In the Frisco Independent School District, the GPA for Rank is calculated by using a Weighted GPA, which factors in all classes, regardless of whether they are electives or core classes.

However, the weights reward AP classes more than other classes. AP classes are regarded on a 6.0 scale, advanced classes are regarded on a 5.5 scale, and on-level classes are regarded on a 5.0 scale. This means that in order to get a good ranking in your senior year, you would have to take 7-8 AP courses just to score within the top 10% of most Frisco schools.

This means that students are forced to choose: between their hobbies and their career pathway, or a good ranking. Students cannot get both. For example, a student who wanted to take a fine art such as Orchestra, and a CTE class such as Competitive Trial Advocacy, automatically cannot qualify for a high rank just because of the fact that these classes aren't AP.

In addition, the formula of taking 7 APs (which is incredibly common among seniors) is severely detrimental to students' mental health and harms students overall. However, students need a good ranking in order to achieve their goals in higher education and fulfill societal expectations.

We should reform the GPA for Rank policy so that only core classes (math, science, language arts, and social studies) are considered for a Weighted GPA and Rank. A provision should be made if students want to count an extra elective into their GPA. This way, students both can have a good rank and demonstrate academic ability and competitiveness, while also not pressuring students into taking on a workload detrimental to physical and mental health.

If this proposal is approved by the Board of Trustees, students will have a much easier time and can pursue both interests in school and a high rank and academic achievement. Sign this petition if you want a better future for Frisco ISD and its students.