Summary of Class Rank and Data
Transcripción
Summary of Class Rank and Data
Summary of Class Rank and Data 2015 Summary of Class Rank and Data EIC Subcommittee South Texas Independent School District South Texas Independent School District 4/13/2015 1|Page Summary of Class Rank and Data 2015 Executive Summary The South Texas Independent School District (STISD), in an effort to evaluate the current class rank policy, has chartered an Educational Improvement Council (EIC) Subcommittee to conduct research and survey all STISD stakeholders. To ensure students have the best opportunity to succeed, the EIC subcommittee reviewed current policies pertaining to class rank - considerations include retaining, eliminating, or modifying class rank. The process of making a recommendation included several areas of study: Texas law and education policy, STISD mission statement alignment to policy, college admission requirements, other school districts’ established policies on class rank, and a survey. The subcommittee’s recommendation is to modify the policy to allow students and parents to have a choice on the publication of their class rank on their official transcripts. This is the EIC Subcommittee’s most earnest attempt at determining the best solution for the 6 schools of STISD to align the current class rank policy with the school district’s mission. South Texas Independent School District 2|Page Summary of Class Rank and Data 2015 Table of Contents Executive Summary....................................................................................................................................... 2 Contributors .................................................................................................................................................. 4 Project Definition .......................................................................................................................................... 4 Background ............................................................................................................................................... 4 Project Considerations .............................................................................................................................. 5 Plan of Action ............................................................................................................................................ 5 Texas Law ...................................................................................................................................................... 6 STISD Policy ................................................................................................................................................... 6 Summary of School Districts ......................................................................................................................... 7 Research on Universities and Colleges: Admissions, Studies, and Trends ................................................... 8 Survey Results ............................................................................................................................................. 10 Conclusion and Recommendations ............................................................................................................ 12 Further Actions and Recommendations ..................................................................................................... 12 Appendices.................................................................................................................................................. 13 Frequently Asked Questions ................................................................................................................... 13 Survey Questions .................................................................................................................................... 15 Frequency Asked questions in Spanish ................................................................................................... 17 Survey in Spanish .................................................................................................................................... 20 EIC Legal .................................................................................................................................................. 22 EIC Local .................................................................................................................................................. 25 South Texas Independent School District 3|Page Summary of Class Rank and Data 2015 Contributors Educational Improvement Council (EIC) Subcommittee: Marizel Briones (Medical Academy) Lauren Payne (Med High) Celeste C. Cardenas (Science Academy) Mari Sanchez (STPA) Ileana Garcia-Spitz (Med High) Eric Silva (Community Member) Nelly Houston (Science Academy) Nina Taboada (Parent) Andrea Hudler (Med High) Ann Vickman (Med High) Joanna Imperial (Parent) Marla Guerra, Ed.D. (Superintendent) Gretel Lozano (Parent) Jeff Hembree (Deputy Superintendent) Project Definition Currently, South Texas ISD students are ranked each year in order to compete with their peers in obtaining entrance into a university or college. Because schools have begun to drop the practice of ranking students, STISD has decided to consider this action for our district. The mission of South Texas I.S.D. is to develop our students into people who "achieve at the highest level, lead in a chosen field, and contribute to a changing world.” Whether or not a class ranking system enables our students or hinders them is a debate over the essence of our district's philosophy. Background Based on a suggestion from a concerned school board member, the EIC committee was given the task to research the impact and qualify the implications of our current class rank policy. Committee members went back to their respective campuses to poll and collect information from faculty, staff, students and parents. After initial findings, the EIC committee determined that further research should be conducted by a subcommittee. The subcommittee would continue to collect information, interview campuses that had made the change to a non-ranking system, and create a survey that would allow input from the entire STISD community to help the EIC make a recommendation to the board, which would in turn lead to the board’s final decision about the class ranking policy. South Texas Independent School District 4|Page Summary of Class Rank and Data 2015 Project Considerations The team determined that in order to make a recommendation we would have to answer the following questions: Does STISD Class Rank Policy help or hinder our students during the college admissions process? What are the pros and cons of using a numeric class rank system? How do universities/colleges evaluate applicants from non-ranking high schools? What criteria are being used? What is the prevalent rationale for omitting/keeping class ranking? How does the STISD Mission/Vision Statement align with the policy decision? Plan of Action For determining the final recommendation to the EIC committee, the subcommittee decided to gather research from different areas: STISD Class Rank Policy Once the information was gathered, the subcommittee reviewed