Student Progression Plan

Transcription

1 Student Progression Plan Last updated: September 21, 2015

2 This document should align to all state and local policies. The intent of this document is to place these policies in a workable format to implement in Blue Ridge ISD schools Student Progression Committee Todd Lintzen Diane Williams Anthony Figueroa Matthew Todd Amy Hopkins Stacey Raymer Gayla Brummett Paige Collins Theresa Wade Jeffrey Williams Roma Morgan Lisa Reeves Micki Smith Stephanie McPherson Superintendent Facilitator High School Principal Elementary Principal Secondary Curriculum High School High School High School High School Middle School Middle School Elementary School Elementary School Elementary School Blue Ridge ISD Board of Trustees Mike McCreary Joe Harvey Kevin Dauster Gary Lillard Tammy Phillips Brad Duncan Seth McGinnis President Vice President Secretary Member Member Member Member Blue Ridge ISD does not discriminate because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. 2

3 Table of Contents Enrollment Requirements 5 o Pre-Kindergarten 5 o Kindergarten and First Grade 5 o Registration 5 Attendance 6 o Compulsory Attendance 6 o Attendance for Credit 7 o Absences 8 o Doctor s Note 9 o Makeup Work Because of Absence 9 Due Process 10 o Due Process Statement 10 Retention of Records 10 o Permanent/Cumulative Records 10 Special Programs 11 o Limited English Proficient (LEP) Students 11 o Gifted and Talented Students 11 Program of Studies 12 o Purpose Statement 12 o Pre-Kindergarten 12 o Kindergarten through Fifth Grades 12 o Sixth through Eighth Grades 13 o Ninth through Twelfth Grades 13 o Side-by-Side Comparison 17 o Electives 20 Dual Credit 20 o Enrollment 20 o Guidelines and Eligibility 21 Student Grade Information 21 o Grade Reporting 21 o Grading Scale 22 Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten 22 First through Twelfth Grades 22 o Advanced vs. Regular Grading Scale 23 o Assignment Policy 25 Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten 25 3

4 First Grade 25 Second through Fifth Grades 25 Sixth through Twelfth Grades 26 Conduct 27 Guidelines for Grading 27 o Assessments 27 o Guidelines for Semester Grades 28 Honor/Awards Recognition 28 o STAR Super Tiger Award Recognition 28 Attendance 28 Academic Achievement 28 Fine Arts Presentations 28 o Sixth through Twelfth Grades 28 Superintendent s Honor Roll 28 Principal s Honor Roll 28 Honors Courses 28 o High School Credit for Middle School Students 29 o Credit by Examination 29 Promotion/Retention Policy 30 o Curriculum Mastery 30 o Standards for Mastery 30 o Kindergarten 31 o First through Third Grades 31 o Fourth through Twelfth Grades 31 o Ninth through Twelfth Grades 32 o Personal Graduation Plans 32 o Students with Disabilities 33 o Limited English Proficient Students 33 Standardized Testing 34 o State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness 34 Third through Eighth Grades 34 Ninth through Twelfth Grades 34 Summer School 34 Ranking Graduating Seniors 35 o Valedictorian and Salutatorian 35 o Distinguished Achievement 35 o Performance Acknowledgement 36 4

5 Enrollment Requirements Blue Ridge ISD shall set all class rosters according to teacher input and administrative overview in an effort to enhance the education of all classrooms and students equitably. Pre-Kindergarten Blue Ridge ISD offers a pre-kindergarten program for four year old children who live in the district. Students who meet any of the following qualifications shall be served on a priority basis: 1. Unable to speak/comprehend the English language 2. Educationally disadvantaged (eligible to participate in the free/reduced price lunch program) 3. Homeless as defined by 42 U.S.C. Section Active military duty by either parent 5. Children who have ever been in foster care or other residential care and under the conservatorship of DFPS, as well as children in conservatorship as a result of an adversary hearing with DFPS All other students shall be served on a first come, first serve basis until the enrollment limits are reached. All pre-kindergarten students requesting the program must be four years of age on or before September first of the current school year. The office is required to make a copy of the child s birth certificate, social security card, and immunization record. Before entering school, please notify your child s physician that your child will be attending school so immunizations are current. Kindergarten and First Grade The minimum age for kindergarten shall be five years of age on or before September first of the current school year. The age a child may enter the first grade of any public school at the beginning of the school session shall be six years of age on or before September first of the current school year. Registration The student s parent, legal guardian, or other person having lawful control shall annually complete and sign registration forms. A student who has reached the age of 18 shall be permitted to complete and sign these forms. 5

