Overview of Texas High School Graduation Requirements
Texas high school graduation requirements include earning at least 22 credits, passing five end-of-course exams, and completing the Foundation High School Program or Distinguished Level of Achievement․
1․1․ Foundation High School Program
The Foundation High School Program requires students to earn 22 credits across core subjects, including English, math, science, and social studies․ It serves as the base diploma for Texas high school graduates, allowing flexibility through elective choices while meeting essential academic standards for graduation․
1․2․ Distinguished Level of Achievement
The Distinguished Level of Achievement requires additional math and science courses beyond the Foundation Program․ It enhances career and college readiness, offering advanced academic challenges․ This level is crucial for students seeking automatic admission to Texas public universities under the Top 10% rule, providing a competitive edge in higher education opportunities․
Course Requirements for Graduation
Texas students must earn at least 22 credits, including courses in English, math, science, and social studies, with additional electives to meet graduation standards․
2․1․ Minimum Credits Needed
Texas students must earn a minimum of 22 credits to graduate․ These credits include courses in English, mathematics, science, social studies, physical education, and electives․ Students must also complete any additional requirements set by their school district to meet graduation standards․ Credits are awarded upon successful completion of each course, ensuring a well-rounded education․
2․2․ Core Subjects and Electives
Students must complete core subjects, including English, mathematics, science, and social studies․ Electives allow for personalized learning, such as fine arts, career and technical education, or advanced courses․ These courses provide a balanced curriculum, preparing students for post-secondary opportunities while meeting state requirements․
End-of-Course (EOC) Assessments
Texas students must pass five EOC exams in Algebra I, English I, English II, Biology, and U․S․ History to meet graduation requirements․
3․1․ Required EOC Exams
Texas students are required to pass five End-of-Course (EOC) exams: Algebra I, English I, English II, Biology, and U․S․ History․ These assessments evaluate mastery of core subjects and are mandatory for graduation․ Each exam is administered at the end of the corresponding course, ensuring students demonstrate proficiency in key academic areas before earning their diploma․
3․2․ Passing Requirements
Students must pass the required EOC exams to graduate․ Each exam requires a passing score, typically determined by the Texas Education Agency․ Retakes are allowed for students who initially fail, ensuring opportunities to meet the requirements․ Additionally, some students may qualify for alternative assessments through Individual Graduation Committees, providing pathways to graduation while meeting state standards․ Consistent with state policies, all assessments align with curriculum standards․
Graduation Committees and Alternative Plans
Graduation committees assess students at risk of not graduating, providing alternative plans to meet requirements, ensuring fair opportunities for all students to succeed and earn diplomas․
4․1․ Purpose of Graduation Committees
Graduation committees evaluate students at risk of not meeting requirements, offering tailored plans to ensure they can graduate․ This process ensures equity and provides alternative pathways for success․
4․2․ Individual Graduation Committees (IGCs)
IGCs are formed for students who fail required EOC exams or lack credits․ These committees create personalized plans, allowing students to demonstrate proficiency through alternative assessments, ensuring they meet graduation criteria․
Role of School Counselors
School counselors guide students in meeting graduation requirements, providing academic advising, monitoring progress, and offering support to ensure successful completion of high school programs․
5․1; Academic Advising
School counselors provide academic advising to guide students in selecting courses and understanding graduation requirements․ They help students create personalized plans aligned with their goals, ensuring they meet the necessary credits and coursework for the Foundation High School Program or Distinguished Level of Achievement․ Counselors also assist students in meeting university admission standards, tracking progress, and addressing any academic challenges promptly․
5․2․ Monitoring Student Progress
School counselors monitor student progress to ensure academic success and timely graduation․ They track earned credits, identify at-risk students, and provide targeted interventions․ Regular checks ensure students meet requirements for the Foundation High School Program or Distinguished Level of Achievement, staying on track for graduation and postsecondary opportunities․
Academic Achievement Record (Transcript)
The academic achievement record, or transcript, tracks a student’s credits, courses, and grades․ It ensures accurate documentation of progress toward graduation and is essential for college admissions and scholarships․
6․1․ Tracking Credits and Courses
The academic achievement record tracks credits earned, courses completed, and grades achieved․ It ensures students meet graduation requirements and maintains a detailed record of academic progress․ This documentation is crucial for verifying eligibility for graduation, planning future coursework, and providing evidence of academic performance for college admissions and scholarships․