the results and weighed the implications of the information to determine a recommendation for the EIC committee. South Texas Independent School District 5|Page Summary of Class Rank and Data 2015 Texas Law Schools are not required to publish class rank information. In accordance with TEC, §28.026, and Texas Administrative Code (TAC), §61.1201, school districts are required to provide written notification of eligibility for automatic college admission under the Uniform Admission Policy (TEC §51.803) to students before the 14th day after the last day of the fall semester. Districts are required to notify: Each eligible senior, Each junior with a grade point average in the top ten percent, and Student’s parent or guardian. NOTE: A valedictorian would still be named. Texas Education Agency STISD Policy According to STISD’s EIC Local Policy, student grades shall be recorded in the counselor's office as numerical grades. Numerical grades shall be assigned grade points according to the table below for the purpose of ranking. A grade in a dual credit class must be 80 or higher in order to receive Level 3 weighting. Dual credit class grades lower than 80 will receive Level 2 weighting. A student must take the Advanced Placement (AP) examination in the subject area directly related to the class to receive Level 3 weighting for an AP class grade. During a year in which a student is enrolled in an AP course, the student must be registered to take the AP examination in the subject area directly related to the class to receive Level 3 weighting for an AP class grade. Failure to register and take the AP examination in an AP class will reduce the class grade to a Level 2 weighting for each of the two semesters of the class. Students shall be ranked according to their accumulated grade points during grades 9–12, excluding those points earned during the fourth nine-week grading period of the senior year. Grade points for the following courses shall not be used in computing averages for class rank and scholastic honors: 1. Summer school courses not taken in the District. 2. Correspondence courses. 3. Courses approved for local credit. 4. Credit by examination. 5. Courses completed at junior high/middle school. Courses that receive more than one credit during a school year shall be counted only once in determining GPA designation. South Texas Independent School District 6|Page Summary of Class Rank and Data 2015 Summary of School Districts The EIC subcommittee looked into Texas school districts have already updated their class rank policy. The following is a list of the school districts and a summary of their class rank policies. Districts Eliminating Rank 1. Carroll ISD The top 10% will be identified and these students will receive a Certification of Rank form listing their class rank beginning with the class of 2011. This form will accompany transcripts sent to universities and colleges. Class rank will no longer be placed on individual student transcripts. Counselors will work with students should they want to know if they are in top 10%. 2. Eanes ISD Only the top 10% of seniors will receive a class rank which is mandated by law beginning with the class of 2011. Class rank will be calculated end of the junior year, end of the fall semester of the senor year, and at the end of the senior year in the spring semester. Class rank will no longer be placed on individual student transcripts. 3. Highland Park ISD Class rank not calculated/reported, except for top 10% The top 10% will be identified and these students will receive a Certification of Rank form listing their class rank This form will accompany transcripts sent to universities and colleges. Fall of senior year, student will be notified for first time of his/her top 10% ranking 4. Round Rock ISD Class rank temporarily suspended from placement on student transcripts 2010-11 Transcript forms will have Rank In Class (RIC) option Transcripts sent with or without RIC information Registration applications same as in the past Districts Providing Choice of Published Rank 5. Leander ISD Beginning 2013-2014 , high school students can opt out of individual class rankings on official academic reports sent to colleges and universities Introduces changes to valedictorian and salutatorian requirements will apply only to incoming freshman GPA calculations and how courses are weighted The changes in how class rankings are reported affect all high school students New policy gives families a choice when it may not benefit a student’s academic profile to include the ranking. South Texas Independent School District 7|Page Summary of Class Rank and Data 2015 The district will continue tracking the rankings of students whose weighted GPAs comprise the top 10 percent of graduating students The district will recognize the top 10 class rankings and all students who have completed the advanced/distinguished achievement program at graduation Under the new policy, incoming freshman of the Class of 2017 have new requirements for those in contention for valedictorian or salutatorian In order to be considered for the top two class honors, a student must be enrolled for four semesters in the same high school instead of three, must be continuously enrolled in the same school preceding graduation and graduate after eight semesters. For students entering high school this year, there is a new formula for calculating class rankings where the weighted GPA is rounded to three decimal places Research on Universities and Colleges: Admissions, Studies, and Trends UT Austin – David Garcia We will ask counselors to provide letters verifying exact position of students in top ten percent. (Therefore, we are still ranking) UT-RGV - Dr. Maggie Hinojosa “Do NOT get rid of class ranking.” Entering freshmen - Admissions Students at UTRGV are talented, compassionate, hard-working, goal-oriented, and communityminded. So when we look at applicants, we don’t simply focus on grades and test scores. We take a holistic approach to admissions so that we get a well-rounded picture of who each applicant is and how they would impact our campus community. High school graduates in the top 10 percent of their graduating class receive assured admission to UTRGV. All UTRGV entering freshman applicants will have their own portfolio, and admissions decisions will be based on that portfolio and their accomplishments in high school. Factors for review will include: o Class Rank o Prior College Hours o College Entrance Exams (SAT/ACT) o The rigor of high school courses completed o Leadership Experience o Community Involvement o Career goals Texas A&M University- Oscar Lopez We will look at the school profile, GPA, ACT/SAT scores. We will assign a quartile based on this information. We will require letters from counselors verifying class rank of top ten percent. (Therefore, we are still ranking). Texas State – Annie Judkins –“We will assign a class rank. I can guarantee you it will not be as good as what the school could provide.” South Texas Independent School District 8|Page Summary of Class Rank and Data 2015 Admission decisions will be delayed for those that would have normally been automatically qualified, as an individual on our end has to look at the entire application individually and assign a class