6 The district shall not admit into its public schools any person age 21 or over unless otherwise required by law. A parent or guardian wishing to withdraw a minor student shall present a signed request stating the reason for the withdrawal. A student who is 18 or older may request withdrawal without a parent s or guardian s signature. Attendance Compulsory Attendance Pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students are subject to compulsory school attendance rules while they are enrolled in school. On enrollment in Pre-kindergarten and kindergarten, a child must attend school. However, if a child has not reached mandatory compulsory attendance age (6 years old as of September 1 of the current school year) the child s parent or guardian may withdraw the student from school, and the child will not be in violation of the compulsory attendance rules. Students who are at least six years of age, or who have been previously enrolled in first grade, and who have not yet reached their eighteenth birthday shall attend school for the entire period the program is offered, unless exempted as indicated below. A student must also attend: 1. An extended-year program for which the student is eligible that is provided by the District for students identified as likely not to be promoted to the next grade level or tutorial classes required by the District under Education Code An accelerated reading instruction program to which the student has been assigned under Education Code (g). 3. An accelerated instruction program to which the student is assigned under Education Code A basic skills program to which the students is assigned under Education Code ; or 5. A summer program provided: a. To a student placed in in-school suspension or other alternative setting, other than a disciplinary alternative education program (DAEP), who has been offered the opportunity to complete each course in which the student was enrolled at the time or removal. b. To a student removed to a DAEP who has been offered an opportunity to complete coursework, before the beginning of the next school year. School employees must investigate and report violations of the state compulsory attendance law. A student absent without permission from: 6

7 School Any class Required special program, or Required tutorials will be considered in violation of the compulsory attendance law and subject to disciplinary action. A court of law may impose penalties against both the student and his or her parents if a school-aged student is deliberately not attending school. A complaint against the parent may be filed in court if the student: Is absent from school ten or more days or parts of days within a six-month period in the same school year, or Is absent from school three or more days or parts of days within a four-week period. The attendance committee, including but not limited to the following: campus administration, counselor, attendance clerk, classroom teacher, will use guidelines set forth by the TEA Student Attendance Accounting Handbook and board policy in determining whether there were extenuating circumstances for the absences. Attendance for Credit A student who is in attendance for at least 75 percent but less than 90 percent of the days a class is offered may be given credit for the class if the student completes a plan approved by the school s principal that provides for the student to meet the instructional requirements of the class. In determining whether there were extenuating circumstances for the absences, the attendance committee will use the following guidelines: All absences will be considered in determining whether a student has attended the required percentage of days. If makeup work is completed, absences for religious holidays and health-care appointments will be considered days of attendance for this purpose. A transfer or migrant student begins to accumulate absences only after he or she has enrolled in the District. For a student transferring into the District after school begins, including a migrant student, only those absences after enrollment will be considered. In reaching a decision about a student s absences, the committee will attempt to ensure it is in the best interest of the student. 7

8 The committee will consider the acceptability and authenticity of documented reasons for the student s absences. The committee will consider whether the absences were for reasons over which the student or the student s parent could exercise any control. The committee will consider the extent to which the student has completed all assignments, mastered the essential knowledge and skills, and maintained passing grades in the course or subject. The student or parent will be given an opportunity to present any information to the committee about the absences and to talk about ways to earn or regain credit, upon request from the parent. At the high school level, the student or parent may appeal the committee s decision to the board of trustees by filing a written request with the Superintendent in accordance with board policy. The actual number of days a student shall be in attendance to receive credit shall depend on whether the class is listed as a semester course or year course. Student Absences Absences Blue Ridge ISD will follow all rules and guidelines as indicated in the Texas Education Agency Student Attendance Accounting Handbook. Parent Notification to School of an Absence: When a student misses all or any portion of the school day, the parent is to call the school the morning of the student s absence and a Blue Ridge ISD Absence Notification form is required to be turned into the office the day the student returns to school or the absence will be unexcused. The Absence Notification form must be completed and signed by the parent. A form signed by the student, even with the parent s permission, will not be accepted unless the student is 18 or older. Students absent for 5 consecutive days or more will require a Doctor s Note as described below in order to receive an excused absence. Should the student develop a questionable pattern of absences or the information is not deemed a valid reason for a student absence, the principal or attendance committee may require a statement from a doctor or health clinic verifying the illness or condition that caused the student s absence from school. 8

9 A copy of the Absence Notification Form will be sent home at the beginning of the school year. Forms are also available in the front office of each campus or online at the following link: Doctor s Note after an Absence for Illness: When a student s absence for personal illness exceeds five consecutive days, the principal or attendance committee may require that the student present a statement from a physician or health clinic verifying the illness or condition that caused the student s extended absence from school as a condition of classifying the absence as one for which there are extenuating circumstances. FEC (LOCAL)-A If your child is absent due to illness/injury and receives medical attention from a physician, a medical note from the physician should be sent to school when your child returns. Blue Ridge ISD follows all absentee guidelines set forth by Texas Education Agency. Makeup Work Because of Absence On the elementary campus for any class missed the teacher may assign the student make-up work based on the instructional objectives for the subject or course and the needs of the individual student in mastering the essential knowledge and skills, or in meeting subject or course requirements. A student will be responsible for obtaining and completing the makeup work in a satisfactory manner and within the time specified by the teacher. A student will be permitted to make up tests and to turn in projects due in any class missed because of absence. Late penalties may be assigned to student work by the classroom teacher for any long-term project in accordance with time lines approved by the principal and previously communicated to students. On the secondary level, all work missed due to absences shall be made up with at least the time limits shown below: 1 day absence - 1 day following return to school 2 day absence 2 days following return to school 3 day absence 3 days following return to school 4 day absence 4 days following return to school 5 day absence 5 days following return to school 6 or more days 5 days after return to school unless prior approval is made by principal or designee. Extended time may be given at teacher discretion with Principal approval. 9

