USAD International Pentathlon 2015–2016 CompetitionYear – Middle Schools
The curricular theme for 2015–2016 is “India” which runs parallel to the high school Academic Decathlon®theme.ThePentathloncompetitioniscomprisedoffiveacademicevents:FineArts(ArtandMusic),Literature, Mathematics, Science, and SocialScience exams. Part of the Literature score is a written essay.
The Pentathlon consists of a self-contained curriculum for the subjects listed above, and the materials will be availablefor downloading in PDF documents at under USAD International Store only, beginning in mid-September 2015. The fee for registering your team and receiving yoursite license for downloading materials is $500.00.In addition, there will be a $50 charge per team member for the online testing during the year.The featured novel this year isRudyard Kipling’s “The Jungle Books”(Bantam Classics ISBN 978-0553211993).
All competitions for the USAD Pentathlon except for the National competition will be held online and are strictlyvoluntary. Competitorsareeligibletowinteamandindividualmedalsfortheirefforts duringtheRegional,StateandNationalcompetitions.
Important Dates
School Registration and Payment DeadlineNovember 6, 2015
Student Registration and GPA Deadline December 18, 2015
National Competition Registration Deadline April 22, 2016
Practice Competition – Subject Area Exams Only January 21, 2016
Essay for Regional Competition February 4, 2016
Regional Competition February 23, 2016
Essay for State Competition March 10, 2016
State Competition – 1 team per grade per schoolMarch 31, 2016
Essay for National Competition April 28, 2016
National Competition– Boise, IdahoMay 20/21, 2016
USADPentathlonteamsshouldconsistofamaximumofnineteammembersandaminimumofsixteammembers.Eachteam mustconsistofatleasttwostudents in the following GPA groups: Honor (3.75 to 4.00), Scholastic (3.00 to 3.7499), and Varsity (Under 3.00).TheteamscorewillbedeterminedbythesumofthetoptwostudentscoresineachGPAcategory.Aperfectteamscoreis30,000points(6studentsx5 eventsx1000pointspossibleperevent). The following are the testing events.
- Literature: Studentswillnotonlywrite a shortessaybutwillalsoparticipatein a multiplechoicetestwhichincludes 30 questions with a value of 20 points each. Students will be allowed 30minutesto complete their essay and 20 minutes to complete their objective test. Highest combinedpossiblescore is 1000points.
- Mathematics: 35 problems with a value of 28.57 points each.
- Science: 50 questions with a value of 20 points each.
- Social Science: 50 questions with a value of 20 points each.
- Fine Arts: 50 questions with a value of 20 points each.
A student’s maximum possible score is 5000 points (5 events x 1000 points).
The “focus semesters” for GPA computation are the fall and spring semester grades of the previous year plus any summerschool gradesfromthesessionprecedingthecurrentgrade.IfthecontestantisaneighthgraderinSeptemberofthecompetitionyear, thenthesemestersthatareusedforGPAcomputationarealloftheseventhgradesemesters.Likewise,ifthecontestantisa seventh grader in the fall, the focus period for GPA computations includes all of the sixth grade semesters. This same “one yearrule” appliestoallstudents.WhencomputingtheGPA,thereisnoroundingup.Thus,a2.9974isa2.99,orVarsity.Agradegivenina summerschoolclasstakenasarepeatcourseisusedincomputingGPA.Themakeupclassgradeiscountedinwhateveryeartheclass was originally taken. If the summer class is not a repeat class, it is included in the GPA for the following year. If a studentfailed seventh grade, then repeated and passed, use the repeatgrades.
TheonlycoursestobeusedtodetermineGPAare:LanguageArts(EnglishandReading),Mathematics,Science,SocialStudies, ForeignLanguage,ArtHistory/Appreciation,andMusicHistory/Appreciation.IfLanguageArtsconsistsofjustEnglish,onlyuse thisgrade.RegardlessofthesystemusedtodetermineaGPAlocally,thesecriteriamustbefollowedtoensureuniformityand equity among all participants in the USADPentathlon.
