Grading and Requirements

Grading and Marking System

There are four marking periods for a yearlong course. Semester courses will have two marking periods.  Each marking period will be distinct from each other marking period with an assigned grade reflecting only that period’s scholastic achievement. The value of a final exam is twenty-five percent of the fourth marking period grade for a yearlong course, or twenty-five percent of the second marking period grade in a semester course. Only final grades are reflected on the student’s transcript. Students have a weighted grade point average and class rank expressed in deciles.

The grading system for all courses is: 

Grading Calculations

The total quality points earned is the primary, but not exclusive, factor used in determining the final grade for a course. A marking period failure in a semester course or multiple marking period failures in a full year or alternate day course may impact the final grade calculation. 

Occasionally, a numerical average is not the best indication of a student’s progress. The teacher’s subjective judgment is considered a valid element in student evaluation. The teacher, to more accurately represent the student’s achievement, therefore, may adjust the final grade. The adjustment can be made in either of the following ways: 

A higher final grade – is given which more accurately represents a student’s achievement than the average marking period grade. 

A lower final grade – is given which more accurately represents a student’s achievement than the average marking period grade. A written explanation will be provided.

Grade Point Average

This system will calculate a weighted GPA for students using the enclosed scale. The procedure for the computation of the weighted grade point average is as follows:

1. All letter grades are converted to a numerical weight as per the chart below.
2. GPA for each year is determined by dividing the total of course grade points by the total of attempted credits.
3. At the end of each school year, GPA is computed and is cumulative beginning with grade 9.

GPA Guidelines:

Weighted GPA is calculated for students using the following scale:

Rank-in-Class 

A student’s rank-in-class will be reflected through a percentile system. In addition, Council Rock does not provide an individual student ranking. A complete procedure statement concerning rank-in class is on file in the Counseling Center, where further information can be obtained. A student can contact their counselor for their decile information.

Requirement of Credits for Graduation

A minimum of 23 credits must be satisfactorily completed in grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 to qualify for a Council Rock High School diploma. The credits must include:

• Exceptions to these requirements may be granted by the superintendent with the provisions of the Curriculum Regulations of the Pennsylvania State Board of Education.
• A minimum of five credits is required to enter grade 10, eleven credits to enter grade 11, and seventeen credits to enter grade 12.