Implementing HB 5 and the New Graduation Plans

1. 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

2. House Bill 5 • The 83rd Texas Legislature has passed the largest overhaul in the history of Texas Education • One of the primary outcomes was to give local school districts more control over their course offerings.

3. Primary Change for Students are the Graduation Plans • 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.

4. The New Graduation Plans • Foundation High School Program (FHSP) – the basics • Foundation High School Program with an Endorsement

5. 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

6. 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

7. What are the Endorsements? • STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) • Business and Industry • Public Services • Arts & Humanities • Multidisciplinary

8. 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.

9. So if everyone is graduating on the Foundation Plan with Endorsement how will I be able to stand out? Algebra II

10. 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

11. 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.

12. 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

13. Confused?

14. 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.

15. Comparison of Graduation Plans

16. When Considering FHSP . . . • All current 9th-10th grade students will be strongly encouraged to choose the new Foundation Plan. • 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. • Current 11th graders wanting to switch plans will be on an individual case-by-case basis.

17. 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