AP & IB Programs at DHS
Mission
At Decatur High School, we believe that intercultural understanding provides the foundation for a peaceful world. By providing a safe, compassionate school community where students and staff value diversity and demonstrate respect for themselves and others, we strive to create caring, service-oriented individuals who contribute meaningfully to the larger global community.
To this end, we work together to develop curious, self-directed learners who engage in a rigorous and purposeful interdisciplinary curriculum. By participating in inquiry, collaboration, the passionate exchange of ideas, and self-reflection, we grow into responsible and productive citizens of the world.
Vision
We will build the foundation for all children to be their best, achieve their dreams, and make the world a better place.
IB Learner Profile
Student Options at DHS
Students at Decatur High School in grades 9 - 12 have the opportunity to take multiple advanced placement (AP) courses offered as well.
11th and 12th-grade students can remain independent and take IB & AP courses in any of the subjects DHS offers for which they meet the measures of readiness.
Students can earn college credit for their results in IB & AP courses, depending on their final exam results.
Measures of Readiness for IB & AP Coursework
DHS Policy Documents
DHS Academic Integrity Policy rev December 2023.pdfDHS Language Policy.pdfDHS Inclusion & Special Needs Policy.pdfGrading
As we move into the 2023-24 school year:
GPAs earned by students last year will serve as the starting GPA for this school year.
CSD is not removing the differentiation between a score of 4 and a 5. A score of 4 will be calculated as a 3.0, and a 5 will continue to convert to a 3.25. This scoring remains unchanged.
CSD is removing the differentiation between a score of a 6 and a 7. A grade of 90-100 is an A. Scores of 6 and 7 are numerical equivalents within the same range, so 7 does not represent a higher level of achievement than 6. Both will earn a 4.0. In the IB, AP, and DE courses, students will earn a bonus of 1.0 points for up to a maximum GPA of 5.0.
The Board of Education understands revisions to the grading scale should have been communicated earlier. However, CSD cannot ethically continue scoring higher than a 4.0 for general-level coursework. Extra points shall only be awarded for successful completion of AP, IB, and DE degree-level courses.
Another concern is the impact of the revised grading scale on higher education admissions for students. High schools have many ways of calculating GPA, including weighting systems. Families should be aware CSD's scale for general-level coursework is not recognized by a broad range of postsecondary institutions or aligned with many scholarship boards that traditionally assess the quality of coursework on a 4.0 scale. As a result, higher education institutions focus on the overall GPA, closely examining grades for each course and differentiating between general and advanced-level coursework. The grading scale of 1-7 is converted to percentage grades on transcripts for these purposes.
Consider the University System of Georgia (USG), which has authority over Georgia's public colleges and universities. The USG mandates that its institutions adopt a grading system based on an alpha 4.0 scale. A grade of "A" corresponds to 4.0. A grade of "B" equates to 3.0, and "C" is equivalent to 2.0. A grade of "D" represents 1.0, and "F" signifies 0. This closely aligns with the grading scale revisions of CSD.
The HOPE scholarship follows the same process for determining GPAs, eliminating a separate scale for grades that include a plus (+) or minus (-). A grade of “B-“ equals 3.0. Weighting added for core courses by the high school is removed. Then half a point (0.5) is added back to grades of “B,” “C,” “D,” and “F” for AP, IB, and DE degree-level core courses. Additional resources about the revised grading structure are attached.
The Board of Education has authorized our new Superintendent, Dr. Gyimah Whitaker, to continue the implementation of the revised grading scale for the 2023-24 school year. This authorization comes under the duties and responsibilities of the Superintendent as Chief Executive Officer of the district. Implementation of the revisions will take effect immediately. This semester, the Board will draft a policy that will be shared with all stakeholders, ensuring transparency of the process and ample feedback before its adoption. All grade levels will be impacted by the new policy.
CSD Grading and Reporting Handbook
CSD Board Community Presentation
AP/IB Coordinator
Karina Green is the current DHS AP/IB Coordinator and current Association of IB World Schools of Georgia CP Vice-President. She is entering her 16th year in education. Her background is in Mathematics Education and she has taught every level of high school mathematics coursework and previously served as an Educational Program Specialist for 8 years concurrently in the Mathematics & Science Graduate School Program at the University of Georgia. She taught mathematics at North Oconee High School (2007-2009), Charles R. Drew High School (2009-2014), Decatur High School (2014-2017), North Springs Charter High School (2017-2020), and returned to Decatur High School in 2020. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics from the University of Florida and Master’s & Educational Specialist’s Degrees in Mathematics Education from the University of Georgia with Gifted In-Field and Teacher Support Specialist Certifications. She is a proud member of Theta Nu Xi Multicultural Sorority, Inc. (Alpha Alpha Chapter). Ms. Green has served as an AP Reader & IB Examiner, written content for College Board AP Calculus AB & BC Examinations, and presented at various conferences about Academic Integrity, Assessment Design, Curriculum Design, Teacher Development and Support, Project-Based Learning, GACE Certification, & Course Design.
Contact Email:
kgreen@csdecatur.net