Qualifying Elective Policy
Click here to download the Intention Statement that must be returned to Darcy Ruffino, Waltrip Registrar, in the 1300 office.
The option to convert a numeric grade of 85 or higher to a “pass” applies only to:
- high school students (freshmen-seniors) enrolled in qualifying elective courses
- upon receipt of a fully executed intention statement, submitted by the student to the building principal or designee before the end of the first grading cycle thus, opting in for the fall and spring semesters.
- Fall 2025 Deadline: end of first grading cycle
- Spring 2025 Deadline: end of fourth grading cycle (only for courses added to the student’s schedule for the spring semester after the end of the first grading cycle in the fall)
- Courses taken in 9th grade through 12th grade
- Qualifying elective courses must be taken in HISD
The option to convert a numeric grade of 85 or higher to a “pass” may be applied in up to four (4) qualifying elective courses for no more than 2.0 state credits during a student’s high school tenure. Courses designated as Career and Technology Education (CTE) and Technology Applications do not qualify as qualifying elective courses. Students receiving a “pass” for the semester grade average will receive a 0.5 credit value.
A numeric grade must be assigned to a high school student’s first full, fine arts and physical education credit (1.0). Any additional fine arts and physical education credits can be converted to a “pass” if the course grade average requirements are satisfied
Courses that qualify
Aligned to elective courses identified in 19 TAC Chapter 74, Subchapters 11 and 13: Athletics, art, band, cheer, cheer, choir, color guard, dance, drill team, drivers education, JROTC, music, theatre, physical education.
A numeric grade must be assigned to a high school student's first full fine arts and physical education credit (1.0) respectively. Any additional fine arts and physical education credits can be converted to a "pass" if the course grade average requirements are satisfied.
Who qualifies to apply for qualifying electives?
The option to convert a numeric grade of 85 or higher to a “pass” applies only when all the following criteria are met:
•high school students enrolled in qualifying elective courses
•courses taken in 9th grade through 12th grade
•qualifying elective courses must be taken in HISD
•student must satisfactorily complete the initial 1.0 credit for fine arts and physical education course.
•upon receipt of a fully executed intention statement, submitted by the student to the building principal or designee before the end of the first grading cycle thus, opting in for the fall and spring semesters.