10 Students reported truant will not be permitted to make up tests and/or turn in projects/assignments due in any class missed by this type of absence. Unexcused and Suspended students may not make up class assignments. Due Process Due Process Statement The District shall establish and maintain procedures to ensure that children with disabilities and their parents are guaranteed procedural safeguards with respect to the provision of a free appropriate public education (FAPE). 20 U.S.C. 1415(a) (b) Retention of Records Permanent/Cumulative Records The record custodian shall be responsible for the education records of the District. These records may include: 1. Admissions data, personal and family data, including certification of date of birth. 2. Standardized test data, including intelligence, aptitude, interest, personality, and social adjustment ratings. 3. All achievement records, as determined by tests, recorded grades, and teacher evaluations. 4. All documentation regarding a student s testing history and any accelerated instruction he or she has received, including any documentation of discussion or action by a grade placement committee convened for the student. 5. Health services record, including: a. The results of any tuberculin tests required by the District. b. The findings of screening or health appraisal programs the District conducts or provides. [See FFAA] c. Immunization records. [See FFAB] 6. Attendance records. 7. Student questionnaires. 8. Records of teacher, counselor, or administrative conferences with the student or pertaining to the student. 9. Verified reports of serious or recurrent behavior patterns. 10. Copies of correspondence with parents and others concerned with the student. 11. Records transferred from other districts in which the student was enrolled. 12. Records pertaining to participation in extracurricular activities. 13. Information relating to student participation in special programs. 14. Records of fees assessed and paid. 15. Records pertaining to student and parent complaints. 16. Other records that may contribute to an understanding of the student. 10

11 Special Programs Limited English Proficient (LEP) Students Upon a student s enrollment, the District shall verify/conduct a home language survey to determine the language normally used in the home and the language normally used by the student. The home language survey shall be conducted in English and in the home language, and signed by the student s parents if the student is in prekindergarten through grade 8, or by the student if the student is in grades 9 through 12. The original copy of the survey shall be retained in the student s permanent record. A District shall conduct only one home language survey of each student. If a student is identified through the home language survey as normally speaking a language other than English, the student shall be tested. Placement and specialized services will be considered to address the needs of the student. Students who exit the program will be monitored for two years. No LEP student shall be retained solely because of limited English proficiency. Gifted and Talented Students Kindergarten through Eighth Grades Students may be nominated for the gifted and talented program at any time by teachers, counselors, parents, or other interested persons. A selection committee shall evaluate each nominated student according to the established criteria and shall select those students for whom the gifted program placement is most appropriate. Parents and students shall be notified in writing upon selection of the student for the gifted program. Participation in any program or services provided for gifted students is voluntary. Teachers will be notified of these students at the beginning of each school year, as new students are identified into the program, and on request. Students who are identified into this program during Kindergarten shall be reassessed during the second semester of second grade. Students shall be reassessed during the second semester of fifth grade if he/she were identified for this program during first, second or third grade. When a student identified as gifted by a previous school district transfers into the District, the student s records shall be reviewed by the selection committee to determine if placement in the District s program for gifted and talented students is appropriate. 11

12 Program of Studies Purpose Statement A primary purpose of the public school curriculum is to prepare thoughtful, active citizens who understand the importance of patriotism and can function productively in a free enterprise society with appreciation for the basic democratic values of our state and national heritage. The District shall foster the continuation of the tradition of teaching United States and Texas history and the free enterprise system in regular subject matter, in reading courses, and in the adoption of textbooks. As a condition of accreditation, the District shall provide instruction in the essential knowledge and skills at appropriate grade levels in the foundation and enrichment curriculum. The District shall ensure that all students in the District participate actively in a balanced curriculum designed to meet individual needs. Instruction may be provided in a variety of arrangements and settings, including mixedage programs designed to permit flexible learning arrangements for developmentally appropriate instruction for all student populations to support student attainment of course and grade-level standards. Pre-Kindergarten Social and Emotional Development Language and Communication Emergent Literacy Reading Emergent Literacy Writing Mathematics Science Social Studies Fine Arts Physical Development Technology Kindergarten through Fifth Grades English Language Arts (Spelling/Phonics/Grammar/Writing) Reading Mathematics Science Social Studies Physical Education/Health Art, Music, Theatre Technology shall be integrated into the curriculum in all core subjects. Writing shall be integrated across the curriculum. 12

