High School Graduation Plans

Explanation of types of graduation plans listed below

Class of 2021


The Foundations High School Program offers courses that give you the best opportunities to succeed in technical school, community college or a four-year university.  Students are scheduled to complete the Foundations Graduation Plan plus courses that would fulfill requirements of one endorsement.

Foundation Plan Plus Endorsement includes:
  • English, Language Arts - 4 credits (English I, II, III, IV)
  • Mathematics - 4 credits 
    (Must include Algebra I, Algebra II and Geometry. You may select the fourth required credit from a list of state-approved mathematics courses.)
  • Science - 4 credits 
    (These might include Biology, Chemistry, Physics and another science.)
  • Social Studies - 3 credits
    (Courses will include World Geography, U.S. History since Reconstruction and two .5 credit courses, U.S. Government and Economics.)
  • Language other than English - 2 credits 
    (Must take courses in the same language.)
  • Physical Education - 1 credit
  • .5 credit of technology
  • Fine Arts - 1 credit
  • Speech - .5 credit
  • Health - .5 credit
  • Electives - 4.5 credits
Options of Courses for the Foundations Program:
​http://www.tasanet.org/cms/lib07/TX01923126/Centricity/domain/175/external/foundation.pdf

House Bill 5 

HB 5 Graduation Requirements
HB 5 restructured the state's graduation requirements, moving from the "4x4" graduation plan to a Foundation High School Program.  This plan allows students to earn endorsements in specific areas. The endorsements include STEM; business & industry; public service; arts & humanities; and multidisciplinary studies. 

Distinguished Graduation Diploma
Students other than seniors are expected to earn the distinguished diploma by successfully completing 26 credits and an endorsement.  These credits  consist of the foundation program requirements, plus Algebra II as one of four math credits; credits for at least one endorsement, and a fourth science credit (advanced).

Performance Acknowledgement 
The new HB 5 graduation plan allows a student to earn a “performance acknowledgement” that is placed on the student’s diploma and transcript. A performance acknowledgement can be earned in the following ways:
(1) Dual Credit - by successfully completing: (a) at least 12 hours of college courses with a grade of 3.0 or higher on a scale of 4.0 or (b) an associate degree while in high school

(2) Bilingualism and Biliteracy - demonstrating proficiency in two or more languages by: (a) completing all English language arts requirements and maintaining a minimum grade point average of the of an 80 on a scale of 100; and (b) satisfying one of the following: • completion of a minimum of three credits in the same language and in a language other than English with a minimum GPA of  80 on a scale of 100;  or a • a score of 3 or higher on a College Board AP exam for a language other than English
*Additional requirements may be added for ELL students

(3) AP Scores - by earning a 3 or higher on an AP test

(4) PSAT-be recognized as a commended scholar or higher as a part of the National Merit Scholar Program

(5) SAT - earning a combined critical reading and mathematics score of at least 1250 on the SAT

(6) ACT -  earning a composite score on the ACT of  a 28  (excluding the writing subscore)

(7) Earning a nationally or internationally recognized business or industry certification or license

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