Graduation Requirements
Foundation High School Program (FHSP)
The foundation graduation program requires completion of the following credits:
|
Course Area |
Number of Credits: Foundation Graduation Program |
Number of Credits: Foundation Graduation Program with an Endorsement |
|
English/Language Arts |
4 |
4 |
|
Mathematics |
3 |
4 |
|
Science |
3 |
4 |
|
Social Studies, including Economics |
3 |
3 |
|
Physical Education |
1 |
1 |
|
Languages other than English |
2 |
2 |
|
Fine Arts |
1 |
1 |
|
Technology Credit |
1 |
1 |
|
Dollars and Sense |
.5 |
.5 |
|
Character & Leadership Development |
.5 |
.5 |
|
Electives |
5 |
7 |
|
Total |
24 credits |
26 credits |
Additional considerations apply in some course areas, including:
- Mathematics. To obtain the distinguished level of achievement under the foundation graduation program, a student must complete an endorsement and take Algebra II as one of the 4 mathematics credits. A student’s completion of the distinguished level of achievement is a requirement to be considered for automatic admission to a Texas four-year college or university and will be included on a student’s transcript.
- Physical education. A student who is unable to participate in physical activity due to a disability or illness may be able to substitute a course in English language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, or another locally determined credit-bearing course for the required credit of physical education. This determination will be made by the student’s ARD committee, Section 504 committee, or other campus committee, as applicable.
- Languages other than English. Students are required to earn 2 credits in the same language other than English to graduate. Any student may substitute computer programming languages for these credits.
- A student may satisfy one of the 2 required credits by successfully completing in elementary school a dual language immersion program or a course in American Sign Language.
- In limited circumstances, a student may be able to substitute this requirement with other courses, as determined by a district committee authorized by law to make these decisions for the student.
Endorsements
All students are required to declare an endorsement in writing prior to entering the 9th grade. Students will be permitted to change their endorsement with counselor guidance.
There are five endorsement options, which allow students flexibility based on individual interests and career goals. Each endorsement category is designed to prepare students to successfully enter postsecondary education or the workforce upon graduation from high school.
The endorsement and the career areas to which they correspond are as listed below:
- STEM – Science, including Computer Science; Technology; Engineering and Mathematics;
- PUBLIC SERVICES – Education and Training; Government and Public Administration; Health Science; Human Services; and Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security;
- BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY – Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources; Architecture and Construction; Business Management and Administration; Finance; Hospitality and Tourism; Information Technology; Manufacturing; Marketing; Transportation; and Journalism, including broadcast journalism, newspaper, and public speaking;
- ARTS AND HUMANITIES – Fine Arts; Economics with Emphasis on Free Enterprise; English Language Arts; and Languages Other than English;
- MULTIDISCIPLINARY STUDIES – Allows students to take courses in several endorsement areas as listed
Recognitions
Students have the opportunity to earn additional recognitions in the following areas.
DISTINGUISHED LEVEL OF ACHIEVEMENT
A student may earn a distinguished level of achievement by successfully completing all curriculum requirements for the Foundation High School Program, plus
- A fourth credit in mathematics, which must include Algebra II;
- A fourth credit in science;
- The requirements of at least one endorsement
- A student must graduate with a Distinguished Level of Achievement to be eligible for automatic admission to a Texas public college or university.
PERFORMANCE ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
A student may earn a performance acknowledgement in one or more of the following categories:
- AP test score of 3 or higher or Outstanding performance on the PSAT(Commended or higher) or ASPIRE (college ready on at least 2 of 4 subject tests) or the SAT (1250) or the ACT (28);
- 12 hours of college credit College Grade of 3.0 or above or Associate’s Degree
- Bilingualism and biliteracy; and
- Earning a nationally or internationally recognized business or industry certification or license
Requirements for a Diploma
A student must meet the following requirements to receive a high school diploma from the district:
- Achieve passing scores on certain end-of-course (EOC) assessments or approved substitute assessments, unless specifically waived as permitted by state law;
- Complete the required number of credits established by the state and any additional credits required by the district;
- Complete any locally required courses in addition to the courses mandated by the state;
- Demonstrate proficiency, as determined by the district, in the specific communication skills required by the State Board of Education (SBOE); and
- Complete and submit a free application for federal student aid (FAFSA) or a Texas application for state financial aid (TASFA).
Testing Requirements for Graduation
Students are required, with limited exceptions and regardless of graduation program, to perform satisfactorily on EOC assessments in:
- English I,
- English II,
- Algebra I,
- Biology, and
- U.S. History.
A student who does not achieve a sufficient score will have opportunities to retake an assessment.
State law allows a student to meet EOC requirements by substituting satisfactory performance on approved national standardized assessments or on the state-developed assessment used for entrance into Texas public universities. [See the school counselor for more information on the state testing requirements for graduation.]
If a student fails to perform satisfactorily on an EOC assessment, the district will provide remediation in the applicable content area. This may require the student’s participation outside normal school operating times.
In limited circumstances, a student who fails to demonstrate proficiency on up to two of the required assessments may still be eligible to graduate if an individual graduation committee, formed in accordance with state law, unanimously determines that the student is eligible to graduate.