5 Year Graduation Plan
Developing a five-year high school plan begins in junior high and provides students with a clear roadmap for exploring career interests and post-secondary opportunities. This plan serves as a valuable tool to help students make informed decisions about their future. Each year, students work with their school counselor to review and update their plan, with parents encouraged to participate in the process.
In addition to meeting core graduation requirements, a five-year plan allows students to select courses that align with college and career pathways. These pathways are designed to give students the opportunity to explore a variety of options rather than commit to a single career choice. Through this process, students gain a better understanding of how strong academic preparation connects to achieving their personal, academic, and career goals.
House Bill 5 (HB 5), passed by the Texas Legislature, made substantial changes to the state's graduation requirements. It has moved from the current Minimum, Recommended ("4x4") and Distinguished graduation plans to the Foundation (22 credits), the Foundation + Endorsement (26 credits) and the new Distinguished Plan (26 credits). The Foundation + Endorsement allows students to earn an Endorsement in a specific area of study by completing four additional credits. The Foundation High School Program is a flexible graduation program that allows all students to pursue their interests and prepare for high-wage, high-skill, and in-demand occupations. Students may customize their high school experience beyond the Foundation High School Program by completing requirements for additional components such as endorsements, the distinguished level of achievement, and performance acknowledgments.
All 8th graders will be required to choose one of five endorsements as outlined in the new graduation plan. Students may earn one or more endorsements as part of their high school diploma. An endorsement consists of a sequence of courses that are grouped together by interest or occupational skill. They provide students with in-depth knowledge of a subject area or a high-wage, high-skill, and in-demand occupation. Every career and technical education (CTE) Program of Study leads to an endorsement. Students can choose from five endorsement areas which are: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM); Business and Industry; Public Service; Arts and Humanities; and Multidisciplinary Studies. The earned Endorsement will be reflected on the student’s official transcript at the completion of their high school career.