Ifyouhaveanyquestions,pleasefeelfreetocontactusat: or phone: 1-571-438-5064.
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USAD International Pentathlon
2015–2016 Competition Year
School Registration Form
School: District:
Street Address:
City: State: Zip:
Telephone: Fax:
Coach(es):
Email Address:
School Principal:
Please register our school at $250 which covers the registration and site license for downloading materials for all students. Teams may consist of 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students. In addition, there will be a $10 charge per team member for the online testing during the year (not including the National Competition). You may purchase individual subscriptions or packages of 10, 25, or 50 online testing subscriptions. For example, if you have 10 students that will participate in online testing during the year, please include $100.00 in addition to the $250.00 fee.
Important Dates
School Registration and Payment DeadlineNovember 6, 2015
Student Registration and GPA Deadline December 18, 2015
National Competition Registration Deadline April 22, 2016
Important Competition Dates
Practice Competition – Subject Area Exams Only January 21, 2016
Essay for Regional Competition February 4, 2016
Regional Competition February 23, 2016
Essay for State Competition March 10, 2016
State Competition – 1 team per school – Elimination Round March 31, 2016
Essay for National Competition April 28, 2016
National CompetitionMay 20/21, 20
Please include payment with the registration form unless you are paying online. Please make checks and purchase orders payable to USAD. To pay by credit card please purchase materials online: store.usad.org
USAD Pentathlon
P.O. Box 9312
Boise, ID 83707
For additional information
please contact:
Jerry Helgeson
208-724-9545
Team Statistics Report
Do you have a class that includes Academic Pentathlon activities/studies? Yes No
Do the coaches of the Academic Pentathlon team receive a stipend? Yes No
How many students in your school are participating in the Academic Pentathlon? ______
How many males/females are participating in the Academic Pentathlon? # of Males: ___ # of Females: ___
Are you an International School that has students from other countries? ______
If yes, please list, in alphabetical order the country that your students come from. ______
______
If applicable, please list your team members that represent other than the host country:
Please return this information byDecember 18, 2015
USAD Pentathlon
P.O. Box 9312
Boise, ID 83707
USAD International Pentathlon 2015–2016 Team Registration Form
* Official Transcripts and the GPA Calculation form MUST accompany the registration form*
SchoolCodeSchoolPrincipalNameCoach
AssistantCoaches
SchoolAddress
School Telephone#School Fax#CoachesEmail
DO NOT FILL IN STUDENT NUMBER ** will be supplied by competitionofficial
DIVISION / IDNUMBER / STUDENTNAME"Honor" / 01 / H1-
TeamMembers / 02 / H2-
GPARANGE
3.750 -4.00 / 03 / H3-
"Scholastic" / 04 / S1 -
TeamMembers / 05 / S2 -
GPARANGE
3.000 -3.749 / 06 / S3 -
"Varsity" / 07 / V1 -
TeamMembers / 08 / V2 -
GPARANGE
0.00 -2.999 / 09 / V3 -
USE SEPARATE FORM FOR ADDITIONALSTUDENTS
FORM(s) MUST BE RECEIVED BY USAD PENTATHLON BY DECEMBER 18, 2015
USAD Pentathlon, P.O. Box 9312, Boise, ID 83707
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USAD International Pentathlon 2015–2016
Student Registration and Parent PermissionForm
I,
(Student’sName)
Now a student atin
(SchoolName)(Grade)
Livingat
HomeAddressCityStateZip
Parent EmailContactHomePhoneParent Cell#
Hereby request permission to participate in the USAD Pentathlon to be held online in2016.
I have read and agreeto adhereto the USAD Code of Conduct (Student Initial here). I agree to adhereto thehighest standards of honesty and integrity while participating in the USAD Academic Pentathlon competitions. If for any reason,test resultsaredeemedinvalid,Ifurtheragreetoparticipateinaretest,asdeemednecessaryorappropriatebytheUSAD,thatwill validate the testresults.
