III. Academics

Grading system

The high school uses a grade system of A-F in most courses. Students may also earn an “I” or a “P”.

Grade Explanation:

I: Incomplete: Student has failed to complete all course requirements before the end of the marking period. All “Incompletes” must be made-up by two weeks after the term ends. The “Incomplete” will be changed to an “F” if all work is not completed within that time. Students may ask that teachers request extensions of time. Such requests will be forwarded to the assistant principal.

P: Passing: Student has demonstrated special needs who is working up to their ability or is in a special circumstance and the passing grade is approved by the principal.

Report Cards and Progress Monitoring

Grade reports are posted at the end of each term. In addition, parents and students can track student progress for each class on Infinite Campus throughout the term. Teachers will update grades approximately every two weeks. Parents are encouraged to contact teachers at any time during the school year to discuss their child’s academic progress.

Minimum course load

All students must carry a minimum load of six (6) courses per term. Juniors and seniors may take up to two (2) quarters of open periods per year. Special circumstances may dictate that a senior can take five (5) credits per term pending counselor approval.

Minimum standards for grade promotion

Students are expected to attain the following minimum number of credits to reach the corresponding grade levels:

GRADE CREDITS

12th 50 credits or more

11th 36 credits or more

10th 18 credits or more

Should students not obtain the minimum number of credits, summer school and other credit recovery options will be strongly recommended. Failing classes could delay graduation unless a sufficient number of credits are made up. All required courses failed must be retaken and passed prior to graduation. Students who are behind in credits should make an appointment to see their counselor regarding options for credit completion.

Weighted Grading System

Per policy 621, in selecting elective courses which have multiple levels of difficulty, capable students should be encouraged to select the most appropriate level. Weighting of course credit in more difficult levels would provide an extra incentive to reward students for challenging themselves.

Courses designated as "weighted courses" will have grade point value increased by a factor of 1.10 above that of non-weighted courses. Please note honors level courses do not receive weighted grades.

Class Rank, GPA, Honor Roll

Cumulative grade point averages and class rankings are computed each quarter and will include grades for courses taken by post-secondary options students at the end of Quarter 2 and Quarter 4.

GPA is computed on a scale with A+ (4.0), A (4.0), A- (3.7), B+ (3.4), B (3.0), B- (2.7), C+ (2.4) C (2.0), C- (1.7), D+ (1.4), D (1.0), D- (0.7), and F (0.0).

Information regarding your class ranking may be obtained from your counselor in the guidance office two weeks following the completion of the term.

Students are eligible for honor roll designation if their term GPA is 3.0 or better and if no grade is below C-.

Report Cards

Grade reports are posted at the end of each term. In addition, parents and students can track student progress for each class on Student/Family Access throughout the term. Teachers will update grades approximately every two weeks. Parents are encouraged to contact teachers at any time during the school year to discuss their child’s academic progress.

Minnesota Basic Skills and GRAD/MCA II Testing Requirements:

Based on new legislation, the graduation assessment requirements have changed. Additional information will be provided as soon as possible once a comprehensive review of the new requirements is completed.

Requirements for early graduation

An application for early graduation must be filed with your counselor and then approved by the principal by the end of the first quarter of your senior year. The application form will outline all the requirements necessary for early graduation.

Parent / Teacher conferences will be held periodically through the school year and the dates are listed on the school district calendar. Students and parents are encouraged to contact the teacher via email or phone if issues arise that require immediate assistance.

Students are to plan their course selection carefully with their counselor and parents to avoid the need for program changes. Students will have access to their class schedule well in advance of the beginning of the each term. Requests for changes, other than those necessary for educational reasons, or errors we have made in recording your requests, will not be granted. Students must submit a schedule change request form during the designated timeframe (typically 1-2 weeks prior to the start of a new term) for consideration.

Any course dropped after the first (5) days of any term will be recorded as a failure for the quarter. Exceptions will be considered only in cases of prolonged illness.

Schedules will not be changed to accommodate specific hours for open periods (ex. early release or late arrival). Early release and late arrival will be granted only to students who meet the criteria established by the administration in accordance with state law.

The district takes pride in the quality of staff and the variety of programs available to students with special needs for learning. Many regular classroom and special education teachers have received various awards for their extraordinary efforts to accommodate the needs of their students.

Special needs programs offered within the school district or in cooperation with the Minnesota River Valley Special Education Cooperative, include (please note this is an overview of services provided. It is up to the IEP Team to decide what the best placement option for the student is):

Early Childhood (ECSE) and Home Based (ages 0-5), call 952-226-0000 for information

Specific Learning Disability (SLD)

Speech and Language Therapy (SLP)

Developmentally Cognitively Disabled (DCD)

Emotional Behavioral Disorders (EBD)

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Positive Learning Understanding Self (PLUS)

Lifeskills

Other programs offered by the district are:

English as a Second Language (ESL)

Title 1 – federal program for students with special needs in reading/language arts and math

Section 504 is a federal regulation that prohibits discrimination against persons with a disability in any program with federal financial assistance. It defines a person with a disability as anyone who:

1. has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activity such as caring for one’s self, performing manual tasks, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning and working;

2. Has a record of such an impairment; or

3. Is regarded as having such impairment. (34 Code of Federal Regulations Part 104.3)

Classroom teachers and parents refer students for accommodations. Students must meet specific criteria to receive accommodations. For more specific information, contact the students counselor.

Commencement exercises

Commencement exercises are held at the end of the school year. Students desiring to participate in the ceremony must participate in the scheduled commencement practice.

Requirements for participation in Commencement

In order to participate in commencement exercises, a student must have accumulated at least 58 credits by the end of the third quarter of their graduating school year, and be actively engaged in the completion of the remaining 10 credits.

Commencement information can be found on the Prior Lake High School website under the senior tab.

Freshmen, sophomores or juniors whose cumulative grade point average is 3.8 or above at the end of any academic year will be designated as a Board Scholar. Underclass board scholars will receive a certificate of achievement annually.

Seniors whose cumulative grade point average through 3rd quarter of their senior year is 3.8 or higher will be recognized as Board Scholars, noted at commencement.

Seniors whose cumulative grade point average through 3rd quarter of their senior year is 4.0 or higher will be recognized as Distinguished Board Scholars; honored at commencement.

ACT
All 11th grade students will have the opportunity to take the ACT exam at Prior Lake High School. This state ACT exam will take place in spring and all or most of the cost will be covered by PLSAS. Students with disabilities should contact their case manager or school counselor in the fall to discuss specific accommodations they may qualify for the exam.

MCA Testing

10th and 11th grade students will participate in the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments. The Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs) are used to measure student achievement and also meet federal and state legislative requirements.

Opt Out Form

The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) Parent/Guardian Guide and Refusal for Student Participation in Statewide Testing information is shown below and can be found on the district website under Assessments.