13 Sixth through Eighth Grades Reading/English Language Arts Mathematics Science Social Studies Computer Applications Fine Arts Physical Education/Athletics Ninth through Twelfth Grades Blue Ridge ISD students are classified by grade level in August of each school year based on the number of credits earned. Minimum Grade Classification Requirements: Freshman (9 th Grade): completion of 8 th Grade Sophomore (10 th Grade): 5.0 credits Junior (11 th Grade): 10.0 credits Senior (12 th Grade): 15.0 credits Local credit courses are courses offered by Blue Ridge High School which do not count toward grade level classifications, GPA, class rank or toward the required credits for graduation. Students entering 9 th grade July 2015 will be classified as: Minimum Grade Classification Requirements: Freshman (9 th Grade): completion of 8 th Grade Sophomore (10 th Grade): >6.0 credits Junior (11 th Grade): >12.0 credits Senior (12 th Grade): 18.0 credits 13

14 **Distinguished Graduation Plan Minimum of 26 Credits Required English Language Arts.4.0 o English I, II, III, and IV o Immigrant students with limited English proficiency may substitute English I and II for Speakers of Other Languages for English I and English II. Mathematics.4.0 o Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry and a fourth math course for which Algebra II is a prerequisite. Science.4.0 o IPC, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, plus two additional TEA approved courses. Social Studies.3.5 o World History Studies (1.0) or AP World History Studies (1.0) o World Geography Studies (1.0) o U.S. History Studies since Reconstruction (1.0) o U.S. Government (0.5) Economics.0.5 Physical Education 1.0 o Foundations of Personal Fitness (1.0). (Limit 2.0 credits.) o Can substitute: drill team, marching band, cheerleading, athletics, Dance I-IV, approved private programs, or certain career and technology education courses. Languages other than English.3.0 o Any three levels in the same language Fine Arts.1.0 Speech.0.5 Additional Components (elective courses)..4.5 o the list of courses approved by the State Board of Education for Grades 9-12 (relating to Essential Knowledge and Skills) o state-approved innovative courses Total Credits.26.0 **Students enrolled prior to August

15 **Recommended Graduation Plan Minimum of 26 Credits Required English Language Arts.4.0 o English I, II, III, and IV o Immigrant students with limited English proficiency may substitute English I and II for Speakers of Other Languages for English I and English II. Mathematics.4.0 o Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry and a fourth math course for which Algebra II is a prerequisite. Science.4.0 o IPC, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, plus an additional lab-based course. Social Studies.3.5 o World History Studies (1.0) or AP World History (1.0) o World Geography Studies (1.0) o U.S. History Studies Since Reconstruction (1.0), and o U.S. Government (0.5) Economics.0.5 Physical Education 1.0 o Can Substitute: drill team, marching band, cheerleading, athletics, Dance I-IV, approved private programs, or certain career and technology education courses. Languages other than English.2.0 o Any two levels in the same language Fine Arts.1.0 Speech.0.5 Additional Components (elective courses)..5.5 o the list of courses approved by the State Board of Education for Grades 9-12 (relating to Essential Knowledge and Skills) o state-approved innovative courses, Total Credits.26.0 **Students enrolled prior to August

16 **Minimum Graduation Plan*** Minimum of 22 Credits Required English Language Arts.4.0 o English I, II, III, and IV o Immigrant students with limited English proficiency may substitute English I and II for Speakers of Other Languages for English I and English II. o Check with counselor for course options to satisfy fourth credits. Mathematics.3.0 o Algebra I and Geometry o Math Models o Statistics and Risk Management Science.2.0 o Biology and Integrated Physics & Chemistry (IPC) o May substitute Chemistry or Physics for IPC but must use the other as academic elective credit. Social Studies.2.5 o World History Studies (1.0), or o World Geography Studies (1.0), o U.S. History Studies Since Reconstruction (1.0), and o U.S. Government (0.5) Economics.0.5 Academic Elective.1.0 o World History Studies, World Geography Studies, or any science course approved by State Board of Education (If substituting Chemistry or Physics for IPC, must use one of these as academic elective credit here.) Physical Education 1.0 o Foundations of Personal Fitness (0.5). (Limit 2.0 credits.) o Can substitute: drill team, marching band, cheerleading, athletics, Dance I-IV, approved private programs, or certain career and technology education courses. Languages other than English.None Fine Arts.1.0 o May be satisfied by any one course found in 19 TAC Chapter 117 Speech.0.5 Additional Components (elective courses)..6.5 o the list of courses approved by the State Board of Education for Grades 9-12 (relating to Essential Knowledge and Skills), o state-approved innovative courses, Total Credits.22.0 ***Graduation under this plan requires the approval of the student s parent and high school administrator. **Students enrolled prior to August