Myparent(s)orguardianandIherebyreleasefromallliabilityandresponsibilitytheUSADandtheirBoardofDirectorsandhold eachofthemharmlessfromanydamageorinjurywhichmaybeincurredorcausedbymebefore,duringorfollowinganysuch competition, including travel. We further consent to the release of information about or relative to my participation incompetition activities,includingscores,photographs,soundandvideorecordings,webcastingandotherformsofsoundandvideo transmission and any other data. The USAD Pentathlon shall have full rights to reproduction and use of all such materials. As a part of2015-2016 Pentathlon,USADhaspermissiontogathersurveyinformation frommeregardingmy participationinthePentathlon.
We understand that the team coach is the official chaperone and that (s)he has full responsibility to make medical or other necessary decisions and that I and my parent(s) will be held responsible for any damages resulting from my behavior. Ialso authorize that my transcript and any other pertinent materials may be sent to the USAD for verification of my eligibilityto participate in the Pentathloncompetition.
Student’s SignatureDate
Parent’s/Guardian’sSignatureDate
Coach’sSignatureDate
School Administrator’s Signature andTitleDate
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This form must be received byDecember 18, 2015
or
USAD Pentathlon
P.O. Box 9312
Boise, ID 83707Phone: 208-724-9545
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USADInternational Pentathlon
Special NeedsForm
STUDENTNAME:
SCHOOL:
ADDRESS:
SCHOOLPHONE:
SCHOOLFAX:
COACH(ES):
NATURE OF STUDENT’SDISABILITY:
Studentswithallergies(e.g.,food,skin,etc.)willgivehis/hernormalcaretotheseallergies.
PleaseattachacopyofIEPandhistoryofhowstudenthasbeenaccommodatedatpreviouscompetitions.
Coach’sSignatureDate
Forms must be received by December 18, 2015to:
USAD Pentathlon
P.O. Box 9312
Boise, ID 83707
or
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USAD International Pentathlon Basic Guidelines
REGISTRATION
Schools will need to return the following items to register theirteam.
•School/Team RegistrationForm
•Student Registration Form and Code of StudentConduct
•Computation of GPAForm
•Special RequestForm
TEAM REGISTRATIONFORM
Do not fill in the student identification number; the competition officials will enterthis number.
The GPA should be the one realized after following the rules of computingGPA.
YOUR TEAM REGISTRATION FORM and FEE MUST BE RECEIVED BYNovember 6, 2015.
STUDENT REGISTRATIONFORMS
These forms grant permission for the students to participate in the tournament and for rights ofprint, photography, and release of transcripts. The student, parent, coach, and an administrator mustsign the permission slips.
ONE FORM FOR EACH STUDENT MUST BE RECEIVEDIN THE USAD PENTATHLON OFFICE BYDECEMBER18,2015.
GPA COMPUTATIONFORM
1.An officialstudenttranscriptmustbeattached to thecomputationformalongwiththe GPA Calculation form. Transcripts must be signed andstamped.
ONE GPA FORM AND TRANSCRIPT PER STUDENT MUST BE RECEIVED IN THE
USADOFFICEBY December 18,2015.
DIVISION PLACEMENTCOMPUTATION
1.While coaches may make a rough evaluation of what division a student will compete inwhile they are recruiting students for the team, an official transcript should be available inthe summerpriortothestartofschoolandexactgradepointaveragesshouldbecomputedso both coaches and students know the division of thestudents.