rank based on other students from the school who are applying and information on highest average in class obtained from counselors. There is also a problem for students who are qualified for scholarships who must be in the top 25%. UTSA – Evelyn Betancourt Martinez http://utsa.edu/ We will not accept letters from Counselors verifying class rank. A school cannot have it both ways. If your policy is non-ranking, then all students will be put in holistic review. They ALL will be required to write essays and turn in letters of recommendation, which would make applications more difficult and time consuming for those students who would be automatically admitted based on scores and class rank who are NOT required to turn in essays or letter of rec. The only automatic admits would be students who earn a 24 on the ACT or 1100 CR and Math score on the SAT. What if my school doesn't rank? For admission, a high school class rank is required. If your high school does not rank, the Office of Undergraduate Admissions will assign you a rank based off of your coursework and grades. Generally, a student will be placed in the middle of a general quartile. To help us estimate a rank, send us your high school's profile as well. Keep in mind that assigning you a rank may make your admission process take a while longer. http://utsa.edu/ Non-Ranking Accredited HS SAT 1100: Guaranteed Admission (Others by Committee Review: SAT ≥ 900 for consideration) ACT 24: Guaranteed Admission (Others by Committee Review: ACT ≥ 19 for consideration) Texas State University What if I don't meet the assured admission standards? What if my school doesn't rank? For admission, a high school class rank is required. If your high school does not rank, the Office of Undergraduate Admissions will assign you a rank based off of your coursework and grades. Generally, a student will be placed in the middle of a general quartile. To help us estimate a rank, send us your high school's profile as well. Keep in mind that assigning you a rank may make your admission process take a while longer. NACAC Report According to the College Board, “Class rank was once a major component in admission decisions. But according to a recent report by the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), more than half of all high schools no longer report student rankings. South Texas Independent School District 9|Page Summary of Class Rank and Data 2015 Survey Results The class rank survey was developed by the EIC subcommittee and published on Survey Monkey in both English and Spanish. The survey was made available on March 9, 2015, and STISD students, staff, parents, and community were notified by email. A reminder email was sent April 1, 2015, and the survey closed on April 8, 2015. Total number of respondents include: 679 students, 177 faculty/staff, 642 parents, and 20 community members. While 1,785 participants started the survey, only 1,424 participants completed it. Data summaries provided here combine both English and Spanish responses. The survey included 12 questions and the response summaries are as follows: 1. I would like to continue in/Me gustaría seguir en: 2. Which best describes your status? Student 4.5% English 1.32% 42.29% 95.5% 44.73% Parent Español 11.66% 3. What is your current classification? 16.4% 21.3% 36.2% Junior (11th) Sophomore (10th) Freshmen (9th) Community member 4. Which best describes you/your child’s class rank? Senior (12th) 11.1%15.1% Faculty/staff Top 10% 18.8% 24.7% 9.7% 21.7% 7th or 8th Grade South Texas Independent School District 25.1% Top quarter (25%) Top half (50%) Bottom half (50%) Unsure 10 | P a g e Summary of Class Rank and Data 2015 5. Class ranking is important. 6. Class ranking helps students get into colleges of their choice. Strongly Agree Agree 15.1% 27.4% Undecided 19.6% 14.3% Strongly Agree 23.7% 9.2% 30.5% 15.6% Undecided 11.8% Disagree 32.9% Strongly Disagree 7. Class ranking helps students receive scholarships . 8. Class ranking may prevent students from getting into colleges of their choice. 11.7% Strongly Agree Agree 35.6% Undecided 35.5% 9.1% 13.9% 9.6% Disagree Agree 34.7% Undecided 32.7% Strongly Disagree 9. Class ranking may prevent students from receiving scholarships. 16.2% 10. A policy that eliminates ranking will benefit me/my child/the students. Strongly Agree Agree 32.0% 17.7% Undecided Agree 28.7% Undecided 14.3% 12.3% Disagree 30.3% Disagree Strongly Disagree Strongly Agree 9.2% Disagree Strongly Disagree Strongly Agree 6.1% 11.1% Agree 20.3% Strongly Disagree South Texas Independent School District 19.1% Disagree Strongly Disagree 11 | P a g e Summary of Class Rank and Data 2015 11. I would like to see class ranking eliminated. 12. I would like to see class ranking retained. Strongly Agree Strongly Agree 23.0% Agree 31.0% Undecided 13.1% 16.6% 16.2% 23.3% 18.5% Disagree Strongly Disagree 25.8% 12.9% 19.5% Agree Undecided Disagree Strongly Disagree Conclusion and Recommendations After reviewing the research and survey results, it is the recommendation of the EIC subcommittee to update STISD’s EIC Local policy regarding class rank to allow the students and parents a choice when publishing the student rank on their official transcripts. The survey results of question number 11 that asked, "I would like to see class ranking eliminated" found that 47% of the participants agree with eliminating class rank, and 36 % of the participants disagree with eliminating class rank. While those participants that would like to retain class rank would not be affected by the policy update, the participants that would like to eliminate class ranking would benefit from having the choice. Further Actions and Recommendations The EIC subcommittee recognizes that further education and training on all aspects pertaining to class ranking is crucial to the success of this policy for all stakeholders. Items such as scholarships, college admissions, financial aid, etc. must be addressed in the training in order to help students and parents make an informed decision. South Texas Independent School District 12 | P a g e Summary of Class Rank and Data 2015 Appendices Frequently Asked Questions Currently, South Texas ISD students are ranked each year in order to compete with peers in obtaining entrance into a university or college. Because some Texas public schools have begun to drop the practice of ranking students, STISD would like to know how the school community feels about ranking before taking any action. The mission of South Texas ISD is to develop our students into people who "achieve at the highest level, lead in a chosen field, and contribute to a changing world". Whether a class ranking system enables our students or hinders them is a debate over the essence of our district's philosophy. STISD would like to get your feedback on this matter. Please review information below and provide your input by completing the survey. 