Final answer:
Edna is using the defense mechanism of fantasy to escape the reality of her poor math grades. The term for advancing a student to the next grade without meeting the requirements is social promotion.
Step-by-step explanation:
Edna is engaging in the defense mechanism known as fantasy. This mechanism involves an individual retreating to a fantasy world to escape unpleasant realities. By imagining how exciting college will be instead of focusing on her math grades, Edna uses fantasy to shield herself from the negative feelings associated with her academic struggles.
Allowing a student to move to the next grade
The practice of allowing a student to move to the next grade regardless of whether or not they have met the requirements for that grade is known as social promotion. This approach is sometimes taken in educational settings to prevent a student from falling behind their peers, even if the student has not achieved the set academic milestones.