90% RULE
Texas Education Code Section 25.092; FEC (Legal) FEC (Local)
(a)Except as provided in this section, a student in any grade level from kindergarten through grade 12 may not be given credit for a final grade for a class unless the student is in attendance for at least 90% of the days the class is offered.
*This is regardless of whether the student’s absences are funded/excused or unfunded/unexcused.
*Exceptions:
- Students who have a serious life-threatening illness
- Absences related to observance of religious holidays
In Eanes ISD, the academic calendar is 174 days. Elementary and middle school students must be present 157 days (no more than 17 absences) to receive credit/final grade for a class.
High school credits are awarded each semester; the fall semester has 85 days and the spring semester has 89 days. A middle- or high school student enrolled in a course for high school credit may be absent no more than 8 days each semester to receive final credit for a course.
(a-1) A student who is in attendance for at least 75% but less than 90% of the days a class is offered may be given credit or a final grade for the class is the student completes a plan approved by the school’s principal that provides for the student to meet the instructional requirements of the class.
In Eanes ISD, any student present 131 - 156 days (18 - 43 absences) would be eligible for this consideration. Examples of elements in a plan may include:
- Maintaining attendance standards for the rest of the semester
- Completing additional assignments, as specified by the committee or teacher
- Attending tutorial sessions as scheduled
- Completing other instructional programs, as specified by the committee
- Taking an examination to earn credit, as outlined in policy
(a-3) A student’s excused absence under Section 25.087 (b)(3) may not be considered in determining whether the student has satisfied the attendance requirements under Subsection (a) or (a-1).
(b) The Board of Trustees of each school district shall appoint one or more attendance committees to hear petitions for class credit or a final grade by students who are in attendance fewer than the number of days required under Subsection (a) and have not earned class credit of a final grade under Subsection (a-1). Classroom teachers shall comprise a majority of the membership. A committee may give class credit or a final grade to a student because of extenuating circumstances.
In Eanes ISD, Grade Placement Committees (GPC), are convened for these purposes. Each campus forms their own GPC.