School district proposes major changes to GPA and class rank

In a recent meeting, the administration of Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District (CFISD) outlined proposed changes to high school course selections, class rank, and GPA calculations aimed at enhancing student opportunities and outcomes. The discussions highlighted a comprehensive plan that includes streamlining graduation requirements, adjusting advanced course offerings, and soliciting community input on these changes.

Key proposals include the discontinuation of health and PACE courses as graduation requirements, which would allow students to take an additional elective. This change is suggested to be implemented for incoming 8th graders, providing ample time for curriculum updates and communication with parents.

Another significant proposal is to limit class ranking to the top 10% of students. Research indicates that students outside this threshold may benefit from not being ranked, as it could lead to a more thorough review of their college applications. This change could be enacted as early as this spring for current 11th graders.

The administration also discussed the potential removal of K-level courses where Advanced Placement (AP) or dual credit options exist. This move aims to encourage students to pursue more rigorous coursework, thereby enhancing the district's college and career readiness metrics.

Additionally, the proposal includes the introduction of a separate rank GPA calculation that would not affect the cumulative GPA but would allow students to explore courses based on interest rather than solely on GPA impact. This approach aligns with trends observed in other districts across Texas.

The administration plans to gather feedback from various district committees and community members over the coming months, with a report summarizing the input and recommendations expected in November. Public meetings and additional information will be made available on the district's website to ensure transparency and community involvement in the decision-making process.