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Credit from non-CSA Courses » Credit-By-Exam (CBE)

Credit-By-Exam (CBE)

A possible method of earning credit toward high school graduation is for a student to take a comprehensive exam that covers the information for a particular course.

If a student scores 80% or above (for acceleration, i.e. no previous instruction in the course) or 70% or above (for recovery, i.e. previous instruction in the course) on the credit-by-exam (CBE), credit toward high school graduation is awarded. Typically, there is one exam per semester (A for first semester, B for second) so that each exam earns 0.5 credit. A student can only attempt to earn credit for a course by CBE twice.

Chaparral Star Academy accepts CBE credit from two institutions: The University of Texas at Austin (individual study guides are available) and Texas Tech University ISD (individual review sheets are available).

Expenses and the arrangements for the process for any Credit-by-Exam are the responsibility of the student/parent.  Credit is granted by Chaparral Star Academy upon receipt of official final grade.

Credit-by-Exams are typically divided into two semesters labeled with an A for first semester and a B for second semester.  For example, if a student took and passed the ALG2A CBE, he/she would receive credit for first semester Algebra II (e.g. 0.5 credits).  Typically, to earn a full credit, students need to perform satisfactorily on BOTH semesters (e.g. two CBEs (A and B)).

All credit-by-exams must be completed by May 1st of the respective school year for the student to earn credit during that school year.

For UT-Austin & Texas Tech, students will take his/her online exam anytime, anywhere once he/she is ready before the expiration date.  Both entities use an online proctoring tool, Proctorio, for all CBEs.

HOW DO PARENTS or STUDENTS REGISTER FOR THE TESTS?

 

The first step is to choose between ordering the respective credit-by-exams (CBE) for acceleration (sometimes listed as EA) from the University of Texas at Austin K-16 Education Center or from Texas Tech UISD. 

 

It is recommended to look at the review guides (The University of Texas at Austin (individual study guides are available) and Texas Tech University ISD (individual review sheets are available)) to help make the decision.

 

From there, parents or students should follow the instructions on the website for the respective entity (e.g. scroll down to "How to Order" section at University of Texas at Austin K-16 Education Center or scroll down to "Individual Credit By Exams" section at Texas Tech UISD).

 

WHERE DO STUDENTS TAKE THE TESTS?

 

UT-Austin offers at-home proctoring for 3rd - 8th grade & high school skills, while Texas Tech offers at-home proctoring for all grades.

 

If a physical exam is ordered, UT or TTUISD will send the exam to Chaparral Star Academy, where testing will take place. Test dates and times will be individually scheduled based on staff availability and parent request.

 

 

HOW DO STUDENTS PREPARE FOR THE TESTS?

 

Preparation for the exams is the responsibility of the student and parent. CSA teachers should not be expected to provide materials nor consultation for grade advancement. Tests are written by the UT K-16 Education Center or TTUISD, and review sheets are available from them.

 

The University of Texas at Austin has individual study guides available and Texas Tech University ISD has individual review sheets available.

 

HOW MANY ATTEMPTS DOES A STUDENT HAVE?

 

Score reports are sent to students, usually after two weeks. Students are only offered two opportunities for grade advancement.

 

CREDIT-BY-EXAM – PREVIOUS INSTRUCTION

For the purposes of earning credit via credit-by-exam for recovery, CSA will define “previous instruction” as follows:

  • The student attended class (e.g. physically present) for the respective credit to be earned for at least 75% of the days the course was offered
  • The student completed an online course (e.g. TxVSN) or a correspondence course, but did not earn credit (e.g. did not pass course or did not pass final exam)
  • The student completed at least 0.5 credits in the respective course (e.g. a student can earn credit via credit-by-exam for recovery for Algebra I B if he/she earned credit in Algebra I A) if the original 0.5 credit was taken as a course (e.g. not credit-by-exam)
  • The student participated/completed in at least 75% of respective coursework in a homeschool/unaccredited environment to be determined by administration on a case-by-case situation