1. What is class rank? A student’s standing among others of the same year based on a numeric grade point average. (Collins English Dictionary) It places all students in numerical order based on how their GPAs compare to one another. For example: #1 - Student A - GPA 4.00 #2 - Student B - GPA 3.99 #3 - Student C - GPA 3.98 STISD Class Rank Policy 2. What is a grade point average (GPA)? A mark of a student’s academic achievement which is an average of all the grades that they have been awarded during the course of their studies. (Collins English Dictionary) The average of all the grades of a student’s high school courses. STISD Grade Point Level Scale - EIC (LOCAL) 3. Do colleges require a student's class rank on their admissions paperwork? Colleges and universities consider a variety of factors in their admission decisions. According to the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), the top factors in the admission decision are: (1) Grades in college prep courses (2) Strength of Curriculum and (3) Admission test scores. South Texas Independent School District 13 | P a g e Summary of Class Rank and Data 2015 4. Are Texas high schools required to publicize student class rank? Schools are not required to publish class rank information. In accordance with TEC, §28.026, and Texas Administrative Code (TAC), §61.1201, school districts are required to provide written notification of eligibility for automatic college admission under the Uniform Admission Policy (TEC §51.803) to students before the 14th day after the last day of the fall semester. Districts are required to notify: Each eligible senior, Each junior with a grade point average in the top ten percent, and Student’s parent or guardian. NOTE: A valedictorian would still be named. Texas Education Agency 5. What are the reasons to retain class rank? Humans are ranked throughout life and such competition exists regardless whether a high school ranks its students. Colleges, particularly public universities, find rank to be a helpful statistic. Rankings give students information about where they are in the class and they may be motivated to improve their rankings. The elimination of ranking potentially misleads colleges as to who is the top of the class. Class ranking is often used to award scholarships. 6. What are the reasons to eliminate class rank? Improve the competitiveness of students outside the top 10% in admission to selective colleges. Force colleges to examine the student’s entire academic record. Class rank in a 21st century high school is arbitrary because of lack of uniformity in class ranking policies for school districts. Class rank gives students an incentive to “game” the system. Class rank discourages students from experiencing non-AP (Advanced Placement) courses. Class rank places unwarranted stress upon students. 7. When will a decision be made on the district’s class ranking policy, and how will it affect my child? The final decision on class ranking will be made by the STISD school board by the end of the 2014-2015 school year. If any changes are made, the school board would include a plan and timeline for implementation. South Texas Independent School District 14 | P a g e Summary of Class Rank and Data 2015 Survey Questions 1. Which best describes your status? a. Student b. Faculty/staff c. Parent 2. If you are a student, what is your current classification? a. Senior (12th) b. Junior (11th) c. Sophomore (10th) d. Freshman (9th) e. 7th or 8th Grader 3. Which best describes your/your child’s class rank? a. Top 10% b. Top quarter (25%) c. Top half (50%) d. Bottom half (50%) e. Unsure 4. Class ranking is important. a - Strongly Disagree b - Disagree c - Undecided d - Agree e - Strongly Agree 5. Class ranking helps students get into colleges of their choice. a - Strongly Disagree b - Disagree c - Undecided d - Agree e - Strongly Agree 6. Class ranking helps students receive scholarships. a - Strongly Disagree b - Disagree c - Undecided d - Agree e - Strongly Agree 7. Class ranking may prevent students from getting into colleges of their choice. a - Strongly Disagree b - Disagree c - Undecided d - Agree e - Strongly Agree South Texas Independent School District 15 | P a g e Summary of Class Rank and Data 2015 8. Class ranking may prevent students from receiving scholarships. a - Strongly Disagree b - Disagree c - Undecided d - Agree e - Strongly Agree 9. A policy that eliminates ranking will benefit me/my child/the students. a - Strongly Disagree b - Disagree c - Undecided d - Agree e - Strongly Agree 10. I would like to see class ranking eliminated. a - Strongly Disagree b - Disagree c - Undecided d - Agree e - Strongly Agree 11. I would not like to see class ranking retained. a - Strongly Disagree b - Disagree c - Undecided d - Agree e - Strongly Agree South Texas Independent School District 16 | P a g e Summary of Class Rank and Data 2015 Frequency Asked questions in Spanish Favor de leer la sección abajo indicada como “Las Preguntas más Frecuentes” y favor de llenar y completar la encuesta del Distrito Escolar STISD sobre la Clasificación del rango en las clases. Usted puede ingresar a la encuesta oprimiendo el botón que indica “sigue” (NEXT) abajo indicado. Actualmente, los estudiantes del Distrito Escolar Independiente del Sur de Texas (STISD) son clasificados cada año para poder competir con sus compañeros para ingresar a una Universidad o Colegio. Ya que algunas escuelas públicas de Texas han empezado a dejar la práctica de clasificar a sus estudiantes en el sistema de rango y antes de tomar alguna acción al respecto, este Distrito Escolar Independiente del Sur de Texas (STISD) quiere saber qué opina y siente la comunidad respecto a la clasificación por rango de los grados obtenidos. La misión del STISD es la de formar a nuestros estudiantes en personas que “logren obtener los niveles más altos al encaminarlos hacia el campo de estudio que ellos escojan para que contribuyan en este mundo en transformación.” Si el sistema de clasificación del rango obtenido en sus clases permite o restringe a nuestros estudiantes, es un debate sobre la esencia de nuestra filosofía como Distrito Escolar y esto se tiene que analizar. El STISD quiere saber sus opiniones y les pide sus comentarios y forma de parecer sobre este tema. Por favor, lea la siguiente información y proporcione sus opiniones al llenar y completar la encuesta que le estamos presentando a continuación. 1. 2. 3. ¿Qué es una Clasificación por rango en las clases? Es la posición que un estudiante tiene en comparación a sus compañeros basado en un promedio de puntos numéricos (de acuerdo al diccionario en inglés de Collins®.) Este sistema clasifica a todos los estudiantes en un orden numérico basado en los promedios de grado obtenido en sus calificaciones (conocido en inglés como el GPA); este promedio compara a un estudiante frente al otro en una forma numérica asignándole un puntaje, por ejemplo: # 1. Estudiante “A” – obtiene un GPA de 4.00 # 2. Estudiante “B” – obtiene un GPA de 3.99 # 3. Estudiante “C” – obtiene un GPA de 3.98 Política del STISD sobre la Clasificación de Grados ¿Qué es un Promedio de Grado por Puntos (GPA)? Es una forma de mostrar los logros académicos del estudiante al promediar todos y cada una de las calificaciones que han obtenido durante el cursos de sus estudios (de acuerdo al diccionario en Ingles de Collins®.) Es decir, el promedio de todas las calificaciones de las materias tomadas durante el curso de estudios en la Preparatoria. Escala del Promedio de Grado por Puntos del STISD – EIC (Local) ¿Las Universidades o Colegios requieren la clasificación por rango en las clases en sus