17 Discipline English Language Arts Mathematics Science Side-by-Side Comparison--Current Graduation Requirements and HB5 Requirements to be implemented Beginning in Foundation High School Program Four Credits: *English I *English II *English III *An Advanced English Course Three Credits: *Algebra I *Geometry *An Advanced Math Course Three Credits: *Biology *IPC or An Advanced Science Course *Any Advanced Science Course *Minimum High School Program Four Credits: *English I *English II *English III *English IV or Approved Alt. Credit Three Credits: *Algebra I *Geometry *SBOE Approved Math Course Two Credits: *Biology *IPC or Chemistry and Physics (one of the two serves as an academic elective) *Recommended High School Program Four Credits: *English I *English II *English III *English IV Four Credits: *Algebra I *Algebra II *Geometry *An Additional Math Credit Four Credits: *Biology *Chemistry *Physics *An Additional Science Credit *Distinguished Achievement Program Four Credits: *English I *English II *English III *English IV Four Credits: *Algebra I *Algebra II *Geometry *An Additional Math Credit Four Credits: *Biology *Chemistry *Physics *An Additional Science Credit Social Studies Three Credits: *World History or World Geography or Combined W. History/W. Geography (one credit) *U.S. History *U.S. Government (one-half credit) *Economics (one-half credit) Three Credits: *World History Studies (one credit) or World Geography Studies (one credit) *U.S. History Studies Since 1877 (one credit) *U.S. Government (one-half credit) *Economics (one-half credit) Four Credits: *World History Studies (one credit) *World Geography Studies (one credit) *U.S. History Studies Since 1877 (one credit) *U.S. Government (one-half credit) *Economics (one-half credit Four Credits: *World History Studies (one credit) *World Geography Studies (one credit) *U.S. History Studies Since 1877 (one credit) *U.S. Government (one-half credit) *Economics (one-half credit Physical Ed. One Credit One Credit One Credit One Credit Languages Other Than English Two Credits in the Same Language Computer Programming Languages (other exceptions) One Credit None Two Credits in the Same Language Three Credits in the Same Language Fine Arts One Credit One Credit One Credit One Credit Speech Demonstrated Proficiency in Speech Skills One-Half Credit from Either of the Following: One-Half Credit from Either of the Following: One-Half Credit from Either of the Following: 17

18 *Communication Applications *Professional Communications (CTE) Electives Five Credits Seven and One-Half Credits (one must be an academic elective) *Communication Applications *Professional Communications (CTE) Five and One-Half Credits *Communication Applications *Professional Communications (CTE) Four and One-Half Credits Total Credits *Students enrolled in Band for Physical Education must receive credits for two fall semesters. *ONLY Available for students who entered grade 9 before the school year. Endorsements STEM Business and Industry Public Services Arts and Humanities Endorsements A student may earn an endorsement by successfully completing: *Curriculum Requirements for the Endorsement *Four Credits in Mathematics *Four Credits in Science *Two Additional Elective Credits Includes Courses Directly Related to: *Science, Including Environmental Science *Technology, Including Computer *Science *Engineering *Advanced Math Includes Courses Directly Related to: *Accounting *Communications *Finance *HVAC *Marketing *Agricultural Science *Automotive Technology *Database Management *Information Technology *Architecture *Construction *Graphic Design *Logistics *Welding Includes Courses Directly Related to: *Health Sciences and Occupations *Education and Training *Law Enforcement *Culinary Arts and Hospitality Includes Courses Directly Related to: *Political Science *World Languages 18

19 Multidisciplinary Studies *Cultural Studies *English Literature *History *Fine Arts Allows a Student to Select Courses from the Curriculum of Each Endorsement Area and Earn Credits in a Variety of Advanced Courses From Multiple Content Areas Sufficient to Complete the Distinguishes Level of Achievement TOTAL Credits w/endorsement--26 Distinguished Achievement Performance Acknowledgement *Four Credits in Math, Including Credit in Algebra II *Four Credits in Science *Completion of Curriculum Requirements for at Least One Endorsement *For Outstanding Performance *In a Dual Credit Course *In Bilingualism and Biliteracy *On an AP Test of IB Exam *On the PSAT, the ACT-Plan, the SAT, or the ACT *For Earning a Nationally or Internationally Recognized Business of Industry Certification or License Blue Ridge High School will offer selected Endorsements. 19

20 Ninth through Twelfth Grade Electives Agriculture Business Other Ag Structures or Metal Fabrication Accounting Art 1-4 Livestock Production Business Information Management 1-2 Cheer Ag Mechanics Digital and Interactive Professional Multimedia Communication Equine Science Money Matters Debate Agriculture Power Systems Yearbook 1-3 Spanish 1-3 Principles of Agriculture PE or Athletics Advanced Animal Science Theatre 1-4 Horticulture Professional Standards Psychology or Sociology Technical Theatre Directing Audio Visual Production Advanced Audio Visual Production Band Instrumental Ensemble Electives shall be analyzed on an annual basis and additional course offerings shall reflect the needs and interests of Blue Ridge students. Dual Credit Blue Ridge ISD has partnered with Collin College to offer BRHS students various options for obtaining college credit as a high school student. For admission information, see Enrollment Students who qualify may enroll in BRISD and Collin College concurrently. Students may receive high school and college credit for designated courses, currently including: English Composition/Rhetoric Literature US History American Government/ Macroeconomics College Algebra 20

