2012-2013 High School Curriculum Bulletin - McAllen ISD

Breaking TiesIn the case of ties occurring at critical points in the ranking, the fol-lowingprocedure shall be used to break the ties:Compute the weighted grade average to a sufficient number of decimal placesuntil the tie is broken. If a tie remains, recalculate weighted core grades fromthe beginning of the junior year through the fifth six weeks of the senior year.The grade points earned for the average of the fourth and fifth six-week gradesshall carry half the weight of those earned for final grades earned in full semestercourses.Exemptions from Final ExaminationsFinal examinations shall be scheduled in all classes taught by the high schools.Grade qualifications, absence standards and the number and type of coursesconsidered for exemption from final examinations vary by grade level;however, high school students (grades 9-12) may qualify for exemptions inone or more classes each semester. A student qualifying for an exemptionmay elect or may be directed by a parent to take a final examination in anycourse.General QualificationsIn determining eligibility for exemptions from final examinations, thefollowing general qualification shall apply:1. In calculating absences (for the purpose of determining exemptions fromfinal examinations), three tardies from a particular class shall constitute anabsence from that class.2. During the school year, students who are assigned to an AlternativeEducational Placement (AEP) for disciplinary reasons shall be ineligible forfinal examination exemptions for the semester(s) they are assigned.3. To retain exemption status, a student otherwise eligible for an exemptionmust report to the class on the day of the scheduled final examination.Core and Elective CoursesFor purposes of this policy, core courses include the following:1. English I, II, III, IV (or equivalent courses)2. Mathematics (All)3. Science (All)4. World Geography, World History, U.S. History, Government, Historyof the Americas (IB), 20th Century World History Topics (IB)5. EconomicsCourses other than those listed as core subjects are considered to beelectives.Page 13Other QualificationsFor each grade level, the chart below includes the number of absences, theminimum grade requirement and the number and type of course (core subjectsand elective classes), and the semester(s) that apply to exemptions.GradeLevelAbsence StandardMinimumGradeNumber andType of Course(s)Semester9 3 absences or fewer 85 1 core 1 elective Fall/Spring10 3 absences or fewer 85 1 core 1 elective Fall/Spring11 3 absences 85 All electives / 1 core Fall11 2 absences or fewer 80 All electives / 1 core Fall11 3 absences 85 All electives / 2 coreor 1 block core11 2 absences or fewer 80 All electives / 2 coreor 1 block coreSpringSpring12 3 absences 85 All courses Fall/Spring12 2 absences or fewer 80 All courses Fall/SpringThe core course selected for exemption by an eligible freshman or sophomorein the spring must be from a subject area other than the one selected in thefall semester.ExceptionsFor exemption purposes, up to four absences per year may be waived forgraduating juniors and seniors, provided that:1. The student is absent for the purpose of attending university/college eventsconnected with scholarships, admission, or orientation; and2. The student furnishes the high school principal with a copy of an invitation/appointment letter from the college or university; and3. The student furnishes the high school principal with written verification ofthe visit(s).Students, who have lost their exemption status due to a death in the immediatefamily or to a hospitalization that required an overnight stay and believeabsences merit consideration, may submit an appeal in writing to the principaland attendance committee.