THE FOUNDATION HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM

House Bill 5

State End-of-Course Testing Requirements

The following 5 end-of-course (EOC) assessments are required: * English I – Reading & Writing (administered as one test) * English II – Reading & Writing (administered as one test) * Algebra I * Biology * U.S. History The student must pass each of the five EOC assessments to meet state graduation requirements.

Foundation High School Program

The Foundation High School Program becomes effective with the Freshman class of 2014-2015.

Beginning in 9 th grade, counselors will meet with students to develop a Personal Graduation Plan (PGP) outlining the student’s course of study.

The Personal Graduation Plan (PGP) will be reviewed each year and must be signed by the parent.

Foundation Options

1. Foundation Program = 22 State credits

Not available option until completion of Sophomore year

2. Foundation + Endorsement = 26 State credits 3. Distinguished Level of Achievement = 26 State credits

Performance Acknowledgements

Foundation High School Program

Eligible for general admission to institutions of higher education

Foundation Curriculum Enrichment Curriculum English Language Arts (4 credits)

- English I - English II - English III

Physical Education

- One credit - Some exceptions* Advanced English Course -

Mathematics (3 Credits)

- Algebra I - Geometry Advanced Mathematics Course -

Languages Other Than English

- Two credits in the same language - Substitution for computer programming languages** Some exceptions* -

Science ( 3 Credits)

- Biology - IPC or Advanced Science Course Advanced Science Course

Social Studies (3 Credits)

- U.S. History - U.S. Government (1/2 credit) - Economics (1/2 credit) - World Geography, or World History, or Combined World Geography/World History

Fine Arts

- One Credit

Electives

-Speech -4.5 Credits Total: 22 Credits Course has a required EOC assessment *Some exceptions **Computer Science I, II, or III

Endorsements

A student may earn an endorsement by successfully completing 26 state credits which include: • • • • The curriculum requirements for the endorsement Four credits in mathematics Four credits in science Two additional state elective credits

ENGLISH

English I (EOC) English II (EOC)

English III Adv. English

4.0

The FHSP + Endorsement

MATH SCIENCE SOCIAL STUDIES OTHER REQUIRED

Algebra I (EOC)

Geometry Adv. Math Biology (EOC) World Geo or World History IPC or Chem or Physics Adv. Science

US History (EOC)

Government/ Economics

ELECTIVE

Language Other Than English 2.0

Speech 0.5

Physical Other Education Electives 2.5

1.0

Fine Arts 1.0

Endorsement Math (4 th Math) 4.0

Endorsement Science (4 th Science) 4.0

3.0

4.0

Endorsement Specific Electives 4.0

7.0

Endorsement Requirements

When students complete their personal graduation plan they will indicate which endorsement he/she intends to earn.

Students will be allowed to change their endorsement during each of their high school years.

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Endorsements

An endorsement requires a focused study in one or more area/s of student interest. There are many benefits to earning an endorsement, including: * Richer student engagement, and * Better preparation for the student in continuing their education beyond high school and/or entering the workforce .

Endorsement Options

All five Endorsement options approved by the state are available in HCISD. Within four of the five endorsement areas, students may select either a Career & Technical (CTE) or Non Career and Technical (Non-CTE) pathway.

HCISD Endorsement Options

The Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Endorsement includes courses directly related to:

Science, including Environmental Science Technology, including Computer Science

STEM Science, Technology, Engineering & Math

STEM requires completion of Algebra II, Chemistry, and Physics.

The STEM endorsement includes courses of study related to: * Advanced science courses beyond Chemistry and Physics; or * Advanced math courses for which Algebra II is a prerequisite; or * A cross-disciplinary study of advanced math and advanced science; or * Computer Science / Computer Programming

A STEM endorsement requires a progressive sequence of 4 credits in at least one of the bulleted courses of study.

HCISD Endorsement Options

The Business & Industry Endorsement allows students to take courses directly related to:

Information Technology, Database Management, Communications, Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Graphic Design, Architecture, Construction, Welding, Logistics, Automotive Technology, or Agricultural Science A Business & Industry endorsement in the areas mentioned requires a progressive sequence of 4 credits in at least one of the courses of study.

Business & Industry

The Business & Industry endorsement may also be earned through the completion of four (4) English electives, including: * Three (3) levels in one field of journalism - Newspaper; or - Yearbook; or * Three (3) levels in either - Debate; or - Oral Interpretation

A Business & Industry endorsement in the areas mentioned requires a progressive sequence of 3 levels in at least one of the courses of study, plus one additional English course.

HCISD Endorsement Options

The Public Services Endorsement includes courses directly related to:

Education and Training, Government and Public Administration, Health Sciences, Human Services, Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security, JROTC (Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps) A Public Services endorsement requires a progressive sequence of 4 credits in at least one of the courses of study.

HCISD Endorsement Options

The Arts and Humanities endorsement may be earned through completion of at least one of the following:

Political Science, World Language, Cultural Studies, English Literature, History or Fine Arts

HCISD Endorsement Options

The Multidisciplinary Endorsement may be earned by completing: Advanced CTE courses that prepare a student to enter the workforce successfully or Advanced courses from each of the four subject areas sufficient to complete the distinguished level of achievement under the foundation program

Distinguished Level of Achievement 26 credits

A student may earn a Distinguished Level of Achievement by successfully completing: Four credits in mathematics, which must include Algebra II Four credits in Science Completion of curriculum requirements for at least one endorsement.

Distinguished Level of Achievement

Students must earn a Distinguished Level of Achievement (DLA) in order to be eligible for Top 10% Automatic Admission to public institutions of higher education in the state of Texas.

Performance Acknowledgments

• • • For outstanding performance In a dual credit course In bilingualism and biliteracy On an AP test or IB exam • On the PSAT, the ACT-Plan, the SAT, or the ACT For earning a nationally or internationally recognized business or industry certification or license

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Texas Education Website Contact your High School Counselor