Texas Register
.
The new sections are proposed under the Texas Education Code, §7.102(c)(4),
which authorizes the SBOE to establish curriculum and graduation requirements;
and §28.025(a), which authorizes the SBOE to determine by rule curriculum
requirements for the minimum, recommended, and advanced high school programs
that are consistent with the required curriculum under §28.002.
The new sections implement the Texas Education Code, §§7.102(c)(4),
28.002 and 28.025(a).
§74.61.High School Graduation Requirements.
(a)
Graduates of each high school are awarded the same type
of diploma. The academic achievement record (transcript), rather than the
diploma, records individual accomplishments, achievements, and courses completed
and displays appropriate graduation seals.
(b)
All credit for graduation must be earned no later than
Grade 12.
(c)
A student entering Grade 9 in the 2005-2006 school year
and thereafter shall enroll in the courses necessary to complete the curriculum
requirements for the recommended high school program specified in §74.63
of this title (relating to Recommended High School Program) or the advanced
program specified in §74.64 of this title (relating to Distinguished
Achievement High School Program--Advanced High School Program) unless the
student, the student's parent or other persons standing in parental relation
to the student, and a school counselor or school administrator agree that
the student should be permitted to take courses under the minimum high school
program specified in §74.62 of this title (relating to Minimum High School
Program).
(d)
To receive a high school diploma, a student entering Grade
9 in the 2005-2006 school year and thereafter must complete the following:
(1)
in accordance with subsection (c) of this section, requirements
of the minimum high school program specified in §74.62, the recommended
high school program specified in §74.63, or the advanced program specified
in §74.64; and
(2)
testing requirements for graduation as specified in Chapter
101 of this title (relating to Assessment).
(e)
A maximum of three credits of reading (selected from Reading
I, II, or III) may be offered by districts for state graduation elective credit
for identified students under the following conditions.
(1)
The school district board of trustees shall adopt policies
to identify students in need of additional reading instruction.
(2)
District procedures shall include assessment of individual
student needs, ongoing evaluation of each student's progress, and monitoring
of instructional activities to ensure that student needs are addressed.
(f)
An out-of-state or out-of-country transfer student (including
foreign exchange students) or a transfer student from a Texas nonpublic school
is eligible to receive a Texas diploma, but must complete all requirements
of this section to satisfy state graduation requirements. Any course credit
required in this section that is not completed by the student before he or
she enrolls in a Texas school district may be satisfied through the provisions
of §74.23 of this title (relating to Correspondence Courses and Distance
Learning) and §74.24 of this title (relating to Credit by Examination)
or by completing the course or courses according to the provisions of §74.26
of this title (relating to Award of Credit).
(g)
Elective credits in all three graduation programs may be
selected from the following:
(1)
the list of courses approved by the State Board of Education
(SBOE) for Grades 9-12 as specified in §74.1 of this title (relating
to Essential Knowledge and Skills);
(2)
state-approved innovative courses as specified in §74.27
of this chapter (relating to Innovative Courses and Programs);
(3)
Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC)--one to four
credits;
(4)
Driver Education--one-half credit.
(h)
College Board advanced placement and International Baccalaureate
courses may be substituted for courses required in appropriate areas in all
three high school graduation programs. College Board advanced placement and
International Baccalaureate courses may be used as electives in all three
high school graduation programs.
§74.62.Minimum High School Program.
(a)
Credits. A student must earn at least 22 credits to complete
the Minimum High School Program.
(b)
Core Courses. A student must demonstrate proficiency in
the following.
(1)
English language arts--four credits. The credits must consist
of:
(A)
English I, II, and III (English I for Speakers of Other
Languages and English II for Speakers of Other Languages may be substituted
for English I and II only for immigrant students with limited English proficiency);
and
(B)
Fourth credit of English, which may be satisfied by English
IV, Research/Technical Writing, Creative/Imaginative Writing, Practical Writing
Skills, Literary Genres, Business Communication, Journalism, or concurrent
enrollment in a college English course.
(2)
Mathematics--three credits to include Algebra I and Geometry.
(3)
Science--two credits. The credits must consist of Biology
and Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC). A student may substitute Chemistry
or Physics for IPC and then must use the second of these two courses as the
academic elective credit identified in subsection (b)(6) of this section.
(4)
Social studies--two and one-half credits. The credits must
consist of World History Studies (one credit) or World Geography Studies (one
credit), United States History Studies Since Reconstruction (one credit),
and United States Government (one-half credit).
(5)
Economics, with emphasis on the free enterprise system
and its benefits--one-half credit. The credit must consist of Economics with
Emphasis on the Free Enterprise System and Its Benefits.
(6)
Academic elective--one credit. The credit must be selected
from World History Studies, World Geography Studies, or any science course
approved by the State Board of Education (SBOE) for science credit as found
in Chapter 112 of this title (relating to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills
for Science). If a student elects to replace IPC with either Chemistry or
Physics as described in subsection (b)(3) of this section, the academic elective
must be the other of these two science courses.
(7)
Physical education--one and one-half credits to include
Foundations of Personal Fitness (one-half credit).
(A)
A student may not earn more than two credits in physical
education toward state graduation requirements.