formas de admisión? Las Universidades o colegios consideran una diversidad de factores durante la toma de sus decisiones para aceptar a los estudiantes que solicitan la admisión. De acuerdo a la Asociación Nacional de Consejería para Admisiones en casas de Estudios Superiores (NACAC), los factores más decisivos para aceptar a los estudiantes solicitantes son: (1) Los grados en los cursos de preparación para el colegio (2) la fuerza del Currículo presentado y (3) Los resultados de las pruebas de admisión. South Texas Independent School District 17 | P a g e Summary of Class Rank and Data 2015 Tabla 4-1. Porcentajes de colegios que atribuyen diferentes niveles de importancia a diferentes factores para tomar sus decisiones de admisión : 2011 Factor Importancia Importancia Importancia No Considerable Moderada Limitada Importancia Grados en los cursos de Preparación para Colegio 84.3% 11.9% 2.3% 1.5% Fuerza en el Currículo 67.7 20.4 5.8 6.2 Resultado de Pruebas de admisión (SAT, ACT) 59.2 29.6 6.9 4.2 Grados en todos los cursos 51.9 39.2 6.9 1.9 Escrito o muestra de escritura 24.9 37.5 17.2 20.3 Interés demostrado del estudiante 20.5 29.7 24.7 25.1 Recomendación del Consejero 19.2 39.8 27.2 13.8 Clasificación de Grado 18.8 31.0 31.4 18.8 Recomendación del Maestro 16.5 41.9 26.5 15.0 Resultados de Pruebas de Materia (AP, IB) 6.9 31.2 31.5 30.4 Portafolio 6.6 12.8 30.2 50.4 Entrevista 6.2 25.4 25.8 42.7 Resultados de SAT II 5.4 9.7 22.6 62.3 Actividades extracurriculares 5.0 43.1 38.1 13.8 Resultados de exámenes de graduación 4.2 14.9 23.8 57.1 Trabajo 2.3 17.0 43.2 37.5 FUENTE : NACAC ENCUESTA DE TENDENCIAS DE ADMISION 4. ¿Son requeridas las escuelas de Texas a publicar los promedios de Grado de los Estudiantes? Las escuelas no son requeridas a publicar los promedios de grado. De acuerdo al Capítulo § 28.026 de la TEC ( Comisión de Educación del Texas por sus siglas en Ingles) y al Capítulo §61.1201 del TAC ( Código Administrativo de Texas por sus siglas en Inglés,) los distritos escolares están requeridos a proveer por escrito la notificación de elegibilidad para una admisión automática al colegio o universidad bajo lo reglamentado en el Capítulo § 51.803 referente a la Política de Admisiones Uniformes del TEC; esta notificación debe de ser efectuada después del décimo cuarto (14°) día a partir del último día del semestre del Otoño. Los distritos están requeridos a notificar: Cada estudiante elegible o candidato a graduarse (último año de preparatoria,) Cada estudiante del grado 11 quien tenga un promedio dentro del 10 por ciento más alto, y A los padres, guardianes o tutores legales del estudiante. NOTA: El estudiante académico más sobresaliente de esa generación graduando será distinguido como valedictorian y debe ser nombrado. Texas Education Agency 5. ¿Cuáles son las razones para retener la clasificación por rango de grados obtenidos? Los humanos son clasificados a través de la vida y tal competencia existe sin importar si una preparatoria clasifica a sus estudiantes o no. A los Colegios, en particular las universidades públicas, la clasificación les facilita sus estadísticas. En un mundo de inflaciones, las clasificaciones envían el mensaje a los estudiantes que se sobresalen en sus clases. Las clasificaciones les dan información a los estudiante como van en sus clases y les motiva a mejorar sus promedios. La eliminación de las clasificaciones pudieran engañar a los colegios sobre los alumnos sobresalientes en su clase. La clasificación de grados es normalmente usada para otorgar becas. South Texas Independent School District 18 | P a g e Summary of Class Rank and Data 2015 6. ¿Cuáles son las razones para eliminar ( o quitar) la clasificación del rango de los grados? El mejorar la competitividad en colegios seleccionados de los estudiantes quienes se encuentren fuera del 10 % de la clase sobresaliente. Obliga a los Colegios a examinar todo el record académico del estudiante. En este siglo 21, la clasificación del rango de grados obtenidos en clases en las preparatorias es arbitrario debido a la falta de uniformidad en las políticas de clasificación entre los diferentes distritos escolares. La clasificación del rango les proporciona un incentivo a los estudiantes para “jugar” con el sistema. Las clasificaciones del rango desanima a los estudiantes a tomar otro tipo de cursos no avanzados. Las clasificaciones del rango también agregan estrés en los estudiantes. 7. ¿Cuándo se tomará una decisión sobre la política de clasificación de grados y como le afectaría a mi(s) hijo(a)? La decisión final sobre la clasificación de rango grados obtenidos será efectuada por la Junta de Directores del STISD a finales del año escolar 2014-2015. Si se hacen cambios, la Junta de Directores incluirá un plan y determinará el período de tiempo para su implementación. South Texas Independent School District 19 | P a g e Summary of Class Rank and Data 2015 Survey in Spanish STISD Encuesta sobre la Clasificación del Rango de clases * 1. ¿Qué es lo que mejor describe su posición? □ Estudiante □ Profesor/Trabajador □ Padre(s) □ Miembro de la Comunidad * 2. ¿En qué año escolar se encuentra actualmente? □ Grado 12 – Cuarto y último año de Preparatoria (Senior) □ Grado 11 – Tercer año de Preparatoria (Junior) □ Grado 10 – Segundo año de Preparatoria (Sophomore) □ Grado 9 – Primer año de Preparatoria (Freshmen) □ Grado 7 o 8 – Secundaria * 3. ¿Qué punto mejor describe a su hijo(a) dentro de la clasificación del rango de la clase? □ En el rango del 10% más alto □ Dentro del 25% más alto □ Dentro del 50% de su clase □ Por debajo del 50% en su clase □ No estoy seguro * 4. La clasificación de rango de la clase es importante. □ De acuerdo totalmente □ De acuerdo □ No estoy decidido □ En desacuerdo □ Totalmente en desacuerdo * 5. La clasificación del rango de la clase ayuda a los estudiantes a entrar al Colegio/Universidad que escojan. □ De acuerdo totalmente □ De acuerdo □ No estoy decidido □ En desacuerdo □ Totalmente en desacuerdo * 6. La clasificación del rango de la clase ayuda a los estudiantes a recibir becas. □ De acuerdo totalmente □ De acuerdo □ No estoy decidido □ En desacuerdo South Texas Independent School District 20 | P a g e Summary of Class Rank and Data 2015 □ Totalmente en desacuerdo * 7. La clasificación del rango de la clase puede restringir a los estudiantes a entrar al Colegio/Universidad que escojan. □ De acuerdo totalmente □ De acuerdo □ No estoy decidido □ En desacuerdo □ Totalmente en desacuerdo * 8. La clasificación del rango de la clase puede prevenir o restringir a los estudiantes a recibir becas. □ De acuerdo totalmente □ De acuerdo □ No estoy decidido □ En desacuerdo □ Totalmente en desacuerdo * 9. Una política que elimine la clasificación del rango de la clase beneficiaría a mi hijo(a) o a los estudiantes. □ De acuerdo totalmente □ De acuerdo □ No estoy decidido □ En desacuerdo □ Totalmente en desacuerdo * 10. Me gustaría ver que la clasificación del promedio de grado por puntos sea eliminada. □ De acuerdo totalmente □ De acuerdo □ No estoy decidido □ En desacuerdo □ Totalmente en desacuerdo * 11. Me gustaría ver que la clasificación del promedio de grado por puntos continúe y siga establecida. □ De acuerdo totalmente □ De acuerdo □ No estoy decidido □ En desacuerdo □ Totalmente en