Implementing HB 5 and the New

Graduation Plans

“Our goals can only be reached through a vehicle of a plan, in which we must fervently believe, and upon

which we must vigorously act. There is no other route to success.”

~Pablo Picasso

House Bill 5O The 83rd Texas Legislature has

passed the largest overhaul in the history of Texas Education

O One of the primary outcomes was to give local school districts more control over their course offerings.

Primary Change for Students are the Graduation Plans

O The new Foundation High School Program allows greater flexibility of courses required to graduate.

O It encourages students to earn career pathway endorsements.

O It expands available Career and Technology courses that will satisfy the requirements for those endorsements.

The New Graduation PlansFoundation High School Program

(FHSP) – the basicsFoundation High School Program

with an Endorsement

Endorsements“A student entering Grade 9 in the 2014-2015 school year and thereafter shall enroll in the courses necessary to complete the curriculum requirements for the Foundation High School Program specified in Section 74.12 of this title and the curriculum requirements for at least one endorsement specified in Section 74.13 of this title (relating to Endorsements).”

Text of New 19 Texas Administrative Code

So, what’s an endorsement?

An endorsement is a program of study

It’s a bit like a college major

Students choose from career pathways that interest them

What are the Endorsements?

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)

Business and Industry Public Services Arts & Humanities Multidisciplinary

Why are students being pushed to choose a career

pathway? Students with career goals are

16% more likely to graduate from high school.

Students who participate in CTE courses are 30% more likely to complete high school.

Students with well-defined career goals are more likely to persist in college.

Students with well-defined career goals are more likely to attain jobs in their chosen career field after college.

So if everyone is graduating on the

Foundation Plan with Endorsement how will I

be able to stand out?

Algebra II

Distinguished Level of Achievement

“A student may earn a distinguished level of achievement by successfully completing the curriculum requirements for the Foundation High School Program and the curriculum requirements for at least one endorsement required by the Texas Education code (TEC)…including four credits in science and four credits in mathematics to include Algebra II.

Text of New 19 TAC

But Wait, There’s More!

You can also add a Performance Acknowledgement!

It’s a lot like the “Advanced Measures” that were previouslyon the Distinguished Plan.

So, what’s a Performance Acknowledgement and

how can I get one?

Outstanding Performance(s) in:

Dual Credit Bilingualism and Biliteracy Advanced Placement Exams PSAT, ACT-PLAN, SAT or ACT Business or Industry Certificate or

License

Confused?

Comparison of New vs Old Plans

A complete comparison is on the next slide. Keep in mind however that each school district may have requirements above the state mandated requirements for graduation.

Comparison of Graduation Plans 

  Minimum High School

Plan

Recommended High School

Plan

Distinguished Achievement

Plan

Foundation High School Program

(FHSP)

FHSP+Endorsement

FHSP+Distinguished Level of

AchievementHow many total credits are

required on this plan?22 26 26 22 26 26

What are the core credit requirements for this plan?

English- 4.0Math- 3.0

Science- 2.0Soc Studies- 4.0

English- 4.0Math- 4.0

Science- 4.0Soc Studies- 4.0

English- 4.0Math- 4.0

Science- 4.0Soc Studies- 4.0

English- 4.0Math- 3.0

Science- 3.0Soc Studies- 3.0

English- 4.0Math- 4.0

Science- 4.0Soc Studies- 3.0(+)

English- 4.0Math- 4.0

Science- 4.0Soc Studies- 3.0(+)

What are the foreign language requirements?

None 2 levels of the same foreign

language

3 levels of the same foreign

language

2 levels of the same foreign language with

some exceptions

2 levels of the same foreign language with

some exceptions

2 levels of the same foreign language with

some exceptions

What effect does this plan have on college admissions?

May not be eligible to enter

a university upon

graduation

Eligible for admission to a TX university

Makes students more competitive for admission to a

TX university

Eligible for admission to a TX university

Makes students more competitive for

admission to any university and

program

Makes students more competitive for

admission to any university and

programAre students eligible for the

Top Ten Percent?No Yes Yes No No Yes

Are students eligible for the Texas Grant?

No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Which students can choose this plan?

Students who entered high

school prior to 14-15

Students who entered high

school prior to 14-15

Students who entered high

school prior to 14-15

Cohorts 2015, 2016, and beyond

Cohorts 2015, 2016, and beyond

Cohorts 2015, 2016, and beyond

Is this plan flexible enough to meet my student’s

unique needs?

Offers very little flexibility

Offers very little flexibility

Offers very little flexibility

Offers very little flexibility

Offers a number of plans that are

designed to match each student’s

interests

Offers a number of plans that are

designed to match each student’s

interests but requires all students to complete Alg 2

Are there any extra requirements for this plan?

No No Yes, 4 Advanced Measures

No, but students are eligible for

performance acknowledgements

No, but students are eligible for

performance acknowledgements

No, but students are eligible for

performance acknowledgements

Does this plan affect the look of the diploma?

All students’ diplomas look

the same regardless of

the plan

All students’ diplomas look

the same regardless of the

plan

All students’ diplomas look the same regardless

of the plan

Students’ diplomas will designate the endorsement and

performance acknowledgements

Students’ diplomas will designate the endorsement and

performance acknowledgements

Students’ diplomas will designate the endorsement and

performance acknowledgements

Is there anything else I need to know?

Must meet certain

requirements to choose this plan

with parent permission

    May choose after 10th grade ONLY with parent permission

5 endorsement options: STEM

Business and IndustryPublic Service

Arts and HumanitiesMulti-disciplinary

Must earn endorsement

When Considering FHSP . . .

O All current 9th-10th grade students will be strongly encouraged to choose the new Foundation Plan.

O Students also have the option to take some of the new courses as long as they are still meeting the requirements of their current plan.

O Current 11th graders wanting to switch plans will be on an individual case-by-case basis.

Questions?

Feel free to make an appointment for help in understanding your choices.

Junior High Counselor - Mrs. Linda LewisHigh School Counselor - Mrs. Christy Goucher

903-633-2455