A more flexible graduation program that allows students to pursue their interests is in place for students who entered high school beginning in the 2014–2015 school year and thereafter. [SEE ADDENDUM FOR SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION PLAN]
The Foundation Graduation Program includes four parts:
- A 22 credit Foundation program which is the core of the Texas high school diploma
- Five endorsement options that allow students to focus on a related series of courses
- A higher performance category called Distinguished Level of Achievement
- Performance Acknowledgments that note outstanding achievement
All incoming 9th graders will be enrolled under the Distinguished Level of Achievement graduation plan and must select an Endorsement. Endorsements consist of a related series of courses that are grouped together by interest or skill set. They provide students with in-depth knowledge of a subject area. Students can choose from five endorsement areas: Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM); Business and Industry; Public Service; Arts and Humanities; or Multidisciplinary Studies. The availability of endorsements will vary by ResponsiveEd school brand and location.
A student may be permitted to take the basic Foundation Graduation Program without Endorsements and/or Distinguished Levels of Achievement only after:
- The student has completed their sophomore year;
- The student and student’s parent(s) have been advised of the specific benefits of graduating with an endorsement, including but not restricting acknowledgement that graduating without an endorsement may not satisfy the admission requirements of many four-year universities or colleges; and
- The student and student’s parent(s) have submitted written acknowledgement to the Campus Director, signed by all parties, that the student should be permitted to take the basic Foundation Graduation Program.
After having satisfied the above criteria to move to the Foundation Graduation Program, a student has the right—and is encouraged—to pursue at any time course requirements necessary to satisfy an Endorsement and/or Distinguished Level of Achievement.
Foundation Graduation Program
The Foundation Graduation Program Distinguished Level of Achievement allows students to best prepare for the transition to post-high school education or quality workforce training. Students must choose a plan and courses that will prepare them for college access and success. Therefore, students entering Grade 9 during the 2014–2015 school year and thereafter shall be enrolled in the Foundation Distinguished Level of Achievement graduation program in order to be best prepared for college. It requires 26 credits to include a total of four credits in math, including Algebra II; a total of four credits in science; and successful completion of an endorsement in an area of interest. Furthermore, it will also allow students to compete for the Top 10% automatic admissions eligibility at most Texas public universities.
Graduating under the Foundation Graduation Program will also provide opportunities to earn “performance acknowledgments” that will be acknowledged on a student’s transcript. Performance acknowledgments are awarded for outstanding performance in a dual-credit course; on an AP or IB exam; on the PSAT, ACT-Inspire, SAT, or ACT exam, which are national exams; or for earning a state, nationally or internationally recognized license or certificate. A personal graduation plan will be completed for each high school student to assist with endorsement choices towards a successful graduation.
The criteria for earning these performance acknowledgments are prescribed by state rules, and the schools can provide more information about these acknowledgments.