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 5

O The 83 rd 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 O O The new Foundation High School Program allows greater flexibility of courses required to graduate.

It encourages students to earn career pathway endorsements.

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

The New Graduation Plans

 Foundation High School Program (FHSP) – the basics  Foundation 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 (TEC)…

Foundation High School Program and the curriculum requirements for at least one endorsement

required by the Texas Education code

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 previously on 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

How many total credits are required on this plan?

Minimum High School Plan

22

Recommended High School Plan

26

Distinguished Achievement Plan

26

Foundation High School Program (FHSP)

22

FHSP+Endorsement

26

FHSP+Distinguished Level of Achievement

26 What are the core credit requirements for this plan?

What are the foreign language requirements?

Are there any extra requirements for this plan?

English- 4.0

Math- 3.0

Science- 2.0

Soc Studies- 4.0

None What effect does this plan have on college admissions?

Are students eligible for the Top Ten Percent?

Are students eligible for the Texas Grant?

May not be eligible to enter a university upon graduation No No Which students can choose this plan?

Students who entered high school prior to 14 15 Offers very little flexibility Is this plan flexible enough to meet my student’s unique needs?

No English- 4.0

Math- 4.0

Science- 4.0

Soc Studies- 4.0

2 levels of the same foreign language Eligible for admission to a TX university Yes Yes No English- 4.0

Math- 4.0

Science- 4.0

Soc Studies- 4.0

3 levels of the same foreign language Makes students more competitive for admission to a TX university Yes Yes Students who entered high school prior to 14-15 Offers very little flexibility Students who entered high school prior to 14-15 Offers very little flexibility Yes, 4 Advanced Measures English- 4.0

Math- 3.0

Science- 3.0

Soc Studies- 3.0

2 levels of the same foreign language with some exceptions Eligible for admission to a TX university No English- 4.0

Math- 4.0

Science- 4.0

Soc Studies- 3.0(+) 2 levels of the same foreign language with some exceptions Makes students more competitive for admission to any university and program No English- 4.0

Math- 4.0

Science- 4.0

Soc Studies- 3.0(+) 2 levels of the same foreign language with some exceptions Makes students more competitive for admission to any university and program Yes Yes Cohorts 2015, 2016, and beyond Offers very little flexibility No, but students are eligible for performance acknowledgements Yes Cohorts 2015, 2016, and beyond Offers a number of plans that are designed to match each student’s interests No, but students are eligible for performance acknowledgements Yes Cohorts 2015, 2016, and beyond Offers a number of plans that are designed to match each student’s interests but requires all students to complete Alg 2 No, but students are eligible for performance acknowledgements Does this plan affect the look of the diploma?

Is there anything else I need to know?

All students’ diplomas look the same regardless of the plan Must meet certain requirements to choose this plan with parent permission 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 May choose after 10 th grade ONLY with parent permission Students’ diplomas will designate the endorsement and performance acknowledgements 5 endorsement options: STEM Business and Industry Public Service Arts and Humanities Multi-disciplinary Students’ diplomas will designate the endorsement and performance acknowledgements Must earn endorsement

When Considering FHSP . . .

O All current 9 th -10 th 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 11 th 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 Lewis High School Counselor - Mrs. Christy Goucher 903-633-2455