GENERAL

Students in grades seven through twelve (7-12) may enroll in available advanced courses including, but
not limited to, advanced English language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, and world language
courses.

Guidance for course placement should not serve to limit enrollment in advanced courses, academic
programs, or career-technical pathways. Students are encouraged to challenge themselves academically
and engage in the most rigorous curricular offerings that are available.

In instances where multiple advanced course options exist, students will be encouraged to enroll in the
one most aligned to their postsecondary aspirations.

Knox County Schools supports an inclusive model for advanced academics.

Final grades for the advanced academic programs will align with State Board Policy 3.301 Uniform
Grading.
To enroll in these courses, students shall meet the following standards:

Honors Courses: A grade of 80 or higher and required statewide assessment scores of on-track or
mastery in the most recent preceding academic course.

Dual Credit Courses: Students must meet the eligibility requirements of the higher education
provider.

Dual Enrollment: Students must meet the eligibility requirements of the higher education
provider.

Advanced Placement: A grade of 80 or higher and required statewide assessment scores of on- track or
mastery in the most recent preceding academic course.

Cambridge International: A grade of 80 or higher and required statewide assessment scores of on- track or mastery in the most recent preceding academic course.

International Baccalaureate: A grade of 80 or higher and required statewide assessment scores of on-track or mastery in the most recent preceding academic course.

The district shall have the authority to consider additional factors, such as, but not limited to, local district assessments, student interest, attendance, post-graduation plans, teacher recommendations, and parent requests for the enrollment in advanced courses to fit the needs of the students.

NOTIFICATION

Parent(s)/legal guardian(s) shall be provided notification of a student’s eligibility to enroll in advanced
courses. The notification shall state that a student will remain enrolled in the course unless the
parent/legal guardian submits a timely written request for removal. The Director of Schools shall
determine the deadline to submit the request for removal.

Students may also be removed from an advanced course if the student’s teacher, counselor, and
administrator determine that the student should be removed based on performance after thirty (30) days of instruction and the principal approves the request to remove the student. The parent or legal guardian should be notified of concerns as soon as they are apparent, and consulted regarding any decision to change the student’s schedule.

COLLEGE LEVEL COURSES2

The Knox County Schools shall award high school credit to students who successfully complete college level courses in substitution for graduation requirement courses, including general education and elective focus courses.

In accordance with Knox County Board of Education Policy I-121, qualified high school students who
are in good standing may earn high-school credit by enrolling in college-level courses (1) through a
Board-approved dual enrollment program on the high-school campus or (2) through classes at an
institution of higher education, which are conducted at times that do not conflict with the enrollee’s
regular course schedule. Written approval by the principal, or designee, shall be required for such
concurrent enrollment.

Grades earned in such college level courses may be used to determine class rank and grade point average, provided high-school credit is awarded for the course.

The Board shall not be responsible for transportation or for any payment of college tuition or fees.

Legal References:

1. T.C.A. § 49-6-1012.
2. Tennessee State Board of Education Policy 3.301.
3. TRR/MS 0520-01-03-.03(7).
4. T.C.A. § 49-6-3111.

Approved as to Legal Form
By Knox County Law Director 8/29/2023
/Gary T. Dupler/Deputy Law Director