Grading, UIL & Distance Learning

Grade Level Advancement

The listing below is a summary of the minimum number of credits for grade level classification

Sophomore - 6 Credits

Junior - 12 Credits

Senior - 19 Credits

Grading

Students complete two semesters during the academic year. The semesters (fall & spring) are broken down into two 9-week marking periods. Report card grades are available for marking periods.

9-week grade + 9-week grade / 2 = Semester Average

GPA Points are calculated on semester averages.

Additional grading information can be found in the student handbook.

UIL Eligibility

Eligibility for many of these activities is governed by state law and the rules of the University Interscholastic League (UIL), a statewide association overseeing interdistrict competition. If a student is involved in an academic, athletic, or music activity governed by UIL, the student and parent are expected to know and follow all rules of the UIL organization. Students and parents can access the UIL Parent Information Manual (https://www.uiltexas.org/athletics/manuals) online. A hard copy can be provided by the coach or sponsor of the activity on request.

Course Guide Contents

Return to Course Guide Home Page
Schedule Change Practices
College & Career Exploration
Graduation Plan & Endorsements
Performance Acknowledgements
Grading, GPA, & Class Rank
IB Diploma Program
Dual Credit
Course Homework Time
Grading, UIL & Distance Learning
Course Levels & Scheduling Guidelines
Course List

Verification of Enrollment and Attendance

All learners enrolling in Driver’s Education, obtaining their license for the first time, renewing their expired license, or renewing their license when they turn 17, need to request a Verification of Enrollment and Attendance form required by the Texas Education Agency (T.E.A.). This form is available in the main Student Services office. CHS does not offer Driver’s Education classes. Please allow one school-day for processing.

Distance Learning

Course Offerings
Our philosophy is to provide learners with access to flexible course offerings and innovative programs to meet the diverse needs of the learners in the Coppell Independent School District in the information-rich environment of the 21st century. Several course alternatives will be offered to assist learners in gaining credit toward high school graduation. Learners are required to discuss options with their counselor prior to signing up for the following: 

  • Distance Learning (also known as “correspondence courses”) can be taken print-based or online, if offered.

  • Distance Learning must be from a Texas Education Agency (TEA) approved site.

  • Internet Courses - include Virtual School courses or online courses.

  • Distance Learning will only be paid for by Coppell ISD when the class is needed for graduation and is not available to fit in the students schedule.

Credit By Exams (CBE)

Students have access to Credit By Exams, this is an opportunity for learners to earn credit for a course by demonstrating mastery of the course objectives on an exam. 

  • Credit is earned by the semester; thus, learners must take a separate exam for each semester of a two-semester course. 

  • In order to earn credit learners must score an 80 or above on the exam. 

  • CBE grades will appear on the learner’s transcript with credit earned and will count toward the learner’s GPA at a level 2.

  • CBEs for Languages Other Than English (foreign languages) will count as a Level 3 credit for the classes of 2025 and beyond for the first two years of credit only.

    • By taking a LOTE CBE, the score for Year One will be entered on the learner’s transcript. 

  • CISD offers this testing each year. Applications are available online. Registration deadlines are strictly enforced. Learners may contact the Director of Assessment at 214-496-7020 for more information or go to the following link http://www.coppellisd.com/Page/523

  • CBE credit must be completed and scored one week prior to the semester in which the course would have been taken.