1. Implementing HB 5 and the New Graduation Plans
“Our goals can only be reached through a vehicle of a plan, in which we must fervently believe, and upon which we must vigorously act.
There is no other route to success.”
~Pablo Picasso

2. House Bill 5
The 83rd Texas Legislature has passed the largest overhaul in the history of Texas Education
One of the primary outcomes was to give local school districts more control over their course offerings.

3. Primary Change for Students are the Graduation Plans
The new Foundation High School Program allows greater flexibility of courses required to graduate.
It encourages students to earn career pathway endorsements.
It expands available Career and Technology courses that will satisfy the requirements for those endorsements.

4. The New Graduation Plans
Foundation High School Program (FHSP) – the basics
Foundation High School Program with an Endorsement
Students in Cohorts 2015, 2016 and 2017 have the option of graduating on either the Recommended High School Plan, the Distinguished High School Plan, the Minimum High School Plan, or the FHSP+ Endorsements.
-Cohorts 2018 and beyond must meet the requirements of one of the new plans.

5. Endorsements
“A student entering Grade 9 in the school year and thereafter shall enroll in the courses necessary to complete the curriculum requirements for the Foundation High School Program specified in Section of this title and the curriculum requirements for at least one endorsement specified in Section of this title (relating to Endorsements).”
Text of New 19 Texas Administrative Code
Elysian Fields ISD will provide students the opportunity to choose from 4 of the 5 endorsements listed in House Bill 5.

6. So, what’s an endorsement?
An endorsement is a program of study
It’s a bit like a college major
Students choose from career pathways that interest them

7. What are the Endorsements?
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)
Business and Industry
Public Services
Arts & Humanities
Multidisciplinary

8. Why are students being pushed to choose a career pathway?
Students with career goals are 16% more likely to graduate from high school.
Students who participate in CTE courses are 30% more likely to complete high school.
Students with well-defined career goals are more likely to persist in college.
Students with well-defined career goals are more likely to attain jobs in their chosen career field after college.

9. So if everyone is graduating on the Foundation Plan with Endorsement how will I be able to stand out?
Algebra II

10. Distinguished Level of Achievement
“A student may earn a distinguished level of achievement by successfully completing the curriculum requirements for the Foundation High School Program and the curriculum requirements for at least one endorsement required by the Texas Education code (TEC)…including four credits in science and four credits in mathematics to include
Algebra II.
Text of New 19 TAC
Beginning with cohort 2018, students who wish to be eligible for the Texas Top 10% automatic admissions law must achieve the Distinguished Level of Achievement. Of course, as circumstances arise, we understand that not all students will be able to achieve this goal. At that time, the counselor should work with the student and his or her family to alter the student’s graduation plan to meet his or her individual circumstances. We would like for all students to graduate with at least one endorsement, but we also anticipate that some students will need to graduate on the FHSP without an endorsement. This circumstance should be fairly rare and should be handled on a case by case basis.

11. But Wait, There’s More!
You can also add a Performance Acknowledgement!
It’s a lot like the “Advanced
Measures” that were previously
on the Distinguished Plan.
Students in Cohorts 2015, 2016 and 2017 have the option of graduating on either the Recommended High School Plan, the Distinguished High School Plan, the Minimum High School Plan, or the FHSP+ Endorsements.
-Cohorts 2018 and beyond must meet the requirements of one of the new plans. Our “default plan” is that all students will begin high school on the Distinguished Level of Achievement.

12. So, what’s a Performance Acknowledgement and how can I get one?
Outstanding Performance(s) in:
Dual Credit
Bilingualism and Biliteracy
Advanced Placement Exams
PSAT, ACT-PLAN, SAT or ACT
Business or Industry Certificate or License

13. Confused?

14. Comparison of New vs Old Plans
A complete comparison is on the next slide. Keep in mind however that each school district may have requirements above the state mandated requirements for graduation.

15. Comparison of Graduation Plans
Minimum High School Plan
Recommended High School Plan
Distinguished Achievement Plan
Foundation High School Program (FHSP)
FHSP+Endorsement
FHSP+Distinguished Level of Achievement
How many total credits are required on this plan? 22 26
What are the core credit requirements for this plan?
English- 4.0
Math- 3.0
Science- 2.0
Soc Studies- 4.0
Math- 4.0
Science- 4.0
Science- 3.0
Soc Studies- 3.0
Soc Studies- 3.0(+)
What are the foreign language requirements?
None
2 levels of the same foreign language
3 levels of the same foreign language
2 levels of the same foreign language with some exceptions
What effect does this plan have on college admissions?
May not be eligible to enter a university upon graduation
Eligible for admission to a TX university
Makes students more competitive for admission to a TX university
Makes students more competitive for admission to any university and program
Are students eligible for the Top Ten Percent? No
Yes
Are students eligible for the Texas Grant?
Which students can choose this plan?
Students who entered high school prior to 14-15
Students who entered high school prior to
14-15
Cohorts 2015, 2016, and beyond
Is this plan flexible enough to meet my student’s unique needs?
Offers very little flexibility
Offers a number of plans that are designed to match each student’s interests
Offers a number of plans that are designed to match each student’s interests but requires
all students to
complete Alg 2
Are there any extra requirements for this plan?
Yes, 4 Advanced Measures
No, but students are eligible for performance acknowledgements
Does this plan affect the look of the diploma?
All students’ diplomas look the same regardless of the plan
Students’ diplomas will designate the endorsement and performance acknowledgements
Is there anything else I need to know?
Must meet certain requirements to choose this plan with parent permission
May choose after 10th grade ONLY with parent permission
5 endorsement options:
STEM
Business and Industry
Public Service
Arts and Humanities
Multi-disciplinary
Must earn endorsement
This chart compares various aspects of the old and new graduation plans. It was designed for counselors to use when working with students in cohorts 2015, 2016, and 2017 to help students and parents choose a graduation plan.

16. When Considering FHSP . . .
All current 9th-10th grade students will be strongly encouraged to choose the new Foundation Plan.
Students also have the option to take some of the new courses as long as they are still meeting the requirements of their current plan.
Current 11th graders wanting to switch plans will be on an individual case-by-case basis.

17. Questions?
Feel free to make an appointment for help in understanding your choices.
Junior High Counselor - Mrs. Linda Lewis
High School Counselor - Mrs. Christy Goucher