GUIDANCE FOR GRADUATION: House Bill 5 and High School Graduation Requirements

GUIDANCE FOR GRADUATION: House Bill 5 and High School Graduation Requirements

Earning a High School Diploma The High School Diploma is key in: Having access to post-secondary school education Enlisting in United States military services Obtaining employment and career advancement opportunities Accessing higher paying jobs

A New graduation plan with meaningful flexibility for Texas students and communities PURPOSE: Texas plans for graduation that includes meaningful flexibility to earn a high school diploma with appropriate and rigorous foundation courses aligned to endorsement areas for college and career preparation.

Graduation Plans Previous Graduation plans: Minimum High School Program (MHSP) Recommended High School Program (RHSP) Distinguished Achievement Plan (DAP)* *For top 10% college admission rule (7% University of Texas), a student MUST earn a distinguished level of achievement.

New Graduation Plans Beginning 2014-2015: The Commissioner of education has adopted a plan to replace the MHSP, RHSP & DAP

New Graduation Plans The new plans include: The Foundation High School Program (22 credits) The Foundation High School Program with Endorsements (26 credits) The Distinguished level of achievement (26 credits)

New Graduation Plans Incoming 9 th grade students will begin under the Distinguished level of achievement program* A student may elect to graduate WITHOUT an endorsement only after the students 10 th grade year The student & parent shall be advised of the benefits of graduating from H.S. with an endorsement, AND the parent files written permission allowing the student to graduate FOUNDATION only *Unless otherwise determined by an ARD committee

New Graduation Plans Current 9 th, 10 th, or 11 th grade students (2013-2014 school year) must be given a choice to graduate under the MHSP, RHSP, DAP, or Foundation High School Program. A student may elect to graduate WITHOUT an endorsement only: After the students 10 th grade year The student & parent are advised of the benefits of graduating from H.S. with an endorsement AND the parent files written permission allowing the student to graduate FOUNDATION only.

Graduation Plans 2014-2015 Graduation plans flowchart (Click here to open Graduation Plans)

Judson ISD Endorsements/Pathways ENDORSEMENTS STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Business and Industry Public Services Arts and Humanities Multidisciplinary Studies PATHWAYS Advanced Math Advanced Science (including Environmental Science) Computer Science Engineering-PLTW (WHS) English (Broadcast Journalism, Newspaper, Yearbook. Public Speaking, Debate) Technology Applications (District-Wide) Business Administration & Marketing Management (WHS) Construction & Manufacturing (WHS) Culinary Arts (WHS) Information Technology (WHS) Visual Design (WHS) Fashion Design (WHS) Agricultural Science (JHS) Marketing & Business Services (JHS) Media Technology & Communications (JHS) Transportation Services (JHS) Education & Training (WHS) Health Science (JHS) Human Services (JHS) Law Enforcement (WHS & JHS) J-ROTC (Army-WHS/Air Force-JHS) World Languages Advanced Social Studies Advanced English Fine Arts (Art, Music, Theatre, Dance) Allows a student to select advanced courses from the curriculum of each endorsement area and earn credits in a variety of advanced courses from multiple content areas sufficient to complete the distinguished level of achievement.

In addition to Foundational level classes, the following levels of courses are offered: GENERAL COURSES PRE-AP / AP* DUAL CREDIT* IB* TAG* (Click here to open Challenge Agreement) *Requires completion of the Challenge Agreement student and parent/guardian signature is required

Pre-AP, AP and IB Courses AP/IB courses give students a head start on college Taking AP/IB courses can help students to gain college admission; test scores can earn college credit and placement into advanced courses. Grades are weighted and can help improve class rank

Dual Credit Courses JISD has academic and technical dual credit partnerships agreements with several postsecondary institutions Students earn high school and college credit at the same time A qualifying score on an entrance exam (TSI) must be met before enrolling in a dual credit course

What is AP? AP stands for Advanced Placement These are Stand Alone Classes and Tests Earn College Credit may be granted if a score on the AP test is high enough Content and Expectations are Directed by the College Board Students can By-Pass Entry Level Courses

What is IB? Coursework with a Global Perspective designed to meet Global Standards Major components include thinking and writing Diploma Guarantees 24 Semester Credits at any Texas State University There are IB Programs in Over 138 Countries

Scheduling Recommendation All incoming 9 th grade students are encourage to select: 1. English I 2. Biology (Chemistry Pre-AP if Biology credit has been awarded) 3. World Geography 4. Algebra I (Geometry Pre-AP if Algebra I credit has been awarded) 5. Language other than English (Spanish, German or French) 6. Endorsement (introduction course pathway dependent upon endorsement selection) 7. Elective* (athletic and/or general/recommended elective) 8. Alternate course (in cases where first elective request is not available) *Elective course is dependent upon successful completion and promotion. Student may be administratively placed in a remedial and/or support class based on state assessment results.

A few more updates with HB5 Personal Gradation Plans State assessment requirements

Personal Graduation Plan (PGP) In 2014-2015, upon entering 9 th grade, students must indicate in writing an endorsement selection. This may be accomplished via a Personal Graduation Plan (PGP) which must be signed by both the parent & student

State Assessment Requirements under HB 5 Five End of Course (EOC) test (subject based) Algebra 1 English I and II Biology US History

For additional questions please contact your campus Professional School Counselor. For additional information refer to the Guidance and Counseling webpage at: http://www.judsonisd.org/district/instruction/guidanceandcounselin g/index.cfm Thank You!