desacuerdo South Texas Independent School District 21 | P a g e Summary of Class Rank and Data 2015 EIC Legal AUTOMATIC ADMISSION TO INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION Each general academic teaching institution [see Education Code 61.003(3)] shall admit an applicant for admission as an undergraduate student if the applicant: Graduated: With a grade point average in the top ten percent of the student’s high school graduating class in one of the two school years preceding the academic year for which the applicant is applying for admission and submitted a complete application defined by the institution before the expiration of the institution’s established deadline; or In the top 25 percent of the student’s high school class, to the extent the governing board of a general academic teaching institution has adopted such an admission policy; [See CLASS RANK, below] Graduated from a public high school in Texas accredited by a generally recognized accrediting organization; Successfully completed the distinguished level of achievement under the foundation program, the Recommended High School Program, or the Advanced/Distinguished Achievement High School Program as described in 19 Administrative Code 5.5(c), or satisfied ACT’s College Readiness Benchmarks on the ACT assessment applicable to the applicant or earned on the SAT assessment a score of at least 1,500 out of 2,400 or the equivalent; and Submitted an official high school transcript or diploma that, not later than the end of the student’s junior year, indicates whether the student has satisfied the requirements outlined above regarding successful completion of the distinguished level of achievement under the foundation program, the Recommended High School Program, or the Advanced/Distinguished Achievement High School Program. Education Code 51.803(a); 19 TAC 5.5(b) EXCEPTION Beginning with admissions for the 2011–12 academic year, the University of Texas at Austin (UT) is not required to offer admission to applicants who qualify for automatic admission in excess of the number required to fill 75 percent of the university’s enrollment capacity designated for first-time resident undergraduate students in an academic year. If the number of applicants who apply to UT for admission in the next academic year and who qualify for automatic admission exceeds 75 percent of UT’s enrollment capacity, UT shall, not later than September 15, provide to each district, for dissemination to high school juniors and their parents, notice of which percentile ranks of high school seniors who qualify for automatic South Texas Independent School District 22 | P a g e Summary of Class Rank and Data 2015 admission are anticipated to be offered admission during the next school year. Education Code 51.803(a-1)–(a-2) CURRICULUM REQUIREMENTS An applicant who does not satisfy the curriculum requirements for the distinguished level of achievement under the foundation program, the Recommended High School Program, or the Advanced/Distinguished Achievement High School Program is considered to have satisfied those requirements if the student completed the portion of the applicable curriculum that was available to the student but was unable to complete the remainder solely because the necessary courses were unavailable to the student at the appropriate times in the student’s high school career as a result of course scheduling, lack of enrollment capacity, or another cause not within the student’s control. A student’s transcript or diploma must, not later than the student’s junior year, indicate the student’s progress toward satisfying the curriculum requirements [see EI]. Education Code 51.803(b), (c) SIGNS TO BE POSTED The Board shall require each high school in the District to post appropriate signs in each school counselor’s office, in each principal’s office, and in each administrative building indicating the substance of the automatic admission provisions above. Education Code 28.026 DISSEMINATION To assist in dissemination of information regarding the automatic admissions program, the District shall: Require that each school counselor and class advisor at a high school be provided a detailed explanation of the substance of the program; Provide each student, at the time the student first registers for one or more classes required for high school graduation, with a written notification, using the appropriate form adopted by the Commissioner, of the substance of the program; Require that each school counselor and senior class advisor at a high school explain to eligible students the substance of the program; Require that, at the beginning of grades 10 and 11, a certified counselor explain the requirements of automatic admission to a general academic teaching institution to each student who has a grade point average in the top 25 percent of the student’s high school class [see EJ]; and Not later than the 14th day after the last day of classes for the fall semester or an equivalent date in the case of a school operated on a year-round system, provide each eligible senior student and each junior student who has a grade point average in the top ten percent of the student’s high school class, and the student’s parent or guardian, with a written notification, using the appropriate form adopted by the Commissioner, of the student’s eligibility with a detailed explanation in plain language of the substance of the program. The District shall obtain written acknowledgment of receipt of the notification from each eligible student and the student’s parent or guardian. Education Code 28.026, 33.007(c); 19 TAC 61.1201 South Texas Independent School District 23 | P a g e Summary of Class Rank and Data 2015 Note: The Notification of Eligibility for Automatic College Admission, intended to satisfy the requirement at item 5 above, is available at http://www.tea.state.tx.us/index2.aspx?id=2147485632. CLASS RANK High school rank for students seeking automatic admission to a general teaching institution on the basis of their class rank is determined and reported as follows: Most recent available class rank, based on a point in time no earlier than the end of the 11th grade, shall be used for admission decision-making. The top ten percent and top 25 percent of a high school class shall not contain more than ten percent and top 25 percent, respectively, of the total class size. The student’s rank shall be reported by the applicant’s high school or District as a specific number out of a specific number total class size. Class rank shall be determined by the Texas school or district from which the student graduated or is expected to graduate. 