High School Graduation Plans
Challenging new plans… Exciting futures
For parents of students entering grade 9 in 2007-08.
Preparing your child for success
Overview
Take a look at high school graduation plans for students entering high school in 2007-08
Review the courses that your child will need to take in order to graduate Prepare all students for postsecondary opportunities
Graduation Plans
All Texas students enter high school on the Recommended High School Plan All students are encouraged to achieve the Distinguished Achievement Plan Some students may graduate under the Minimum Plan
New Recommended High School Program requires 26 credits
Two credits are added - one each in mathematics and science
New Recommended High School Program requires 26 credits for graduation
English I, II, III, IV World Geography, World History, US History, US Govt./Economics 4 credits in math: Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, 4th year of math 4 credits in science to include some of the following: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Integrated Physics and Chemistry, Principles of Technology, 4th year of science 1 credit each of Fine Arts, Technology Applications .5 credit of Communication Applications, Health 2 credits of a foreign language 1.5 credits of PE 3.5 elective credits
4 Credits in English
English I English II English III
English IV
4 Credits in Math
Algebra I Algebra II Geometry 4th credit
What can your child take for the fourth math credit?
Mathematical Models with Applications ** Precalculus Independent Study in Mathematics Advanced Placement Statistics Advanced Placement Calculus AB Advanced Placement Calculus BC IB Mathematical Studies IB Mathematics Standard Level IB Mathematics Higher Level IB Advanced Mathematics Standard Level AP Computer Science Concurrent Enrollment in College Courses
Mathematical Models with Applications
If Mathematical Models with Applications is selected, it must be taken prior to Algebra II.
4 Credits in Science
1 Credit from Biology (AP/IB) 2 Credits from the following:
Integrated Physics and Chemistry Chemistry (AP/IB) Physics (AP/IB), Principles of Technology I
4th Year of science may be selected from the laboratory-based courses (IPC cannot be taken as the final or 4th year science)
What can your child take for the fourth Science credit?
Biology Chemistry Physics Astronomy Aquatic Science Environmental Systems Earth and Space Science Advanced Placement Biology Advanced Placement Chemistry Advanced Placement Physics B Advanced Placement Physics C Advanced Placement Environmental Science International Baccalaureate Biology International Baccalaureate Chemistry International Baccalaureate Physics International Baccalaureate Environmental Systems The following health science technology education courses: Scientific Research and Design Anatomy and Physiology of Human Systems Medical Microbiology and Pathophysiology The following technology education/industrial technology education courses: Principles of Technology I Principles of Technology II Engineering
Concurrent Enrollment in college courses
3.5 Credits of Social Studies
World Geography Studies World History Studies US History Studies
US Government (.5)
.5 Credit - Economics
Economics with Emphasis on the Free Enterprise System and Its Benefits (.5)
2 Credits from Languages other than English
The credits earned must be for any two levels in the same language.
1.5 Credits from Physical Education
A student may not earn more than 2 credits in PE toward state graduation requirements
.5 Credit for Health Education
Health I (.5) or, Advanced Health or, Health Science Technology (1 credit)
.5 Credit in Speech
The credit must consist of Communication Applications
And…
1 Credit in Technology Applications 1 Credit in Fine Arts 3.5 Credits in Elective Courses
Distinguished Achievement Plan
New Distinguished Achievement High School Program Advanced High School Program
At least 26 Credits must be earned Same as the Recommended Plan except for the following:
4 Credits in Distinguished Achievement Program Math Mathematical Models is not an option 4th credit must be an approved mathematics course for which Algebra II is a prerequisite
Complete list of approved Distinguished Achievement Program 4th credit math courses:
Precalculus Independent Study in Mathematics (for example, when used to Advanced Mathematics such as Calculus) Advanced Placement Statistics Advanced Placement Calculus AB Advanced Placement Calculus BC IB Mathematical Studies IB Mathematics Standard Level IB Mathematics Higher Level IB Advanced Mathematics Standard Level AP Computer Science Concurrent Enrollment in College Courses
4 Credits in Distinguished Achievement Program Science
4 credits of science, which must consist the following: One biology credit (Biology, AP Biology, or IB Biology) One chemistry credit (Chemistry, AP Chemistry, or IB Chemistry) One physics credit (Physics, AP Physics, or IB Physics) One additional approved laboratory-based science course.
Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC) for Distinguished Achievement Program ? IPC will no longer satisfy the science requirements in the DAP, effective SY 2007-2008– no phase-out
Complete list of science options for 4th year
Distinguished Achievement Program
After successful completion of a biology course, a chemistry course, and a physics course, a student may select the fourth required credit from any of the following lab-based courses:
Earth and Space Science; Environmental Systems; Aquatic Science; Astronomy; Anatomy and Physiology of Human Systems; AP Biology; IB Biology AP Chemistry; IB Chemistry; AP Physics; IB Physics; AP Environmental Science; IB Environmental Systems; Scientific Research and Design; and Engineering.
3 Credits in Languages other than English
Three credits earned must be for any three levels in the same language.
2.5 Credits in Elective Courses
4 Advanced Measures
A student must achieve any combination of four of the following advanced measures:
Original research/project Test data 3.0 or higher on college/technical/dual credit courses
See your counselor for further details
For all students in either graduation plan
The intent of the rule is that all students should have a rigorous math and science course in their senior year Students may continue to take courses at the middle school and receive high school credit
Additional Information
Parents and students may view their school’s course description guide for addition information.
What about college credit?
Starting in 2008, all high schools must offer a program in which students may earn up to 12 college hours/credits Our school will offer student these college credits though these offerings:
Student Success
With Rigor, Relevance, and Relationships built into our schools; our students should be well prepared to make a seamless transition to postsecondary college or workforce!
Questions?