Eighth Grade Transition Night

1. Eighth Grade Transition Night Thorndale High School Tuesday, May 29th, 2014

2. What is House Bill 5? • Reduction of STAAR EOC (End of Course) testing from 15 tests to 5 tests • Change in graduation requirements • Removes the 15% rule for STAAR EOC final grades • Move towards a more individualized education- no more “one size fits all”

3. Old graduation plan vs. hb 5 Old Plan House Bill 5 • 26 Credits • 4 ELA, 4 Math, 4 Science, 4 Social Studies • 1 PE, 2 Spanish, 1 Fine Art, ½ Speech, ½ Health, 5 ½ Electives • 3 Graduation Plans to choose from • 22 Credits + 4 credits towards an endorsement • 4 ELA, 4 Math, 4 Science, 3 Social Studies • 1 PE, 2 Language, 1 Fine Art, 5 Electives • 4 additional credits towards an endorsement

4. What is an endorsement? • An endorsement is a value-added credential earned through a program of study. Students may earn multiple endorsements and these will be notated on their transcripts and diplomas.

5. Texas endorsements • STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) • Business and Industry • Arts and Humanities • Public Service • Multidisciplinary

6. Finding your student’s strengths… • Career Cruising with all current 8th graders • Results help THS decide what classes to offer • Students may take classes based on their programs of study (which will lead to an endorsement). • A student may change his/her program of study with parent approval • We realize that students may change their minds about what careers they are interested in… and that’s okay! The school will keep track of all classes to make sure students earn endorsements

7. Programs of study at Thorndale • Information Technology • Web and Digital Media • Manufacturing • Production • Multidisciplinary • General Studies • STEM • Mathematics • Science: Biology • Science: Chemical and Physical • Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics • Facility and Mobile Equipment Maintenance • Education and Training • Teaching and Training: Public Service • Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources • Agribusiness Systems • Animal Systems • Power, Structural, and Technical Systems • Plants Systems • Arts, AV Technology and Communications • Visual Arts • Performing Arts: Instrumental • Performing Arts: Theatre • Business Management and Administration • Management • Health Science • Diagnostic Services • Therapeutic Services • Health Informatics • Hospitality and Tourism • Restaurant, Food and Beverage Service

8. Student Scheduling • Students must have: • English I, II, III, and an advanced English (4 credits) • Algebra 1, Geometry, and 2 advanced math courses (4 credits) • IPC, Biology, and 2 advanced science courses (4 credits) • W. Geography and W. History, US History, ½ Government, and ½ Economics (3 credits) • Language Other Than English (THS offers Spanish) (2 credits) • Fine Art (1 credit) • PE (1 credit) • Speech (1/2 credit) • Principles of Technology (1/2 credit) • +PLUS 4 additional enrichment credits to earn Endorsements • *Bolded items are STAAR End of Course tested subjects

9. Sample freshmen Level courses • English 1 • IPC (Integrated Physics and Chemistry) • Algebra 1 or Geometry* • Speech/Principles of Technology • PE or Athletics • Fine Art (Band or Art) • Spanish 1 or 2* • Enrichment • *These class selections will depend on 8th grade courses

10. What happens now? • Parents/students will meet with a counselor to discuss the student’s four year plan for high school. • Each meeting with take about 10-15 minutes. The sign up schedule is posted on the wall. These meetings will take place on Monday, May 12th- Wednesday May 14th from 9:00am-8:00pm. • This four year plan is open to change at any time- THS wants to keep an accurate record of plans.

11. Subject to change… • The State Board of Education and the Texas Education Agency are working to finalize these graduation plans. While we do not think any more changes will occur for graduation requirements, it is always possible. • We will update parents as we get information!

12. Questions?