Graduation requirements
Three graduation plans are available, but one, the minimum high school program (22 credits), is being de-emphasized due to concerns that it does not contain courses required for success in college. Thus, starting with the 9th grade class of 2004-05 and all 9th graders thereafter, students must enroll in the recommended high school program (26 credits) or distinguished achievement program (26 credits). However, a student can opt out of the recommended or distinguished achievement program, with parental and school approval. Detailed information on graduation requirements under the three plans is available on the TEA website.
Requirement for four credits in each of the four core curriculum areas
Since 2007-08, students entering the 9th grade under the recommended or advanced high school program have been required to complete four credits each in English language arts, math, science and social studies (in addition to other requirements) in order to graduate. Legislation passed in 2009 changes current law/rules by requiring that for students in the recommended and advanced high school programs, one-half credit of the four credits required for social studies must be in economics, and that students in the minimum high school program must complete one credit of fine arts. The new legislation also reduces the PE credit required in the recommended and advanced high school programs from 1.5 credits to 1 credit and allows the PE credit to be met in all three high school graduation programs by participating in a private or commercially sponsored physical activity program offered on or off a school campus and outside of the regular school day, if approved by the commissioner. Finally, the number of electives has increased under the recommended high school program from 3.5 to 6, and under the advanced high school program from 2.5 to 5.
Under the recommended high school program, the four math credits must include Algebra I, Algebra II and Geometry. After successful completion of Algebra I, Algebra II and Geometry, a student may select the fourth required credit from a list of courses approved by the SBOE.
For science, one credit must be a biology credit (Biology, AP Biology or IB Biology). Students must choose two credits from the following areas, but not more than one credit may be chosen from each of the areas to satisfy this requirement: (a) Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC); (b) Chemistry, AP Chemistry or IB Chemistry; and (c) Physics, Principles of Technology I, AP Physics or IB Physics. IPC cannot be taken as the final or fourth year of science, but must be taken before the senior year of high school. The fourth year of science may be selected from a list of courses approved by the SBOE.
A student entering grade 9 beginning with the 2012-13 school year must take three science credits, at least one from each category, from the following areas: (a) Biology, AP Biology or IB Biology; (b) Chemistry, AP Chemistry or IB Chemistry; and (c) Physics, Principles of Technology I, AP Physics or IB Physics. The fourth year of science may be selected from a list of courses approved by the SBOE.
Legislation passed in 2009 requires the SBOE to approve a variety of math and science courses that can be taken by a student after completion of Algebra II and Physics to meet the requirements of the recommended high school program.
Alternate courses for recommended high school program requirements
The commissioner of education must develop English language arts, math, science and social studies courses to be offered by fall 2009 to students who need additional assistance in preparing for college success. These courses can be used to meet the recommended high school program graduation requirements.
Personal finance as graduation requirement
Instruction in personal financial literacy must be included in one or more courses needed for graduation, and must be taught in any economics class offered.
Personal graduation plan/TAKS failure
Principals must designate school personnel to implement a personal graduation plan for middle/high school students who have failed the TAKS or will not likely graduate on time.
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