Final Exam Grade Waiver and Final Exam Exemption Guidelines
Final Exam Grade Waiver
Applies to 9th, 10th, and 11th grade AP and IB
Students enrolled in an AP or IB course may be eligible for a grade waiver from the final exam in that subject for one semester courses in the Fall semester and all courses in the Spring semester if the following conditions exist:
- A minimum overall final semester average of 80 (per class) and a minimum grade of 80 in the final-9 week grading period.
- Students must take the National AP or International IB exam for that course in May.
- Students shall have no more than nine (9) absences during the final semester (per class).
- Students attending school-sponsored events will not be penalized.
- Students shall have no more than five (5) tardies in that AP or IB class.
- No major infractions resulting in ISS, Saturday School, Out of School Suspension, or Special Programs Center.
- Students must have no outstanding fines, fees, or debts for school property or other PISD services.
- Students must take the semester exam on the date/time originally scheduled or, in the case of an excused absence, during the determined make-up exam time.
To qualify for the grade waiver, a student must report to class on the day of the exam and take the final exam for the course. If the semester exam grade benefits the student, it will be recorded and counted toward the student’s course grade.
If a student has an unexcused absence during the exam, the student forfeits the option to take advantage of the exam grade waiver and will take the exam for credit.
Final Exam Exemption
Applies to 12th Grade Students
Seniors may qualify for exemption from final exams for one-semester courses in the Fall semester and all courses in the Spring semester if the following conditions exist:
- A senior in an AP or IB class must meet the criteria noted above to qualify for exemption in that AP/IB class or
- A senior in an AP course who chooses not to take the national exam may also qualify for the final exam exemption if all of the requirements for the Senior Exemption Guidelines are met.
For seniors in all other classes:
- A minimum overall final semester average of 85 (per class) and a minimum grade of 85 in the final-9 week grading period.
- Students shall have no more than eight (8) absences during the final semester (per class).
- Students attending school-sponsored events and college visits will not be penalized.
- Students shall have no more than five (5) tardies in each class.
- No major infractions resulting in ISS, Saturday School, Out of School Suspension, or Special Programs Center.
- Students must have no outstanding fines, fees, or debts for school property or other PISD services.
To qualify for the exam exemption, a student must be present in class for each exam. Various activities will be conducted at this time for students qualified to use exemptions, including the completion of course evaluations, student surveys, and projects.
Exempt students may choose to take the exam. If the semester exam grade benefits the student, it will be recorded and counted toward the student’s course grade.
If a student has an unexcused absence during the exam, the student forfeits the option to take advantage of the exam exemption and will take the exam for credit.
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