6․2․ Importance of Accurate Records
Accurate academic records ensure students meet graduation requirements and are eligible for post-secondary opportunities․ Errors can delay graduation or affect college admissions and scholarships․ Precise documentation of credits, courses, and grades is essential for verifying student progress and compliance with state regulations․ Schools must maintain detailed, error-free records to support students’ academic and career goals effectively․
Texas Education Agency (TEA) Resources
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) provides official documents and support materials for understanding graduation requirements, ensuring students, parents, and educators have accurate and up-to-date information․
7․1․ Official Graduation Requirements Documents
The Texas Education Agency provides official documents detailing graduation requirements, including credit expectations, end-of-course exams, and diploma options․ These resources outline the Foundation High School Program and Distinguished Level of Achievement, ensuring clarity for students, parents, and educators․ The documents are accessible on the TEA website, offering comprehensive guidance to navigate graduation pathways effectively․
7․2․ TEA Website and Support Materials
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) website offers comprehensive support materials, including official graduation requirements documents and guides․ These resources provide detailed information on credit requirements, EOC exams, and diploma options․ The website also features FAQs, infographics, and downloadable PDFs to help students, parents, and educators understand and navigate the graduation process effectively․
Automatic Admission to Texas Public Universities
Automatic admission to Texas public universities is granted through the Top 10% rule or earning the Distinguished Level of Achievement, requiring advanced courses in math and science․
8․1․ Top 10% Rule
The Top 10% Rule guarantees automatic admission to Texas public universities for students ranking in the top 10% of their high school graduating class․ This policy aims to ensure access to higher education for high-achieving students․ Eligibility is determined by class rank, with no additional requirements beyond completing the Distinguished Level of Achievement or Foundation High School Program․ This pathway is highly valued for its simplicity and merit-based approach, fostering academic excellence and opportunity for Texas students statewide․
8․2․ Distinguished Level of Achievement Requirement
The Distinguished Level of Achievement requires students to complete advanced courses in math and science beyond the Foundation Program․ This includes four credits in math, including Algebra II, and four credits in science․ Students must also earn a distinguished performance on standardized tests․ This requirement ensures a rigorous academic foundation for students seeking automatic admission to Texas public universities under the Top 10% Rule, fostering readiness for higher education and future success․
Special Considerations
Texas accommodates students with disabilities and English language learners through tailored plans, ensuring equitable access to graduation requirements while addressing their unique academic needs and challenges effectively․
9․1․ Students with Disabilities
Students with disabilities in Texas receive tailored accommodations through Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or 504 Plans, ensuring they meet graduation requirements equitably․ These plans may modify coursework, testing, or provide support services․ Alternative assessments are available for those unable to meet standard requirements, promoting inclusivity and academic success tailored to individual needs and abilities․
9․2․ English Language Learners
English Language Learners in Texas are provided with accommodations to meet graduation requirements, such as bilingual programs and language support services․ These resources help ELLs achieve academic success while maintaining high standards․ The Texas Education Agency offers guidelines and support materials to assist both students and educators in navigating these accommodations effectively․
Texas high school graduation requirements emphasize earning credits, passing EOC exams, and meeting program standards․ Students must complete either the Foundation or Distinguished Level of Achievement․
10․1․ Summary of Key Requirements
Texas high school students must earn at least 22 credits, pass five end-of-course exams, and complete either the Foundation High School Program or the Distinguished Level of Achievement․ The Distinguished Level requires additional math and science courses and is necessary for automatic admission to Texas public universities under the Top 10% rule․ Students with disabilities or English language learners may have tailored plans․ Meeting these requirements ensures eligibility for graduation and post-secondary opportunities․
10․2․ Final Tips for Students and Parents
Stay informed about graduation requirements, plan coursework strategically, and monitor progress with school counselors․ Seek help early if challenges arise, and utilize TEA resources for guidance․ Regularly review transcripts to ensure accuracy and stay on track for meeting all requirements․ Open communication between students, parents, and educators is key to a smooth path to graduation and post-secondary success․