Graduation Plans
Graduation Plan: Class of 2018 and on
House Bill 5 (HB 5), passed by the Texas Legislature in 2013, created new high school graduation requirements effective for the 2014-2015 freshmen class. This new program is known as the Foundation Graduation Plan and is intended to offer students a lot of flexibility in planning their path to graduation. Students will meet with their career counselors to determine their own Personal Graduation Plan (PGP).
The Foundation Graduation Plan replaces the current three high school graduation plans (Minimum, Recommended and Distinguished Achievement) with one Foundation program, on top of which students can earn endorsements and a "Distinguished Level of Achievement" (See TEA's side-by-side comparison chart of current graduation requirements and HB 5 requirements)
Before entering 9th grade, the student and parent/guardian must confirm and sign a PGP, which must identify a course of study that promotes college and workforce readiness, career placement and advancement, and facilitates the students' transition from secondary to post-secondary education. Students may change their PGP at any time.
Foundation Program Required Course Credits
The Foundation Graduation Plan replaces the current three high school graduation plans (Minimum, Recommended and Distinguished Achievement) with one Foundation program, on top of which students can earn endorsements and a "Distinguished Level of Achievement" (See TEA's side-by-side comparison chart of current graduation requirements and HB 5 requirements)
Before entering 9th grade, the student and parent/guardian must confirm and sign a PGP, which must identify a course of study that promotes college and workforce readiness, career placement and advancement, and facilitates the students' transition from secondary to post-secondary education. Students may change their PGP at any time.
Foundation Program Required Course Credits
- Four English language arts, including English 1, 2, 3 and an advanced course
- Three math, including Algebra 1, Geometry, and an advanced course
- Three science, including Biology, an advanced course, and either another advanced course or Integrated Physics and Chemistry
- Three social studies, including U.S. History, one-half credit for Government, one-half credit for Economics, one credit for World Geography or World History
- Two foreign language
- One fine arts
- One P.E.
- Five electives
Endorsements
To earn any endorsement, students must successfully complete four credits of math and science (the three required under Foundation program plus an additional advanced math and an additional advanced science course or advanced CTE course), and seven electives (the five required under the Foundation program plus an additional two).
Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) - includes courses directly related to science, including environmental science, technology, computer science, engineering, and advanced mathematics.
Business and Industry - includes courses directly related to database management, information technology, communications, accounting, finance, marketing, graphic design, architecture, construction, welding, logistics, automotive technology, agricultural science, and heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning.
Public Services - includes courses directly related to health sciences and occupations, education and training, law enforcement, and culinary arts and hospitality.
Arts and Humanities - includes courses directly related to political science, world languages, cultural studies, English literature, history, and fine arts.
Multidisciplinary Studies - allows a student to select courses from the curriculum of each endorsement area described above and earn credits in a variety of advanced courses from multiple content areas sufficient to complete the Distinguished Level of Achievement under the Foundation program.
To view Class of 2018+ Graduation Plan Checklist, click here.