2.Numeric values are assigned asfollows:
A / = / 4pointsB / = / 3points
C / = / 2points
D / = / 1point
3.Fortheconversionofnumericalgradesonthetranscript,eachschool’slocalgradingscale will be what is followed for Pentathlon competition.If the conversion scale is not onthe
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transcript, a copy should be sent with the transcript.Example:School A has thefollowing conversion scale that results in the corresponding Pentathlon gradepoints:
90 - 100=A = 4points
80 - 89=B = 3points
75 - 79=C = 2points
70 - 74=D = 1point 69 & below=F = 0points
4.The three divisions are determined by the grade points indicated:Honor:3.750-4.00(maycompeteonlyatHonorlevel)
Scholastic:3.000-3.749(maycompeteatScholasticorHonor levels)
Varsity:0.00-2.999(maycompeteatalllevels)
When computing the GPA, there is no rounding up; thus, 2.9974 is 2.99, or Varsity.
5.Even though a district may weight advanced classes, there is no weighting of gradingfor coursesthatcountforthePentathlonGPA.An“A”gradewillcount4pointsforPentathlon competition even if it counts 5 points within the local system.Under no circumstancesmay an “A” grade count 3 points. The letter grade on the transcript will be used regardless ofany plus orminus.
6.Ifastudentreceivesafailinggradeinanyacademiccourse,theFiscountedinaveraging the student’s grades even though no credit is given. When a course has been failed priorto thefocusperiodforwhichtheGPAisbeingcomputedbutrepeatedduringtheperiod,only the repeat grade is counted. When a course is failed and repeated during thefocus semesters, both grades will be counted in theGPA.
7.Incompleteorpass/failgradesarenotincludedincomputingtheGPA,unlessthestudent received an F that appears on the transcript. Once a grade is given to remove an incomplete, that grade must be used to determine the Pentathlon GPA.If onlypass/fail grades are assigned, the competition official will determine the evaluationscale.
8.Participation in the Pentathlon is open to all students, regardless of race, sex,religion, disability, sexual orientation or nationalorigin.
9.Correspondence courses, if listed on the transcript, count as any othercourse.
10.If a student’s grades are not available, the student must compete in the Honordivision.
11.Courses to be used when calculating GPA’s are: Language Arts (English andReading), Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Foreign Language, *Art History/Appreciation,and
*Music History/Appreciation. If Language Arts consists of just English, only use thisgrade.
VALIDATION OFMATERIALS
1.The deadline for all validation materials (team registration, student registration,transcripts, GPA forms, special request forms, etc.) is listed below in the “Summary” section ofthese guidelines.
2.Thecompetitionofficialwillverifyallcontestants’GPA’sfromthetranscriptsandGPAforms.Coacheswillbecontactedimmediatelyifthereareanydiscrepancies,especiallyifitaffects the division in which the student is tocompete.
3. If the required paperwork for any student is not received by the due date for verificationofGPA’sandpermissiontoparticipate,thatstudentwillnotbeableto participate in thecompetition.
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SPECIAL REQUESTFORM
Please submit this form should any of your team members and/or coaches necessitateit.
TESTS
1.All tests are 30 minutes long except for the Language & Literature test which will be20minutes long and the Essay which will be 30 minuteslong.
2.No study materials are allowed into the testingroom.
3.Calculators are permitted for the Math TestONLY.
4.Students caught cheating will be suspended from the program immediately and willnot receive any medals they may have alreadywon.
5.Students andproctors willreceiveofficialusernames andpasswords priortothepracticecompetition. These usernames and passwords will be used for the entire competitionyear.
6.Students are not permitted to leave the testing room until there is an official break,unless there is anemergency.
7.Students must be in said seat for allevents.
8.Coaches may be in the testing room during the practice session only on January 21, 2016.A school administrator will need to serve as proctor for all officialcompetitions.
9.Testingwillbeginwhentheofficialproctorbeginsthefirsttest.Nostudentwillbeallowed into the testing room once the testing hasbegun.
ESSAY
The Essay component will be 30 minuteslong.
