High School 101: Promotion and Retention Policy, GPA, Diploma of Distinction, and Graduation Requirements

Promotion and Retention There is a Promotion and Retention Policy in place for Dorchester District Two. Promotion means to be promoted to the next grade level Example: Go from 9th grade to 10th grade Retention means to be held back a grade level Example: 2 consecutive years in the 9th grade

Promotion and Retention The policy: To go from 9th to 10th grade requires 6 credits which must include but are not limited to: English 1 credit Math 1 credit Science 1 credit Additional Courses 3 credits To go from 10th to 11th grade requires 12 credits which must include but are not limited to: English 2 credits Math 2 credits Science 2 credits Social Studies 1 credit Additional Courses 5 credits

Promotion and Retention The policy: To go from 11th to 12th grade requires at least 17 credits which must include but are not limited to: English 3 credits Math 3 credits Science 3 credits Social Studies 2 credits Additional Courses 6 credits

Grade Point Average The Grade Point Average or GPA is a weighted number that is given to each student based on grades made in each class and the type of class the student is enrolled in. For example, an Honors course will have a greater weighting than a CP course. Also, an AP class will have a greater weighting than an Honors course. The GPA conversions can be found on page 37 of your Student Agenda book

Why is GPA important? Sports Eligibility: For NCAA Division 1 sports, students must maintain a 2.3 GPA. Scholarship Eligibility: Many scholarships, including the Life Scholarship ($5,000 per year) require a 3.0 GPA. Class Rank: Class rank oftentimes factors into scholarship eligibility. Getting a job: Many employers look at the GPA to determine what type of work ethic you have.

Grade Point Average It is important for students to understand that GPA begins their 9th grade year of high school. Also, any transfer high school credits from middle school will affect GPA. DON’T WAIT until your senior year to think about your grades! Colleges make provisional acceptance decisions based upon 9th through 11th grade courses.

Diploma of Distinction Students must meet all  of the following criteria: Earn at least 28 credits by the end of the 8th semester of high school to earn high school diploma. Earn an overall 4.000 GPA or higher. Earn a composite SAT score of 1100 OR ACT of 24 or higher Earn 4 or more units of math, science, english, and social studies.

Diploma of Distinction Students must meet all of the following criteria: (continued) Earn 3 or more units of AP, or Dual Credit level. Earn at least 3 units in the same foreign language. Show written verification of participation in at least one school sponsored organization during grades 10-12, OR complete 50 hours of approved community service during high school.

Assessments State EOCs WIN- All 11th Graders ACT- All 11th Graders US History- English 1- Biology- Algebra 1- WIN- All 11th Graders ACT- All 11th Graders PSAT and Pre-ACT- All 10th Graders and top 40 11th Graders. 

Exam Policy State EOCs End of course exams cover the entire course. Seniors who are passing a course with at least an 80 average and no unexcused absences may exempt the final exam. Students in grades 9, 10, and 11 who are receiving high school credit for a course are not exempt from exams.  Exams will count 20% of the final grade. The EOC exam schedule will be announced as soon as we have the final dates.

Intervention High School 101

Depending on the course, you are eligible to retake tests if you have received a failing score You must check with a teacher to determine if you are applicable to retake a test Retakes

Quarter Recovery assignments may include, but are not limited to: If you receive a 50-59 in a class for the quarter you will be eligible to recover that grade up to a 60 Quarter Recovery assignments may include, but are not limited to: APEX Missing Assignments Tests/Quizzes Quarter Recovery

Credit recovery is offered through APEX or Virtual school If you receive a final grade of a 50-59 in a class, you are permitted to recover that credit at the end of the semester or year Credit recovery is offered through APEX or Virtual school Credit Recovery

APEX classes are offered throughout the school day and evening school APEX is an online system that allows students to complete course work for certain classes This may include classes that a student has failed previously or classes a student needs to recover APEX classes are offered throughout the school day and evening school

Virtual School Virtual school is and online system where students can complete coursework outside of the regular school day

Evening School Evening school is a program offered to students who need to recover credits that were lost during the school year due to a failing course Evening school is free to ARHS students and is offered after school on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday