APS’ lack of common sense on display yet again

OUR SON WILL be graduating from high school in 2017. We were recently informed that he is lacking in his physical education requirement, even though he has taken classes in weightlifting, team and individual sports and wrestling.

He even made the varsity wrestling team in his junior year and was a state qualifier.

But because he did not take Foundations of PE, he may not graduate.

When we attempted to discuss this with his counselor and then an Albuquerque Public Schools administrator we were told that these classes are not physical education classes; they are electives even though the high school catalog clearly lists them under Physical Education. There was no reasonable explanation given why these classes would not meet the simple physical education requirement.

When we asked what the requirements were and where we could find them, no one could direct us to that information.

But once we found them on the state website it was clear that he has not only met, but exceeded these requirements in accordance with Title 9 Chapter 29 Part 9 of the New Mexico State Administrative Code.

In fact the New Mexico graduation requirement does not specify a course name or description, and only one unit of physical education is required.

Our son will be taking summer school as we do not want to jeopardize his graduation. Needless to say, we are once again amazed at APS’ lack of common sense, judgment and knowledge with regard to the actual state requirements.

Perhaps this mind-set helps to explain why the current graduation rate is a dismal 61.7 percent. JULIE and BRIAN HUGHES Albuquerque