19 TAC 5.5(f) CERTAIN PROGRAMS If the program meets the requirements of Education Code 51.8045, the Board may treat a high school magnet program, academy, or other special program conducted by the District at a high school attended by high school students who are not in the special program as an independent high school with its own graduating class for purposes of Education Code 51.803 and 51.804 only (top ten and top 25 percent rule). Education Code 51.8045 END-OF-COURSE ASSESSMENTS A student's performance on an end-of-course assessment instrument may not be used in determining the student’s class ranking for any purpose, including entitlement to automatic college admission. Education Code 39.0232(b)(1) South Texas Independent School District 24 | P a g e Summary of Class Rank and Data 2015 EIC Local CLASS RANK Student grades shall be recorded in the counselor's office as numerical grades. Numerical grades shall be assigned grade points according to the table below for the purpose of ranking. A grade in a dual credit class must be 80 or higher in order to receive Level 3 weighting. Dual credit class grades lower than 80 will receive Level 2 weighting. A student must take the Advanced Placement (AP) examination in the subject area directly related to the class to receive Level 3 weighting for an AP class grade. During a year in which a student is enrolled in an AP course, the student must be registered to take the AP examination in the subject area directly related to the class to receive Level 3 weighting for an AP class grade. Failure to register and take the AP examination in an AP class will reduce the class grade to a Level 2 weighting for each of the two semesters of the class. Students shall be ranked according to their accumulated grade points during grades 9–12, excluding those points earned during the fourth nine-week grading period of the senior year. GRADE POINT LEVELS Grade point averages (GPAs) shall be computed to the ten thousandths (0.0009) place for class ranking and honors determination. The following weighted grading scale shall be used in grades 9–12: LEVEL 1 COURSES Level 1 with a Weight of 1.0 College Preparation Courses Texas Education Agency Number Biology C.P. 03010200 Environmental Systems C.P. 03020000 Chemistry C.P. 03040000 Physics C.P. 03050000 Integrated Physics/Chemistry C.P. 03060201 Algebra I C.P. 03100500 Algebra II C.P. 03100600 Geometry C.P. 03100700 Precalculus C.P. 03101100 Math Models with Applications 03102400 Music I Choir 03150900 Music II Choir 03151000 Music III Choir 03151100 Music I Instrumental Ensemble 03151700 English I C.P. 03220100 English I SOL C.P. 03200600 South Texas Independent School District 25 | P a g e Summary of Class Rank and Data 2015 Level 1 with a Weight of 1.0 College Preparation Courses Texas Education Agency Number English II C.P. 03220200 English II SOL C.P. 03200700 English III C.P. 03220300 English IV C.P. 03220400 Research/Technical Writing 03221100 Creative Imaginative Writing 03221200 Practical Writing Skills 03221300 Humanities 03221600 Journalism 03230100 Advanced Journalism/Yearbook I 03230110 Advanced Journalism/Yearbook II 03230120 Advanced Journalism/Yearbook III 03230130 Advanced Journalism/Newspaper I 03230140 Advanced Journalism Newspaper II 03230150 Advanced Journalism Newspaper III 03230160 Photojournalism 03230800 Communication Applications 03241400 Theatre Arts I 03250100 Theatre Arts II 03250200 Reading Application and Study Skills 03270100 SAT/ACT Preparation 03270100 Reading I 03270700 Reading II 03270800 Reading III 03270900 Economics C.P. 03310300 World Geography C.P. 03320100 U.S. Government C.P. 03330100 U.S. History C.P. 03340100 World History C.P. 03340400 Psychology C.P. 03350100 Sociology C.P. 03370100 Spanish I (mono) C.P. 03440100 Spanish I C.P. 03440110 Spanish II (mono) C.P. 03440200 South Texas Independent School District 26 | P a g e Summary of Class Rank and Data 2015 Level 1 with a Weight of 1.0 College Preparation Courses Texas Education Agency Number Spanish II C.P. 03440220 Chinese I C.P. 03490100 Chinese II C.P. 03490200 Chinese III C.P. 03490300 Art 03500100 Art II Drawing 03500500 Art II Painting 03500600 Art III Drawing 03501300 Digital Design and Media Production 03580400 3-D Modeling and Animation 03580510 Digital Communications in the 21st Century 03580610 Web Design 03580820 Health Education 03810100 Advanced Health 03810200 Construction Technology 13005100 Advanced Construction Technology 13005200 Building Maintenance Technology 13005400 Practicum in Construction Management 13006200 Practicum in Construction Management II 13006210 Principles of Arts, Audio Video Technology, and Communications 13008200 Animation 13008300 Advanced Animation 13008400 Principles of Business, Marketing, and Finance 13011200 Touch System Data Entry 13011300 Business Information Management I 13011400 Business Information Management II 13011500 Business Law 13011700 Human Resource Management 13011900 Virtual Business 13012000 Business Management 13012100 Practicum in Business Management 13012200 South Texas Independent School District 27 | P a g e Summary of Class Rank and Data 2015 Level 1 with a Weight of 1.0 College Preparation Courses Texas Education Agency Number Principles of Education and Training 13014200 Human Growth and Development 13014300 Instructional Practices in Education and Training 13014400 Practicum in Education and Training 13014500 Money Matters 13016200 Banking and Financial Services 13016300 Securities and Investments 13016400 Accounting I 13016600 Accounting II 13016700 Financial Analysis 13016800 Revenue, Taxation, and Regulation 13018500 Principles of Health Science 13020200 Medical Terminology 13020300 Health Professional Skills 13020400 Health Science 13020400 Practicum in Health Science 13020500 Practicum in Health Science Clinical Lab Science 13020500 Practicum in Health Science Contemporary Medicine 13020500 Practicum in Health Science Dental Assisting 13020500 Practicum in Health Science Emergency Medical Science 13020500 Practicum in Health Science Forensic Medicine 13020500 Practicum in Health Science Human Growth and Development 13020500 Practicum in Health Science Maternal Care 13020500 Practicum in Health Science Nursing Clinical 13020500 Practicum in Health Science Nutrition 13020500 South Texas Independent School District 28 | P a g e Summary of Class Rank and Data 2015 Level 1 with a Weight of 1.0 College Preparation Courses Texas Education Agency Number Practicum in Health Science Pharmacology 13020500 Practicum in Health Science Professional Nursing 13020500 Practicum in Health Science Radiology 13020500 Practicum in Health Science Rehabilitation 13020500 Practicum in Health Science Respiratory 13020500 Practicum in Health Science Veterinary Assisting 13020500 Practicum in Health Science II Clinical 13020510 Practicum in Health Science II Dental Assisting 13020510 Practicum in Health Science II Emergency Medical Science 13020510 Practicum in Health Science II Forensic Science 13020510 Practicum in Health Science II Medical Lab Assisting 13020510 Practicum in Health Science II Nursing Clinical 13020510 Practicum in Health Science II Pharmacy Technician 13020510 Practicum in Health Science II Phlebotomy 13020510 Practicum in Health Science II Veterinary Assisting 13020510 Anatomy and Physiology 13020600 Medical Microbiology 13020700 Pathophysiology 13020800 World Health Research 13020900 Medical Food Production 13022400 Culinary Arts 13022600 Practicum in Culinary Arts 13022700 Practicum in Culinary Arts II 13022710 Dollars and Sense 13024300 South Texas Independent School District 29 | P a g e Summary of Class Rank and Data 2015 Level 1 with a Weight of 1.0 College Preparation Courses LEVEL 2 COURSES Texas Education Agency Number Child Guidance 13024800 Principles of Information Technology 13027200 Computer Maintenance 13027300 Digital and Interactive Media 