students for mathematics difficulties, notify parents within 30 days of identification and provide periodic progress updates; similar literacy screening/notification requirements and PED-assigned certified literacy coaches for low-performing schools begin in 2027–28. Mendoza warned that the district must ensure professional time and training so teachers can meet the new reporting and intervention duties.
Board members asked whether the district needs to hire additional staff; Mendoza replied the district expects to balance courses with existing staff and course requests, noting accelerated students and cross-level teaching assignments will allow flexibility. She offered to answer follow-up questions and to share materials used in the presentation.
No board action was required on the graduation standards themselves; the presentation was informational and intended to align district course catalogs and scheduling with state requirements.