21 Students requesting dual credit must: Guidelines and Eligibility Complete a Dual Credit enrollment permission form Obtain signature approval from BRHS counselor prior to enrollment in Collin College and BRHS courses Meet with a Collin College advisor to register Pay all required fees at Collin College Take the TSI test or provide proof of TSI exemption Take any additional assessments required by Collin College or BRHS Provide enrollment documentation and receipt of payment to BRHS counselor two weeks prior to class. Families who do not reside in Collin County may be charged out of county rates at the discretion of the college. To be eligible for dual credit enrollment, students must: Be in compliance with state attendance laws Meet Collin College requirements Student Grade Information Grade Reporting Report cards shall be sent to parents by the school district following each nine week grading period. Parents shall be notified by the call reach system making parents aware students were given their report card on a particular day. Semester and final report cards shall be mailed to the parent or guardian immediately following the final grade submission. Kindergarten shall receive one progress report per subject, four and a half weeks into each nine-week grading period. 1 st through 12 th grade students shall receive one progress report each three week and six week into each nine-week grading period per subject. Grades will be checked in accordance with UIL eligibility requirements and BRISD extra- curricular handbook. All grades shall be entered into the online grade book weekly by the teacher of record. Teachers shall not change, eliminate, or tamper with a student s final grade. During the first grading period for each calendar year no report card grade lower than a 60 shall be recorded for the first grading period to ensure a safety net for those students who otherwise might give up. Newly enrolled student entering BRISD after the first 21

22 grading period may receive this safety net on an individual basis as determined by administrator(s) discretion. Grading Scale Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten shall utilize a rubric based grade report system consisting of mastery on grade level skills and competencies. The following is the rubric example. Kindergarten Student Name Developed -- Student exhibits qualities and produces work that portrays a "developed" understanding and ability to apply knowledge and skills as aligned with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). Beginning to Develop -- Student exhibits qualities and produces work that portrays (s)he is "beginning to develop" an understanding the necessary knowledge and skills as aligned with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). Not Developed -- Student exhibits qualities and produces work that portrays (s)he has "not developed" the necessary understanding of the knowledge and skills as aligned with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) *If your child exceeds expectation the teacher will describe how the student has exceeded specific TEKS. Grades 1 12 shall utilize a traditional numeric system consisting of mastery on grade level skills and competencies. First through Twelfth Grades A B C F 69 and below The Advanced vs. Regular Grading Scale is a reference for those courses offered and noted as an Advanced Blue Ridge High School Course. 22

23 The following courses are Advanced and shall be weighted on the scale accordingly: Spanish III H Advanced Animal Science H Pre-Calculus H Anatomy and Physiology H Algebra I H Algebra II H Geometry H English I H English II H Biology H Chemistry H Physics H World History H All Dual Credit Courses Honors courses are denoted with H on the master schedule of Blue Ridge High School. A student who enrolls into the district with higher-level course credits, such as International Baccalaureate (IB), International honors (IntH), Advanced Placement (AP), Pre-AP/Honors, or dual credit, shall receive similar credit counted toward his/her GPA, in accordance with the list of higher-level courses offered to other students in the same graduating class at BRHS and the grade point scale used for credits earned in the district. Advanced vs. Regular Grading Scale Semester grades shall be converted in accordance with the following scale: Grade Advanced Regular

24 Grade Advanced Regular Below Non Weighted/Local Credit Courses The following courses will not be calculated in a student s GPA for ranking a student s high school grade point average. Local Electives PAALS Career Practicum Yearbook Study Skills Band Instrumental Ensemble Cheer Physical Education Athletics **Begins with students entering BRHS for the first time July 2015 and the cohort of

25 Assignment Policy Monitoring notebooks shall be kept by all teachers (elementary only.) Notebooks may consist of, but are not limited to, recording mastery levels based on: Daily assignments/activities Homework Teacher anecdotal notes Teacher observation records Project analysis Teacher made assessments, unit assessments, and various other assessments Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten student grades will be based on rubric scoring. First Grade 1. Student Products may include, but not limited to, daily assignments and daily activities. (Weight 25%) 2. Subject-Specific Rubrics (Weight 15%) 3. Project Analysis student created projects. (Weight 15%) 4. Assessments may include, but not limited to, teacher made assessments, unit assessments, major assessments, and quizzes. (Weight 45%) Second through Fifth Grades Teachers shall record a minimum of sixteen grades per grading period, a minimum of six major assessments, two of which are formal assessments, and ten minor evaluations. Assessment (Weight 75%) 1. Projects (Weight 15%) 2. Formal Assessments including quarterly exams (Weight 45%) 3. Quizzes (Weight 15%) Daily Grades (Weight 25% May include, but not limited to, 1. Assignments 2. Activities 25

