Personal Learning Plan

The Sioux Falls School District's mission is to "educate and prepare each student to succeed in a changing world." A key part of that mission is helping students learn to plan for their own success.

In high school, every student creates a Personal Learning Plan (PLP) that includes at least 22 credits, covering the required courses for graduation. These requirements and credit details are listed in the District's Personal Learning Plan guide. Students, along with their parents or guardians, select courses that match their career goals and support their success. If a student needs extra help in math or reading, counselors may recommend specific courses to meet their needs.

Each year, students review and update their Personal Learning Plan with their school counselor during registration. The plan can change as students' goals and needs evolve throughout high school.  

High School Diploma
Advanced Career Endorsement
Advanced Endorsement
Advanced Honors Endorsement

Your high school transcript will record all your courses and grades. Your Personal Learning Plan should ensure you meet all requirements for your high school diploma.

Grade Level Classification of High School Students

At the beginning of each school year, high school students will be classified by the total number of credits. Students must earn a number of credits to be classified as a 10th, 11th, or 12th grader:

Grade

Credits

10th

5.0

11th

11.0

12th

16.0

Graduation Requirements

Grading Scale

Grading Scale

A  = Excellent

90-100%

B  = Above Average

80-89.9%

C  = Average

70-79.9%

D  = Below Average

60-69.9%

F  = Failing

59.9% and below

Weighted Grades

The District will maintain a non-weighted GPA and corresponding class rank and a weighted GPA and corresponding class rank. Bonus points for AP courses and Project Lead the Way Courses will be added to a student’s GPA after the GPA has been calculated using a non-weighted system. Both weighted and non-weighted GPA’s corresponding class rankings will always be printed on student transcripts.

Calculation of Weighted GPA

Students shall receive bonus points to their non-weighted GPA for all Advanced Placement and Project Lead the Way courses that they complete with a semester grade of C or better. In order to receive credit for a yearlong course, students must complete both semesters of an Advanced Placement or Project Lead the Way course. Students in a yearlong AP or Project Lead the Way course will lose the first semester bonus points if they do not complete the second semester of the course.

GPA points calculated for a full year course:

  • A - 0.045

  • B - 0.0225

  • C - 0.015

  • D - No bonus points

Dropping a Course

Students must submit a written request signed by a parent/guardian and may need administrator approval to drop a course. To drop an AP course, students must obtain administrator approval. In making the decision the administrator shall at minimum consider the following factors:

  1. Appropriate placement with regards to academic abilities and designated course selection option;

  2. Class availability of desired replacement course (full sections/schedule conflicts) 

  3. The degree to which the request is arbitrary and capricious.

Students who drop a course after the first 5 school days of a semester will receive an “F” grade, which will appear on their transcript and be figured in their grade point average. However, changes to a course of a lower or higher difficulty in the same subject area may occur with approval of the administrator and the teacher after the first 5 days without receiving an “F” grade. 

Early Graduation

Students interested in early graduation should see a counselor and complete the necessary forms. Those planning to graduate a semester or more early, should meet with their counselor to discuss future plans, early college admissions options, or other opportunities associated with early graduation. Students will need to be ahead on credits to access this option.