13027800 Web Technologies 13027900 Research in Information Technology Solutions 13028000 Welding 13032300 Advanced Welding 13032400 Precision Metal Manufacturing 13032500 Practicum in Manufacturing 13033000 Practicum in Manufacturing II 13033010 Automotive Technology 13039600 Advanced Automotive Technology 13039700 Small Engine Technology 13040000 Practicum in Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics 13040400 Practicum in Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics II 13040410 Foundation of Personal Fitness PES00052 Adventure/Outdoor Education PES00053 Aerobic Activities PES00054 Individual or Team Sports PES00055 Transitions N1290050 Level 2 with a Weight of 1.05 (Pre-AP/Adv. Courses) Texas Education Agency Number Biology Pre-AP 03010200 Environmental Systems Pre-AP 03020000 Chemistry Pre-AP 03020100 South Texas Independent School District 30 | P a g e Summary of Class Rank and Data 2015 Level 2 with a Weight of 1.05 (Pre-AP/Adv. Courses) Texas Education Agency Number Physics Pre-AP 03050000 Integrated Physics and Chemistry Pre-AP 03060201 Algebra I Pre-AP 03100500 Algebra II Pre-AP 03100600 Geometry Pre-AP 03100700 Precalculus Pre-AP 03101100 Precalculus Pre-AP/Dual Credit 03101100 English I Pre-AP G/T 03220100 English I Pre-AP 03220100 English II Pre-AP G/T 03220200 English II Pre-AP 03220200 Creative Imaginative Writing Dual Credit 03221200 World Geography Pre-AP 03320100 World History Pre-AP 03340400 Spanish III (mono) Pre-AP 03440300 Spanish III Pre-AP 03440330 Chinese I Pre-AP 03490100 Chinese II Pre-AP 03490200 Chinese III Pre-AP 03490300 Computer Science I Pre-AP 03580200 Computer Science II Pre-AP 03580300 Computer Science III Pre-AP 03580350 Introduction to Engineering Design N1303742 Principles of Engineering N1303743 Digital Electronics N1303744 Biotechnology Engineering N1303746 Civil Engineering and Architecture N1303747 Computer Integrated Manufacturing N1303748 Engineering Design and Development N1303749 Aerobic Activities Dual Credit PES00054 South Texas Independent School District 31 | P a g e Summary of Class Rank and Data 2015 LEVEL 3 COURSES Level 3 with a Weight of 1.10 (Dual Credit and AP Courses): A grade in a dual credit class must be 80 or higher in order to receive Level 3 weighting. Dual credit class grades lower than 80 shall receive Level 2 weighting. A student must take the AP examination in the subject area directly related to the class to receive Level 3 weighting for an AP class grade. During a year in which a student is enrolled in an AP course, the student must be registered to take the AP examination in the subject area directly related to the class to receive Level 3 weighting for an AP class grade. Failure to register and take the AP examination in an AP class subject will reduce the class grade to a Level 2 weighting for each of the two semesters of the class. Level 3 with a Weight of 1.10 (AP/Dual Credit/Independent Study Courses) Texas Education Agency Number Independent Study in Mathematics I 03102500 Independent Study in Mathematics II 03102501 Independent Study in English I 03221800 Independent Study in English II 03221810 Social Studies Advanced Studies 03380001 Independent Study Technology Applications 03580900 Biology AP A3010200 Environmental Science AP A3020000 Chemistry AP A3040000 Physics I AP B A3050001 Physics AP/Dual Credit B A3050001 Physics II AP C A3050002 Calculus AP AB A3100101 Calculus AP/Dual Credit AB A3100101 Calculus II AP BC A3100102 Calculus II AP/Dual Credit BC A3100102 South Texas Independent School District 32 | P a g e Summary of Class Rank and Data 2015 Level 3 with a Weight of 1.10 (AP/Dual Credit/Independent Study Courses) Texas Education Agency Number Statistics AP A3100200 Statistics AP/Dual Credit A3100200 English III AP Language and Composition A3220100 English III AP/Dual Credit Language and Composition A3220100 English IV AP Literature and Composition A3220200 English IV AP/Dual Credit Literature and Composition A3220200 Economics AP Macroeconomics A3310200 U.S. Government AP A3330100 U.S. History AP A3340100 U.S. History AP/Dual Credit A3340100 Psychology AP A3350100 Psychology AP/Dual Credit A3350100 World History AP A3370100 Spanish II AP Language A3440100 Spanish III AP Language A3440100 Spanish III AP Language/Dual Credit A3440100 Spanish IV AP Language A3440100 Spanish IV AP Language/Dual Credit A3440100 Spanish IV AP Literature A3440200 Spanish IV AP Literature/Dual Credit A3440200 Chinese III AP Language A3490400 Art II AP A3500300 South Texas Independent School District 33 | P a g e Summary of Class Rank and Data 2015 Level 3 with a Weight of 1.10 (AP/Dual Credit/Independent Study Courses) Computer Science II AP LEVEL 4 COURSES Texas Education Agency Number A3580100 Level 4 with a Weight of 1.15 (International Baccalaureate (IB) Courses) Authorized IB campuses only may use these codes. Level 4 with a Weight of 1.15 (IB Courses) Texas Education Agency Number IB Theory of Knowledge I300100 IB Biology I3000200 IB Biology II I3000201 IB Physics I I3050001 IB Physics II I3050002 IB Mathematical Studies Standard Level I3100100 IB Mathematics Standard Level I3100200 IB Mathematics Higher Level I3100300 IB English III I3220300 IB English IV I3220400 IB Theater/Film – SL I3250400 IB Theater/Film – HL I3250500 IB History: Americas, Higher Level I3301300 IB Business and Management I I3303300 IB Business and Management II I3303400 IB Philosophy I3366010 IB Languages Other Than English Level IV Spanish I3440400 IB Languages Other Than English Level V Spanish I3440500 IB Computer Science, Standard Level I3580200 South Texas Independent School District 34 | P a g e Summary of Class Rank and Data 2015 IB Computer Science, Higher Level I3580300 These provisions shall be subject to changes in weights or the introduction of new courses. CLASS RANKING EXCEPTIONS Grade points for the following courses shall not be used in computing averages for class rank and scholastic honors: 1. Summer school courses not taken in the District. 2. Correspondence courses. 3. Courses approved for local credit. 4. Credit by examination. 5. Courses completed at junior high/middle school. Courses that receive more than one credit during a school year shall be counted only once in determining GPA designation. HONOR STUDENTS Honor students shall be designated following completion of the third nine-week grading period of their graduation year, and third nine-week grades during the graduation year shall be treated as semester grades in this computation. The students with the highest accumulated GPAs in the top ten percent of the class shall be designated as honor graduates with the highest-ranking student named valedictorian and the second highest-ranking student named salutatorian. Summer graduates shall be ineligible for honors or recognition based directly on accumulated grade points. Seniors who have been enrolled less than four semesters shall be given a rank that will place them in the original ranking. The valedictorian and salutatorian must be enrolled in the District for at least four complete semesters prior to graduation. In the event of a tie, two students may be designated as valedictorian and salutatorian for their respective positions. South Texas Independent School District 35 | P a g e