26 Performance Classes (Specials) Music, Art, Theatre, Physical Education 1. Performance Daily participation and activities (Weight 85%) 2. 1 Project per Nine Week Period (Weight 15%) Sixth through Twelfth Grades Teachers shall record a minimum of sixteen grades per grading period, a minimum of six major assessments, four of which are formal assessments, and ten minor evaluations minimum. One major assessment grade and three minor evaluation grades shall be recorded in the electronic gradebook for each subject prior to the three-week progress report of each nine-week grading period. All grades shall be either major or minor. Major Assessments are weighted 75% o 65% - Examples of major assessments include, but are not limited to the following: individual projects, group projects, presentations, research assessments, lab-based activities, exams, and unit evaluations. o 10% - 9 Weeks Exam Nine Week exams will be taken in all courses. Students in STAAR and/or EOC courses may be exempt from the final semester exam if he/she scores Advanced Level II or III on STAAR. These EOC courses are English I, English II, Algebra I, U.S. History, and Biology. For students in 6 th through 8 th grades these courses are Reading, Mathematics, Writing, Science, and Social Studies at applicable grade levels. Minor Assessment will be weighted 25% of the grade. Examples of minor evaluations may include, but are not limited to the following: independent practice, homework, group work, quizzes, reading checks, and discussion circles. Assignments, both Major Assessments and Minor Evaluations, that are relevant and meaningful to the student shall be assigned at the discretion of the classroom teacher and completed in a timely manner. Performance Based Courses must include a minimum of one written assessment per nine week period. 26

27 Conduct Students shall receive letter comments on his/her nine week report for behavior. In the electronic gradebook system S is Satisfactory, E is Excellent, N is Needs Improvement, and U is Unacceptable. Guidelines for Grading The District shall adopt a grading policy, including provisions for the assignment of grades on class assignments and examinations, before each school year. The District grading policy: 1. Must require a classroom teacher to assign a grade that reflects the student s relative mastery of an assignment. 2. May not require a classroom teacher to assign a minimum grade for an assignment without regard to the student s quality of work; and 3. May allow a student a reasonable opportunity to make up or redo a class assignment or examination for which the student received a failing grade. EIA (LEGAL) Education Code The District shall permit a student who meets the criteria detailed in the grading guidelines a reasonable opportunity to redo an assignment or retake a test for which the student received a failing grade. EIA (LOCAL) Major Assessments: No corrections of Major Assessments (except for extenuating circumstances - family crisis, health issue, etc.) Student will be responsible for communicating these issues to the teacher so it can be determined if allowances should be made. If needed, teacher will consult with principal. Minor Assessments: Students will ONLY be allowed to correct minor assessments below a grade of 70 IF they meet the following criteria: Original work was turned in on time; Academic effort by the student is obvious and/or assignment is complete with obvious effort by the student ( obvious academic effort will be determined by the teacher.) Student attendance and behavior will also be used as determining factors by the teacher. Teacher will work with student to set up an appropriate tutorial time. Corrections will be made during tutorial time. Accepted work that has been corrected will have a maximum grade of

28 Late Work: No late work will be accepted except for cases where a teacher is allowing an opportunity for the minor assessment to be corrected (see above criteria.) Assessments The teacher shall review the assessment content with the class and the individual grades with the student within five school days. Guidelines for Semester Grades A semester grade shall be comprised of the average of two nine week grading periods. Honor/Awards Recognition Superior Tiger Award Recognition STAR Assemblies Attendance Individual students will be honored for perfect attendance. Academic Achievement Individual students will be recognized for academic accomplishments Fine Arts Presentations Programs designed to spotlight fine arts student accomplishments. Sixth through Twelfth Grades Blue Ridge Middle and High School shall honor students who achieve honor roll status with two distinct honor rolls each grading period. The school shall post Superintendent s Honor Roll and Principal s Honor Roll lists on the website. Students who receive perfect attendance shall be recognized during assemblies. Students exhibiting positive character leadership traits shall also be recognized. Superintendent s Honor Roll Students who earn A s in all grade level subjects shall be recognized on the Superintendent s Honor Roll each nine week grading period. Principal s Honor Roll Students who earn A s and B s in all grade level subjects shall be recognized on the Principal s Honor Roll each nine week grading period. Honor Courses Honor courses are designed to enhance student learning at a higher level and provide new challenges across the curriculum. 28