(B)
The school district board of trustees may allow a student
to substitute certain physical activities for the required credits in physical
education, including the Foundations of Personal Fitness. The substitutions
must be based on the physical activity involved in drill team, marching band,
and cheerleading during the fall semester; Junior Reserve Officer Training
Corps (JROTC); athletics; Dance I - IV; two- or three-credit career and technology
work-based training courses, and off-campus physical education.
(C)
In accordance with local district policy, a school district
may award up to two credits for physical education for appropriate private
or commercially-sponsored physical activity programs conducted on or off campus.
The district must apply to the commissioner of education for approval of such
programs, which may be substituted for state graduation credit in physical
education. Such approval may be granted under the following conditions:
(i)
Olympic-level participation and/or competition includes
a minimum of 15 hours per week of highly intensive, professional, supervised
training. The training facility, instructors, and the activities involved
in the program must be certified by the superintendent to be of exceptional
quality. Students qualifying and participating at this level may be dismissed
from school one hour per day. Students dismissed may not miss any class other
than physical education.
(ii)
Private or commercially-sponsored physical activities
include those certified by the superintendent to be of high quality and well
supervised by appropriately trained instructors. Student participation of
at least five hours per week must be required. Students certified to participate
at this level may not be dismissed from any part of the regular school day.
(8)
Health education--one-half credit, which may be satisfied
by Health 1 or Advanced Health, or Health Science Technology--one credit,
which may be satisfied by Introduction to Health Science Technology, Health
Science Technology I, or Health Science Technology II.
(9)
Speech--one-half credit. The credit must consist of Communication
Applications.
(10)
Technology applications--one credit, which may be satisfied
by:
(A)
the following courses in Chapter 126 of this title (relating
to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Technology Applications): Computer
Science I, Computer Science II, Desktop Publishing, Digital Graphics/Animation,
Multimedia, Video Technology, Web Mastering, or Independent Study in Technology
Applications;
(B)
the following courses in Chapter 120 of this title (relating
to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Business Education): Business
Computer Information Systems I or II, Business Computer Programming, Telecommunications
and Networking, or Business Image Management and Multimedia; or
(C)
the following courses in Chapter 123 of this title (relating
to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Technology Education/Industrial
Technology Education): Computer Applications, Technology Systems (modular
computer laboratory-based), Communications Graphics (modular computer laboratory-based),
or Computer Multimedia and Animation Technology.
(c)
Elective Courses--five and one-half credits. The credits
must be selected from the list of courses specified in §74.61(g) of this
title (relating to High School Graduation Requirements).
§74.63.Recommended High School Program.
(a)
Credits. A student must earn at least 24 credits to complete
the Recommended High School Program.
(b)
Core Courses. A student must demonstrate proficiency in
the following:
(1)
English language arts--four credits. The credits must consist
of English I, II, III, and IV (English I for Speakers of Other Languages
and English II for Speakers of Other Languages may be substituted for English
I and II only for immigrant students with limited English proficiency).
(2)
Mathematics--three credits. The credits must consist of
Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry.
(3)
Science--four credits. One credit must be a biology credit
(Biology, Advanced Placement (AP) Biology, or International Baccalaureate
(IB) Biology). Students must choose two credits from subparagraph (A) and
one credit from subparagraph (B) of this paragraph to complete the science
requirement.
(A)
After successful completion of a biology course, a student
must select two credits from the following areas. Not more than one credit
may be chosen from each of the areas to satisfy this requirement.
(i)
Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC);
(ii)
Chemistry, AP Chemistry, or IB Chemistry; and
(iii)
Physics, Principles of Technology I, AP Physics, or IB
Physics.
(B)
After successful completion of a biology course and two
credits from IPC, a chemistry course, and/or a physics course, a student may
select the fourth required credit from any of the following courses.
(i)
Geology, Meteorology, and Oceanography (GMO);
(ii)
Environmental Systems;
(iii)
Aquatic Science;
(iv)
Astronomy;
(v)
Anatomy and Physiology of Human Systems;
(vi)
AP/IB Biology;
(vii)
AP/IB Chemistry;
(viii)
AP/IB Physics;
(ix)
AP/IB Environmental Science; and
(x)
Scientific Research and Design.
(4)
Social studies--three and one-half credits. The credits
must consist of World History Studies (one credit), World Geography Studies
(one credit), United States History Studies Since Reconstruction (one credit),
and United States Government (one-half credit).
(5)
Economics, with emphasis on the free enterprise system
and its benefits--one-half credit. The credit must consist of Economics with
Emphasis on the Free Enterprise System and Its Benefits.
(6)
Languages other than English--two credits. The credits
must consist of Level I and Level II in the same language.
(7)
Physical education--one and one-half credits to include
Foundations of Personal Fitness (one-half credit).
(A)
A student may not earn more than two credits in physical
education toward state graduation requirements.
(B)
The school district board of trustees may allow a student
to substitute certain physical activities for the required credits in physical
education, including the Foundations of Personal Fitness. The substitutions
must be based on the physical activity involved in drill team, marching band,
and cheerleading during the fall semester; Junior Reserve Officer Training
Corps (JROTC); athletics; Dance I - IV; and two- or three-credit career and
technology work-based training courses.
