1. Georgetown ISD Spring 2016

2. The courses you take, the activities you participate in, and the way you choose to conduct yourself have a huge impact on the options you will have available to you upon graduation. Take advantage of the many opportunities afforded to you in high school to ensure that you have the best chance possible of achieving your personal goals.

3.  Graduation Requirements  Endorsement Pathways  Performance Acknowledgements  4-Year Plan Worksheet

4. Students must successfully earn at least 26 credits in a plan of study that includes specific courses in English, math, science, social studies, and other required courses and electives. Students must also select and complete an endorsement as mandated under HB5.

5. IMPORTANT: The Distinguished Level of Achievement is required for automatic admission to state 4 year universities.

6.  Four years of the four foundation subjects: English, math, science and social studies.  Rigorous curriculum designed to prepare students for post-secondary education and/or employment.  Pre-AP and Advanced Placement Courses  Dual Credit Opportunities  Multidisciplinary Endorsement Option

7.  Language other than English (LOTE) – 2  Physical Education/PE substitution) – 1  Fine Arts – 1  Health -.5

8.  Additional courses in: ◦ English, Math, Science and Social Studies ◦ LOTE courses ◦ PE/Athletics or PE substitutions ◦ Fine Arts courses  Career and Technology (CT) courses  Other courses

9.  26 state credits are required for graduation  Local credits may be awarded by the school district. Examples: ◦ Academic periods for team sports ◦ Office Aide ◦ Other courses approved for local credit

10. Remember, you have the next 4 years to set up the rest of your life. Make them count!

11. Endorsement pathways are intended to give students opportunity to take a concentration of related courses in high school to help them be better prepared for post- secondary education and careers.

12.  Arts and Humanities  Business and Industry  Public Service  STEM  Multidisciplinary REMEMBER: Endorsements can be changed if you change your mind anytime during high school. You and your parent/guardian will need to meet with your high school counselor.

14. In general, students must earn 4 credits from a sequence of related courses designated for a particular endorsement pathway. Refer to the endorsement pathways chart is the GISD course guide to identify courses required for particular pathways.

15.  While it is possible for students to meet the requirements for more than one endorsement, “collecting” endorsements is not really the intent of the mandate.  Scheduling conflicts may require students to set priorities regarding the endorsement completion requirement.

16. Remember, you have the next 4 years to set up the rest of your life. Make them count!

17. Students are encouraged to pursue a course of study that challenges them. Performance acknowledgements recognize students who go above and beyond what is required.

18. Recognition for outstanding achievement in the following areas:  Dual Credit Courses  Languages (LOTE)  AP Testing  PSAT/SAT/ACT Testing  Certification/Licensure

19. Remember, you have the next 4 years to set up the rest of your life. Make them count!

20. Awareness is important for students in grade 8 so they can put together a plan of study that supports the attainment of any performance acknowledgement in which they have an interest. Information pertaining to the programs related to the attainment of performance of performance acknowledgements will become more specific as students move through high school.

21. For further information regarding 4 year planning after today’s presentation, please refer to the GISD high school course guide or contact your school counselor.