1. BETA Counseling Department
Freshmen 101
BETA Counseling Department
Christina Sprawls: A-Ga
Julie Ramos: Gb-M
Mario Garcia: N-Z
Cindy Ponce: Social Worker
Maricela Hinojosa: Wellness Specialist
Gabriel Hernandez: Special Services
Lisa Canchola: Counselor Secretary
Yolanda Morales: PEIMS Clerk

2. Grade WEIGHTS & classification
All high school grades are used to calculate GPA. Jr. High grades and summer grades from other schools are not included.
Grade weights:
Regular or CP = 1.0
Pre-AP = 1.05
AP = 1.10 *The AP exam must be taken or the weight changes to 1.05
IB = 1.15
GPAs are calculated by semester this is what shows on a transcript
GPA’s are not given until Sophomore year
Classifications are based on credits:
10th grade credits
11th grade credits
12th grade 20 or more credits

3. Rankings
We are a non-ranking district except for that which is required by the State of Texas (Top 10%)
Rankings do NOT print on transcript unless otherwise requested in writing
Rankings are calculated by the students rank divided by the amount of students in his/her class.
For example if a student is ranked 30 in a class of 145 you would divide 30 by 145, and you will get a number with a decimal. 30/145 =.20
This means the student is in the top 20%
Under the Automatic Admission policy (Texas Education Code §51.803), Texas students may be eligible for automatic admission to a state college or university as an undergraduate student if they meet certain criteria. To qualify for automatic admission, a student must:
(1) earn a grade point average in the top 10 percent* of his/her high school graduating class,
(2) graduate from a Texas public or private high school (or, if the student is a Texas resident,
from a high school operated by the U.S. Department of Defense),
(3) successfully complete the requirements for HB 5 including Algebra 2 and earn an endorsement and
(4) apply for admission to a state college or university within the first two school years after graduation
from high school.
*The University of Texas at Austin – Top 7 percent

4. graduation
House Bill 5
Under House Bill 5 you must complete the Foundation Program.
The Foundation requirements: 22 credits (STISD-26 credits) include:
English (4 credits) • English I • English II • English III • An advanced English course
Mathematics (3 credits) • Algebra I • Geometry • An advanced math course
Science (3 credits) • Biology • Integrated Physics & Chemistry or an advanced science course
Social Studies (3 credits) • World History or World Geography • U.S. History
U.S. Government (one-half credit) • Economics (one-half credit)
Languages Other Than English (2 credits) • 2 credits in the same language or 2 credits from Computer Science
Physical Education (1 credit)
Fine Arts (1 credit)
Electives (5 credits)
Speech: Demonstrated proficiency

5. Endorsements Multi-Disciplinary Studies (one of the following)
Total credits with endorsements 26 (STISD 28 Credits)
A 4th Math AND a 4th Science is required for all Endorsements
Students can choose from 5 endorsement areas.
Students may earn more than one endorsement from the following:
Multi-Disciplinary Studies (one of the following)
• 4 advanced courses from other endorsement areas
• 4 credits in each foundation subject area, including English IV and chemistry and/or physics
• 4 credits in Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, or dual credit selected
from English, mathematics, science, social studies, economics, LOTE or fine arts

6. Endorsements cont.
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
(must have Algebra 2, Chemistry and Physics) AND
• 4 Computer Science Credits or
• 5 credits in Mathematics or
• 5 credits in Science or
Business and Industry (one of the following or a combination of areas)
4 credits: Business track or the Technology Track except Computer Sciences

7. Endorsements cont. Public Service
• 4 or more credits in Education track
Arts and Humanities (one of the following)
• 2 levels each in two languages other than English (LOTE)
• Social Studies (5 courses) (IB Philosophy or IB HOA)
• 4 levels in the same LOTE
• 4 Credits in fine arts (music, theater, art, )
• 4 English electives (specific electives)

8. End of course
House Bill 5 Graduation Requirements include passing 5 End of Course or EOC exams:
English 1
Algebra 1
Biology
English 2
US History

9. Distinguished
The Distinguished Level of Achievement requires more math and more science than the Foundation High School Program.
The Distinguished Level of Achievement requires:
A total of four credits in math, including Algebra II;
A total of four credits in science; and
Successful completion of an endorsement in your area of interest.
Advantages
Eligible for Top Ten Percent Automatic Admission
Opportunity to earn an endorsement in an area of interest
More college and university options
More financial aid options
Better preparation for college-level coursework at community/technical colleges and universities
Opportunity for immediate enrollment in classes related to your chosen field of study
Strong foundation to successfully complete an industry workforce credential or college degree

10. Performance acknowledgements
A student may earn a performance acknowledgement
for outstanding performance in:
12 hours of Dual Credit
In Bilingualism and Biliteracy
Earn a 3 or higher on an AP Exam
Earn a 4 or higher on an IB exam
Earn a national recognition on PSAT
Earn a 1250 on the SAT, or Composite Score of 28 on ACT
For earning a nationally or internationally recognized business or industry certification or license.

11. Volunteer hours Volunteer Hours are NOT a Graduation Requirement
A minimum of 75 hours must be documented to receive this recognition at the Graduation Ceremony.
Documentation will be collected at the end of each year.
Form may be picked up in the Counseling Center