29 To be eligible for courses, students must meet 3 of the 5 following criteria: Must have a cumulative average of 90% or above in regular courses or 85% or above in advanced level courses the previous year in the subject in which the student wants to accelerate. Teacher, parent, and department recommendation. STAAR Level II Performance Attendance Discipline To remain in an honors course: Students must maintain an average of an actual numerical non-weighted grade of 80 or better each semester. Students shall participate in at least one UIL academic event. Students are expected to exhibit positive behavior Discipline referrals are grounds for immediate removal from the class. Teacher and principal recommendation. High School Credit for Middle School Students BRISD Eighth Grade students may qualify to enroll in the following courses to earn high school credit: Spanish I Algebra I Professional Communication Band I Students may earn high school credit for a course only once. Grades earned in courses shall count toward High School GPA. If a Student Has Taken the Course: Credit by Examination A student who has previously taken a course or subject but did not receive credit for it may, in circumstances determined by the teacher, counselor, principal, or attendance committee, be permitted to earn credit by passing an exam on the essential knowledge and skills defined for that course or subject. Prior instruction may include, for example, incomplete coursework due to a failed course or excessive absences, home schooling, correspondence courses, or independent student supervised by a teacher. 29

30 The counselor or principal could determine if the student could take an exam for this purpose. If approval is granted, the student must score at least 70 on the exam to receive credit for the course or subject. The attendance review committee may offer a student with excessive absences an opportunity to earn credit for a course by passing an exam. A student may not use this exam; however, to regain eligibility to participate in extracurricular activities. If a Student Has Not Taken the Course: Kindergarten through Fifth Grades The District shall develop procedures for kindergarten acceleration that are approved by the Board. The District shall accelerate a student in grades 1-5 one grade level if the student meets the following requirements: 1. The student scores 80 percent or above on a criterion-referenced test for the grade level to be skipped in each of the following areas: language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies; 2. A District representative recommends that the student be accelerated; and 3. The student s parent or guardian gives written approval of the acceleration. Sixth through Twelfth Grades The District shall give a student in grades 6-12 credit for an academic subject in which the student has received no prior instruction if the student scores: 1. A three or higher on a College Board advanced placement examination that has been approved by the Board for the applicable course; 2. A scaled score of 60 or higher on an examination administered through the College-Level Examination Program and approved by the Board for the applicable course; or 3. Eighty percent or above on any other criterion-referenced test approved by the Board for the applicable course. If a student is given credit in a subject on the basis of an examination on which the student scored 80 percent or higher, the District shall enter the examination score on the student s transcript and the student is not required to take an end-or-course (EOC) assessment instrument under Education Code for the course. EDHC (LEGAL) If a student plans to take an exam, the student (or parent) must register with the principal no later than 30 days prior to the scheduled testing date. The district will honor a request by a parent to administer a test on a date other than the published dates. All fees incurred for these exams will be paid at the expense of the parent/guardian. 30

31 If a Student Enrolls From Home School Setting: A home schooled student enrolling in Blue Ridge ISD will take a Credit by Examination (CBE) to determine final grade placement after the graded CBE is graded and evaluated. Promotion/Retention Curriculum Mastery Promotion and course credit shall be based on mastery of the curriculum. Expectations and standards for promotion shall be established for each grade level, content area, and course and shall be coordinated with compensatory/accelerated services. Standards for Mastery In addition to the factors in law that must be considered for promotion, mastery shall be determined as follows: 1. Course assignments and unit evaluation shall be used to determine a student grades in a subject. An average of 70 or higher shall be considered a passing grade. 2. Master of the skills necessary for success at the next level shall be validated by assessments that may either be incorporated into unit or final exams or may be administered separately. Mastery of at least 70 percent of the objectives shall be required. EIE (LOCAL) Kindergarten The following factors are considered when determining student promotion: Students must demonstrate social, emotional, and academic readiness to advance to the next grade level. First through Third Grades In grade 1-3, promotion to the next grade level shall be based on an overall average of 70 on a scale of 100 based on course-level, grade-level standards (essential knowledge and skills) for all subject areas and a grade of 70 or above in reading and mathematics. EIE (LOCAL) 31

32 The following factors, if applicable, are considered when determining student promotion: Students must achieve mastery on grade level objectives and competencies and meet attendance requirements to be promoted to the next grade level. Passing grade on the STAAR test or by unanimous decisions of his/her grade placement committee that the student is likely to perform at grade level after additional instruction. If it is determined the student is in danger of retention due to any of the following factors, the parent(s), teacher(s), and administrator(s) will meet to determine student needs: Non-mastery of grade level TEKS Failing grade on STAAR assessment(s) Compliance or noncompliance of state attendance policy Fourth through Eighth Grades In grades 4-8, promotion to the next grade level shall be based on an overall average of 70 on a scale of 100 based on course-level, grade-level standards (essential knowledge and skills) for all subject areas and a grade of 70 or above in three of the following areas: language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies. EIE (LOCAL) The following factors, if applicable, are considered when determining student promotion: Students must achieve mastery on grade level objectives and competencies and meet attendance requirements to be promoted to the next grade level. Passing grade on the STAAR test or by unanimous decisions of his/her grade placement committee that the student is likely to perform at grade level after additional instruction. If it is determined the student is in danger of retention due to any of the following factors, the parent(s), teacher(s), and administrator(s) will meet to determine student needs: Non-mastery of grade level TEKS Failing grade on STAAR assessment(s) Compliance or noncompliance of state attendance policy 32