texas high school graduation requirements pdf
Texas high school graduation requirements ensure students meet academic standards for a diploma․ These requirements include specific courses, credits, and exams, guiding students toward post-graduation success․
Overview of Texas High School Graduation Requirements
Texas high school graduation requirements are designed to ensure students are well-prepared for post-secondary opportunities․ The framework includes the Foundation High School Program (FHSP), which serves as the base diploma; Students must earn specific credits in core subjects like English, math, science, and social studies․ Additionally, they must pass End-of-Course (EOC) exams in key subjects․ The system also offers flexibility through programs like the Distinguished Achievement Program (DAP) for advanced students․ Legislative updates, such as House Bill 5, have shaped these requirements to align with modern educational goals․ Meeting these standards is crucial for receiving a high school diploma in Texas․
Foundation High School Program (FHSP)
The Foundation High School Program (FHSP) is Texas’ base diploma program, requiring students to earn 22 credits in core subjects like English, math, and science․
Core Course Requirements
The Foundation High School Program (FHSP) requires students to complete 22 credits across core subjects․ These include 4 credits in English (I-IV), 3 in math (including Algebra I and II), 3 in science (Biology, Chemistry, and Physics), and 3 in social studies (World Geography, U․S․ History, and Government)․ Additionally, students must earn 1 credit in physical education and 0․5 credits in health․ The remaining credits are allocated to electives, allowing students to explore interests or specialize in specific areas․ These requirements ensure a well-rounded education, preparing students for post-secondary opportunities while meeting state standards․
Distinguished Achievement Program (DAP)
The Distinguished Achievement Program (DAP) offers students the opportunity to earn a higher level of recognition by exceeding the Foundation High School Program requirements․ To qualify, students must complete 26 credits, including advanced courses such as Algebra II and a fourth credit in science․ Additionally, they must demonstrate academic excellence through high performance on standardized tests or by earning college credit in dual-enrollment courses․ The DAP emphasizes rigorous academic preparation, equipping students with skills necessary for competitive colleges and future careers․ This program is ideal for students aiming to stand out academically and pursue advanced educational pathways․
Graduation Plans
Texas offers structured graduation plans, including the Minimum and Recommended programs, guiding students toward college, careers, or military․ House Bill 5 introduced these pathways, enhancing flexibility and academic rigor․
Minimum Graduation Plan
The Minimum Graduation Plan in Texas requires students to earn 22 credits across core subjects․ This plan is designed for students pursuing post-secondary options like vocational training or entry into the workforce․ It includes courses in English, mathematics, science, and social studies, but offers fewer elective opportunities compared to other plans․ This plan is less rigorous than the Recommended or Distinguished programs but still ensures a foundational education․ Students must also pass required end-of-course exams to meet the minimum requirements․ This plan provides flexibility for students who may not be college-bound but still want to achieve a high school diploma․
Recommended High School Program
The Recommended High School Program is the most commonly pursued path in Texas․ It requires 26 credits, including four years of English, math, science, and social studies, with advanced coursework like Algebra II․ This program prepares students for college and career readiness, emphasizing critical thinking and academic rigor․ It also allows for elective courses tailored to individual interests․ Additionally, students must pass all five end-of-course exams in core subjects․ This program aligns with the Foundation High School Program but offers enhanced opportunities, making it a strong foundation for post-secondary success․ Many universities and colleges favor this program for admission, highlighting its value․
Course Credits
Texas students must earn a total of 22 course credits to graduate, including 4 English, 3 math, 3 science, 3 social studies, and 9 electives, with 2 in physical education․
Total Credits Required for Graduation
Texas high school students must earn a total of 22 course credits to graduate․ This includes 4 credits in English, 3 in math, 3 in science, and 3 in social studies․ Additionally, students need 2 credits in physical education and 3 elective credits․ The remaining 4 credits can be from elective courses, allowing flexibility for students to explore interests like fine arts, career and technical education, or advanced academic programs․ These requirements ensure a well-rounded education while preparing students for post-secondary opportunities․ Meeting these credit requirements is essential for eligibility to participate in the graduation ceremony and receive a diploma․
English, Math, Science, and Social Studies Requirements
Texas students must complete specific credits in core subjects․ For English, 4 credits are required, including English I, II, III, and IV․ Math requires 3 credits, typically Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II․ Science mandates 3 credits, such as Biology, Chemistry, and Physics․ Social Studies also requires 3 credits, covering World Geography, World History, U․S․ History, Government, and Economics․ These courses ensure a strong foundation in essential subjects․ Students must pass these classes to meet graduation requirements and demonstrate proficiency in key areas․ These core subjects prepare students for standardized tests and future academic or career pursuits, aligning with state education standards․
End-of-Course (EOC) Exams
End-of-Course exams are required for graduation․ Students must pass exams in Algebra I, Geometry, Biology, U․S․ History, and English I, II, and III․ A passing score is essential․
Subjects and Passing Requirements
Students must pass End-of-Course (EOC) exams in specific subjects to graduate․ These include Algebra I, Geometry, Biology, U․S․ History, and English I, II, and III․ Each exam requires a passing score, determined by the Texas Education Agency, to demonstrate proficiency․ The exams are administered at the end of each course and are a critical component of the graduation process․ Passing these exams ensures students have mastered the essential knowledge and skills in core subjects․ The requirements are designed to prepare students for post-secondary education and career opportunities․ Meeting these standards is mandatory for earning a high school diploma in Texas․
State Legislation and Updates
House Bill 5 simplified graduation requirements, offering more flexibility․ Legislative updates continue to refine standards, ensuring alignment with educational goals and student success in Texas schools․
House Bill 5 and Its Impact on Graduation Requirements
House Bill 5, passed in 2013, significantly restructured Texas high school graduation requirements․ It introduced the Foundation High School Program, reducing the number of required end-of-course exams from 15 to 5․ This bill aimed to provide students with more flexibility in their academic paths, allowing them to pursue specialized endorsements in areas like STEM or the arts․ Additionally, it removed the requirement for all students to take advanced courses, giving schools more autonomy to tailor programs to individual student needs․ These changes were designed to better prepare students for college, careers, and life beyond high school while reducing the testing burden․
Student Eligibility and Tracking Progress
Student eligibility for graduation is tracked through the Academic Achievement Record (AAR), which monitors progress toward meeting course and EOC requirements for a diploma․
Academic Achievement Record (AAR)
The Academic Achievement Record (AAR) is a comprehensive tool used to track students’ academic progress toward graduation․ It includes details on completed courses, earned credits, and performance on End-of-Course (EOC) exams․ The AAR also highlights any deficiencies or areas where students may need additional support․ This record is crucial for ensuring students meet all Texas high school graduation requirements, including both the course credits and assessment components․ By monitoring the AAR, educators and parents can help students stay on track to receive their diploma․ Regular updates to the AAR ensure that progress is accurately reflected throughout a student’s high school career․
Meeting Texas high school graduation requirements is crucial for students to earn a diploma and prepare for future success, ensuring academic readiness and eligibility for post-secondary opportunities․
Importance of Meeting Graduation Requirements
Meeting Texas high school graduation requirements is essential for students to earn a diploma and access post-secondary opportunities․ These requirements ensure academic preparedness and eligibility for college, careers, and military service․ By fulfilling credit and exam obligations, students demonstrate readiness for future challenges․ Failure to meet these standards may result in not receiving a diploma, limiting options after high school․ Thus, understanding and adhering to graduation requirements is critical for students to achieve their goals and succeed beyond high school․ The Texas Education Code outlines these standards to ensure all graduates are well-prepared for their next steps in life․