SUMMARY
Please submit by November 6,2015
1. School/Team Registration Form & RegistrationFee
Please submit by December 18,2015
1. / Team Statistics Report2. / Student Registration Form
3. / Signed Student RegistrationForms
4. / GPA Registration Forms with attached officialtranscripts
5. / Special RequestForm
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USAD International Pentathlon 2015–2016
Code of Student Conduct
The USAD Academic Pentathlon expects all team members to conduct themselves in aproper manner while participating in any Academic Pentathlon event. Appropriate conduct ofteam members is the sole responsibility of the team coach who has legal responsibility as chaperonefor his/her team members at all times. Students should be under the supervision of the coach duringall activities.
Inappropriate conduct includes, but is NOT limitedto:
1.bringing any cell phone, electronic devices, study materials, etc. into the testing areas ofthe competition
2.being in possession of anyweapon
3.damage to, or vandalism of, anyproperty
4.appropriation of memorabilia from the competition sitepremises
5.use of alcohol or illegal drugs by students, regardless ofage
6.use of water pistols, water balloons or any other projectile at the hotel or competition site
7.fighting, loud noise, or any other behavior which is disruptive to others at the competitionsite
8.disrespect to the competition, competition officials, proctors, orcoaches
Cheating in any form will not be tolerated. Any act of cheating should promptly be broughtto USAD Pentathlon officials for review, evaluation, and imposition of possible sanctions. Ifsomeone is proven to have cheated, it is within USAD’s power to disqualify not only the personcaught cheating, but also the entireteam.
Students that violate the Student Code of Conduct shall have an immediate review byUSAD AcademicPentathlonofficialsandruntheriskofbeingeliminatedfromallcompetitions.
bility for all damage incurred by actions of a team member shall be thesole responsibility of that team member and his/her parents. Failure to comply with the Code ofStudent Conduct may result in disqualification from the event, the entire competition and the awards.The decision of the USAD Pentathlon Administration isfinal.
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Instructions for USAD International Pentathlon GPACalculation
YELLOWType in nameofschool.
Type in grade in which the student is currentlyenrolled. Type in student LASTNAME.
Type in student FIRSTNAME.
At this point, do a “Save As” for your worksheet. Name the file so itclearly indicates your team name (ex: GPA CALCULATION - CityHS). Save yourwork regularly so you don’t have to redo it if your file closesunexpectedly.
PURPLEEnter semester year information in the cell to the rightof “Year.” Enter all acceptable courses (for USADPentathlon GPA) in the appropriatesemester.
GREENEnterlettergradereceivedfor each courselisted.
REDEnterpointsforeachcourseperthekey at the bottomofthe GPA CalculationWorksheet.
BLUEEnter the number of credit hours received for eachclass listed. Use the following as a guide unless yourschool’s curriculum defines the specific credit hours earned bya course:
1.00credit hours would be a full yeargrade.
0.50credit hours would be a half yeargrade.
1/3credit hours would be a trimester grade. Be sure to typeintrimester course credit as 1/3 and NOT as a decimal. Theformulawillconvertitintotheappropriatenumberforcalculation.
.25credit hours would be a quarter yeargrade.
ORANGEThisfieldcalculatesautomatically. YouDO NOT needto type in any information. The calculation is POINTS xCREDIT HOURS.
CALCULATED GPA REPRESENTS THE STUDENT’SGPAFOR PURPOSES OF USADCOMPETITION.
TAN/BROWN These fields are also automatically calculated. Theformula uses the USAD accepted cut off GPA’s to identify thelowest division in which the student may compete. Studentscan always compete in a higher division, but may NOT competein a lower division. The division indicated by YES is thelowest division in which this student may compete inAcademic Decathlon.
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USADPentathlonGPA CalculationWorksheet
CALCULATED GPA=
TotalPoints/TotalHours
*POINTS:A+,A,A- =4.00B+,B,B- =3.00C+,C,C- =2.00D+,D,D- =1.00F =0.00
Coursesgradednumerically,shouldbeconvertedtoalphagradesbasedontheschool'sofficialconversionpolicy.
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