5/9/14
Dear Eighth Grade Parents,
Attached is a copy of the new diploma plans, mandated by HB 5 in the last legislative session, to take
effect with 14/15 freshmen. No substantial changes have been made other than all students will be
required to take two years of a foreign language, with certain exceptions, and all are required to choose
an endorsement meaning taking vo/tech courses in a sequence. This diploma plan and course
sequences are similar to current practice and is basically the same as diploma plans now in effect for
current high school students, other than the foreign language requirement. Any future course
sequencing and program changes affecting endorsements and courses offered will be at the discretion
of Mr. Bibb, high school principal. The attached diploma plan is in effect for next year. Eighth graders
have chosen their endorsement (electives) they want to take and were told to take a copy home of their
course selections. A copy of diploma plans will be posted to the counselor link at the high school
website. If you have questions please call.
Thanks,
Eddie Wolsch
Counselor
14/15 9th Diploma Plan
HB 5 graduation requirements go into effect with 14/15 freshmen. All 14/15 SHS freshmen and the
following grades are required to graduate with an endorsement in addition to the Foundation diploma
plan. 26 credits are required for the Foundation with an endorsement; 28credits are required for those
who will graduate with the Distinguished Achievement diploma. The DA diploma requires Algebra II. To
be eligible for automatic admission to a TX Public college students must graduate with a DA diploma and
be in the top 10% of their class.
Required for DA diploma - *
9th
English (4) Speech (.5) -
I (H)
10th
II (H)
11th
III (H)
12th
IV (H)
Prof comm/
Ag bus. h.ec
Bld tr.
Math (4) (H) Track - Algebra I (H)
Geometry (H)
*Algebra II (H) Prec-cal or C. Algebra
and
Regular Track - Algebra I Math Models
Algebra II or
Algebra II or math elective
(both tracks)
Math AFNR
(Three math courses are required for the Foundation plus one for an endorsement.)
Science (4) - Bio
IPC
Chemistry
Science elective
(Three science courses are required for the Foundation plus one for an endorsement.)
Soc. Studies (4) - W. Geography
W. History
P.E. (1) –
P.E. or Athletics Athletics
(First semester of band = .5 P.E.)
Spanish (2) -
I
U.S.
Athletics
9-12 - Ag H. Ec Build. Trades
11-12 – Journalism Yearbook
Athletics
II
Fine Arts (1) – Band or Floral Design Band
Band
(Second semester of band = .5 F. art if first used for P.E.)
Electives –
Gov/Eco
Busim
Accounting I/II
Band
A&P
(chem prereq)
Health Science I/II
Endorsements –
Choose one
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)
Business & Industry
Public Services
Arts & Humanities
Multidisciplinary
STEM – Three tracks Science Track (5 Sciences) – Biology, IPC, Chemistry, Physics, one elective science (POT, A&P, others as
offered)
Math Track (5 Math) – Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Precal, College Algebra/College Trig
Math/Science combo – Algebra II, Chemistry, Physics and three courses in pre-cal or College Algebra;
A&P, POT, or advanced CTE courses offered.
Business & Industry – Four courses in sequence from any combination from ag, building trades, home
ec, business (Business Information Management, Accounting,) Yearbook, Journalism.
Public Services – Health Science Track – A&P and Health Science (sequence of four CTE courses with two
in same area with one of those an advanced CTE in Health Science)
Arts & Humanities – Band I-IV (first semester of band could not be used for P.E.)
Multidisciplinary – Four credits in each of the four cores – (Required)
English I-IV
Science – Biology, IPC, Chemistry, Physics
Social Studies – World Geography, World History, U.S. History, Government/Economics
Math – Algebra I, Geometry, two more math courses
Or, four credits from any combination of dual credit; or, four advanced courses from any combination of
endorsement areas
Performance Acknowledgments –
Students may earn a performance acknowledgement, noted on their diploma and transcript, if one of
these standards are met –
1.
2.
12 hours of dual credit with a GPA of 3.0. (SHS offers 30 hours effective 14/15)
Recognition from PSAT scores – Commended Scholar or higher, Hispanic Scholar or National
Achievement Scholar
3. College readiness benchmarks on two of four areas of PLAN
English – 15; math – 19; Reading – 18; Science - 20
4. SAT Reading and Math combined score of 1250
5. ACT composite of 28 (writing subscore excluded)