This document provides information about calculating and understanding grade point averages (GPA). It defines different types of GPAs such as core/academic GPA used for college admission, unweighted GPA for graduation requirements, and weighted GPA for class rank. It explains how to calculate an unweighted GPA by dividing total grade points by credits attempted. An example calculation is shown. The document also describes a high school's forgiveness policy that allows replacing failing grades if the course is retaken, and how this affects GPA recalculation. Finally, it reviews standard high school diploma requirements.
2. What is a Grade Point Average?
A Cumulative Grade Point Average is a
calculation of the average of all of a
student's grades for all semesters and
courses completed up to a given
academic term.
3. Types of GPA’s
Core GPA (Academic) – only academic classes.
Purpose: College Admittance and Bright Futures*
Unweighted GPA (State) – includes all academic
and elective courses
Purpose: Graduation!!!
Weighted GPA (District) – all classes considering
the different levels of the classes
Purpose: Class rank
4.
5. Calculating unweighted GPA
Total Points Earned
Credits Attempted
Points: A = 2 points
B = 1.5 points
C = 1.0 point
D = 0.5 point
F = 0 points
*Points are based on .5 credit. Therefore, a
student would receive 4 points if he/she received
an A in both halves of a class
GPA =
6. Now let’s test our Math Skills
Example
John Doe earned the following grades the 1st
block
of his freshman year:
Algebra I – F (1st
half) F (2nd
half)
English 1 – B (1st
half) A (2nd
half)
Science – C (1st
half) D (2nd
half)
Spanish – B (1st
half) C (2nd
half)
What will his GPA be at the end of his freshman
year??
7. Forgiveness Policy
Forgiveness for required courses shall be
limited to replacing a grade of “D,” “F,” or “I”
with a grade of “C” or higher, earned
subsequently in the same or comparable
course.
Forgiveness for elective courses shall be limited
to replacing a grade of “F” or “I” with a grade
of “C” or higher earned subsequently by
retaking the same or comparable course or
different course.
8. Forgiveness – Middle School
For grades earned of a “C”, “D”, or “F” by middle schools students
taking high school courses, the forgiveness policy allows the
replacement of the first grade with a grade of “C” or higher earned
subsequently in the same or comparable course. Only the new
grade shall be used in the calculation of the student’s grade point
average for graduation. Middle school students taking high school
courses, earning a B or B+ will be able to repeat those classes in
high school to increase their skill and knowledge level; credits and
grades will not be given.
9. Forgiveness Policy (cont’d)
So, how does the forgiveness policy affect
John Doe’s GPA if he retakes Algebra I (the
class he received an F)?
Let’s say he received an A (1st
half) and a B (2nd
half) at Night School.
Here is how you would re-calculate his GPA!
10. Re-Calculating the GPA using Forgiveness
John Doe originally had 7.5 points. With the A
(2 pts) and B (1.5 pts) he received when he
retook the class he now has 11 points.
7.5 + 2 + 1.5 = 11
Although the points will increase, the attempted credits
do not.
When re-calculating the GPA, the formula is as follows:
Total Points (after forgiveness)
Attempted Credits (before forgiveness)
GPA =
18. COURSE REQUIREMENTS FOR STANDARD DIPLOMA
SUBJECT CREDITS ADDITIONAL INFO
English 4 English I, II, III, IV
*Math 4 1 credit in Algebra I or equivalent
Science 3 2 credits must have a lab component
Social Studies 3 1 credit in World History (10TH
grade)
1 credit in American History (11TH
grade)
.5 credit in Economics (12th
grade)
.5 credit in Government (12th
grade)
*Foreign Language 2 Not required for high school graduation, but
required for state university system admission
Fine Arts/Practical
Arts/Performing Arts
1 1 credit in Fine or Performing Arts, which may
include Speech and Debate
Physical Education, Life
Management Skills, and
Personal Fitness
.5 in Physical Ed
.5 in LMS
.5 in PF
*Electives 8
Total Credits 24
19. Computer Competency Demonstrate through successful
completion of one course taken in
grades 9-12
FCAT *** Achieve a passing score on the FCAT
Reading and Math
Community Service 80 Hours
250 Hours for a Silver Cord at
Graduation
www.browardschools.com/services_learning.htm
www.volunteerbroward.org
Minimum GPA for Graduation 2.0 unweighted
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
