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  2. HB 5 - Graduation Requirements

HB 5 - Graduation Requirements

House Bill 5 (HB 5) was passed by the Texas Legislature in 2013, making a number of changes to the state’s curriculum and graduation requirements, assessment program, and accountability system. The new graduation requirements took effect for those students going into 9th grade during the 2014-2015 school year. Those in 10th, 11th, & 12th grades will finish up with their original graduation programs. HB 5 restructured the state’s graduation requirements, moving from the “4x4” graduation plan to a 22-credit Foundation High School Program that allows students to darn endorsements in specific areas of study by completing four additional credcits. The endorsements include STEM, business and industry, public service, arts & humanities, and multidisciplinary studies. Regardless of graduation programs, all students in Grades 9-12 will be required to pass the End-Of-Course (EOC) assessments foro English I, English II, Algebra I, Biology, and U. S. History.

HOUSE BILL 5 – GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Which Plan Do I Fall Under?

HB5 Graduation Plan

 

WHAT’S DIFFERENT?

The Foundation High School Program (HSP) is similar to the Minimum HSP from previous years with the following differences:

  1. English: The 4th year of English is listed as an advanced English course, which does not limit it to English VI.
  2. Math: The 3rd year of math is listed as an advanced math course, the specific course to be selected by the school.
  3. Science: The 2nd year of science allows for additional choices in what will be offered. A third year of advanced science is being added, the specific course to be selected by the school.
  4. History: Previous years both World History and World Geography were required. Under the new plan one credit will be required allowing the option to choose between World Geography, World History, or a combined History/Geography class, depending upon what is offered by the district.
  5. Language Other Than English (LOTE): All students will be required to take 2 credits in the same language.
  6. Speech: No longer a required course. School districts may choose to offer and/or require their students to take this course.
  7. Electives: Minimum HSP required 7.5 creits to graduate. The new Foundation HSP requires only 5.
  8. Endorsements: The Foundation HSP adds the options of endorsements for students to select from.
  9. For both the Minimum HSP and the Foundation HSP only 22 credits are required to graduate from high school. However, a district is permitted to require above this number of credits for the Foundation Plan to allow for graduation.

Included: