High School Graduation Plans Challenging new plans… Exciting futures Preparing your child for success For parents of stu

1. High School Graduation PlansChallenging new plans…Exciting futuresPreparing your child for successFor parents of students entering grade 9 in 2007-08.

2. Overview • Take a look at high school graduation plans for students entering high school in 2007-08 • Review the courses that your child will need to take in order to graduate • Prepare all students for postsecondary opportunities

3. Graduation Plans • All Texas students enter high school on the Recommended High School Plan • All students are encouraged to achieve the Distinguished Achievement Plan • Some students may graduate under the Minimum Plan

4. New Recommended High School Programrequires 26 credits Two credits are added - one each in mathematics and science

5. New Recommended High School Program requires 26 credits for graduation • English I, II, III, IV • World Geography, World History, US History, US Govt./Economics • 4 credits in math: Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, 4th year of math • 4 credits in science to include some of the following: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Integrated Physics and Chemistry, Principles of Technology, 4th year of science • 1 credit each of Fine Arts, Technology Applications • .5 credit of Communication Applications, Health • 2 credits of a foreign language • 1.5 credits of PE • 3.5 elective credits

6. 4 Credits in English • English I • English II • English III • English IV

7. 4 Credits in Math • Algebra I • Algebra II • Geometry • 4th credit

8. What can your child take for the fourth math credit? • Mathematical Models with Applications ** • Precalculus • Independent Study in Mathematics • Advanced Placement Statistics • Advanced Placement Calculus AB • Advanced Placement Calculus BC • IB Mathematical Studies • IB Mathematics Standard Level • IB Mathematics Higher Level • IB Advanced Mathematics Standard Level • AP Computer Science • Concurrent Enrollment in College Courses

9. Mathematical Models with Applications • If Mathematical Models with Applications is selected, it must be taken prior to Algebra II.

10. 4 Credits in Science • 1 Credit from Biology (AP/IB) • 2 Credits from the following: • Integrated Physics and Chemistry • Chemistry (AP/IB) • Physics (AP/IB), Principles of Technology I • 4th Year of science may be selected from the laboratory-based courses (IPC cannot be taken as the final or 4th year science)

11. Biology Chemistry Physics Astronomy Aquatic Science Environmental Systems Earth and Space Science Advanced Placement Biology Advanced Placement Chemistry Advanced Placement Physics B Advanced Placement Physics C Advanced Placement Environmental Science International Baccalaureate Biology International Baccalaureate Chemistry International Baccalaureate Physics International Baccalaureate Environmental Systems The following health science technology education courses: Scientific Research and Design Anatomy and Physiology of Human Systems Medical Microbiology and Pathophysiology The following technology education/industrial technology education courses: Principles of Technology I Principles of Technology II Engineering Concurrent Enrollment in college courses What can your child take for the fourth Science credit?

12. 3.5 Credits of Social Studies • World Geography Studies • World History Studies • US History Studies • US Government (.5)

13. .5 Credit - Economics • Economics with Emphasis on the Free Enterprise System and Its Benefits (.5)

14. 2 Credits from Languages other than English • The credits earned must be for any two levels in the same language.

15. 1.5 Credits from Physical Education • A student may not earn more than 2 credits in PE toward state graduation requirements

16. .5 Credit for Health Education • Health I (.5) or, • Advanced Health or, • Health Science Technology (1 credit)

17. .5 Credit in Speech • The credit must consist of Communication Applications

18. And… • 1 Credit in Technology Applications • 1 Credit in Fine Arts • 3.5 Credits in Elective Courses

19. Distinguished Achievement Plan

20. NewDistinguished Achievement High School ProgramAdvanced High School Program • At least 26 Credits must be earned • Same as the Recommended Plan except for the following:

21. 4 Credits in Distinguished Achievement Program Math • Mathematical Models is not an option • 4th credit must be an approved mathematics course for which Algebra II is a prerequisite

22. Complete list of approved Distinguished Achievement Program 4th credit math courses: • Precalculus • Independent Study in Mathematics (for example, when used to Advanced Mathematics such as Calculus) • Advanced Placement Statistics • Advanced Placement Calculus AB • Advanced Placement Calculus BC • IB Mathematical Studies • IB Mathematics Standard Level • IB Mathematics Higher Level • IB Advanced Mathematics Standard Level • AP Computer Science • Concurrent Enrollment in College Courses

23. 4 credits of science, which must consist the following: One biology credit (Biology, AP Biology, or IB Biology) One chemistry credit (Chemistry, AP Chemistry, or IB Chemistry) One physics credit (Physics, AP Physics, or IB Physics) One additional approved laboratory-based science course. 4 Credits in Distinguished Achievement Program Science

24. Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC) for Distinguished Achievement Program ? • IPC will no longer satisfy the science requirements in the DAP, effective SY 2007-2008– no phase-out

25. Complete list of science options for 4th year Distinguished Achievement Program After successful completion of a biology course, a chemistry course, and a physics course, a student may select the fourth required credit from any of the following lab-based courses: • Earth and Space Science; • Environmental Systems; • Aquatic Science; • Astronomy; • Anatomy and Physiology of Human Systems; • AP Biology; • IB Biology • AP Chemistry; • IB Chemistry; • AP Physics; • IB Physics; • AP Environmental Science; • IB Environmental Systems; • Scientific Research and Design; and • Engineering.

26. 3 Credits in Languages other than English • Three credits earned must be for any three levels in the same language.

27. 2.5 Credits in Elective Courses

28. 4 Advanced Measures • A student must achieve any combination of four of the following advanced measures: • Original research/project • Test data • 3.0 or higher on college/technical/dual credit courses • See your counselor for further details

29. For all students in either graduation plan • The intent of the rule is that all students should have a rigorous math and science course in their senior year • Students may continue to take courses at the middle school and receive high school credit

30. Additional Information • Parents and students may view their school’s course description guide for addition information.

31. What about college credit? • Starting in 2008, all high schools must offer a program in which students may earn up to 12 college hours/credits • Our school will offer student these college credits though these offerings:

32. Student Success • With Rigor, Relevance, and Relationships built into our schools; our students should be well prepared to make a seamless transition to postsecondary college or workforce!