(C)
In accordance with local district policy, a school district
may award up to two credits for physical education for appropriate private
or commercially-sponsored physical activity programs conducted on or off campus.
The district must apply to the commissioner of education for approval of such
programs, which may be substituted for state graduation credit in physical
education. Such approval may be granted under the following conditions:
(i)
Olympic-level participation and/or competition includes
a minimum of 15 hours per week of highly intensive, professional, supervised
training. The training facility, instructors, and the activities involved
in the program must be certified by the superintendent to be of exceptional
quality. Students qualifying and participating at this level may be dismissed
from school one hour per day. Students dismissed may not miss any class other
than physical education.
(ii)
Private or commercially-sponsored physical activities
include those certified by the superintendent to be of high quality and well
supervised by appropriately trained instructors. Student participation of
at least five hours per week must be required. Students certified to participate
at this level may not be dismissed from any part of the regular school day.
(8)
Health education--one-half credit, which may satisfied
by Health 1 or Advanced Health, or Health Science Technology--one credit,
which may be satisfied by Introduction to Health Science Technology, Health
Science Technology I, or Health Science Technology II.
(9)
Speech--one-half credit. The credit must consist of Communication
Applications.
(10)
Technology applications--one credit, which may be satisfied
by:
(A)
the following courses in Chapter 126 of this title (relating
to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Technology Applications): Computer
Science I, Computer Science II, Desktop Publishing, Digital Graphics/Animation,
Multimedia, Video Technology, Web Mastering, or Independent Study in Technology
Applications, or state-approved technology applications innovative courses;
(B)
the following courses in Chapter 120 of this title (relating
to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Business Education): Business
Computer Information Systems I or II, Business Computer Programming, Telecommunications
and Networking, or Business Image Management and Multimedia;
(C)
the following courses in Chapter 123 of this title (relating
to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Technology Education/Industrial
Technology Education): Computer Applications, Technology Systems (modular
computer laboratory-based), Communications Graphics (modular computer laboratory-based),
or Computer Multimedia and Animation Technology; or
(D)
the completion of three credits (for students participating
in a coherent sequence of career and technology courses or who are enrolled
in a Tech Prep high school plan of study) consisting of two or more state-approved
career and technology courses in Chapters 119-125 and 127 of this title. Districts
shall ensure that career and technology courses, including innovative courses,
in a coherent sequence used to meet the technology applications credit are
appropriate to collectively teach the knowledge and skills found in any of
the approved courses listed in subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) of this paragraph.
Students pursuing the technology applications option described in this subparagraph
must demonstrate proficiency in technology applications prior to the beginning
of Grade 11 through credit by examination as described in §74.24 of this
title (relating to Credit by Examination).
(11)
Fine arts--one credit, which may be satisfied by any course
in Chapter 117, Subchapter C, of this title (relating to Texas Essential Knowledge
and Skills for Fine Arts).
(c)
Elective Courses--two and one-half credits. The credits
may be selected from the list of courses specified in §74.61(g) of this
title (relating to High School Graduation Requirements). All students who
wish to complete the Recommended High School Program are encouraged to study
each of the four foundation curriculum areas (English language arts, mathematics,
science, and social studies) every year in high school.
(d)
Substitutions. No substitutions are allowed in the Recommended
High School Program, except as specified in this chapter.
§74.64.Distinguished Achievement High School Program--Advanced High School Program.
(a)
Credits. A student must earn at least 24 credits to complete
the Distinguished Achievement High School Program.
(b)
Core Courses. A student must demonstrate proficiency in
the following:
(1)
English language arts--four credits. The credits must consist
of English I, II, III, and IV (English I for Speakers of Other Languages
and English II for Speakers of Other Languages may be substituted for English
I and II only for immigrant students with limited English proficiency).
(2)
Mathematics--three credits. The credits must consist of
Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry.
(3)
Science--four credits. One credit must be a biology credit
(Biology, Advanced Placement (AP) Biology, or International Baccalaureate
(IB) Biology). Students must choose two credits from subparagraph (A) and
one credit from subparagraph (B) of this paragraph to complete the science
requirement.
(A)
After successful completion of a biology course, a student
must select two credits from the following areas. Not more than one credit
may be chosen from each of the areas to satisfy this requirement.
(i)
Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC);
(ii)
Chemistry, AP Chemistry, or IB Chemistry; and
(iii)
Physics, Principles of Technology I, AP Physics, or IB
Physics.
(B)
After successful completion of a biology course and two
credits from IPC, a chemistry course, and/or a physics course, a student may
select the fourth required credit from any of the following courses.
(i)
Geology, Meteorology, and Oceanography (GMO);
(ii)
Environmental Systems;
(iii)
Aquatic Science;
(iv)
Astronomy;
(v)
Anatomy and Physiology of Human Systems;
(vi)
AP/IB Biology;
(vii)
AP/IB Chemistry;
(viii)
AP/IB Physics;
(ix)
AP/IB Environmental Science; and
(x)
Scientific Research and Design.
(4)
Social studies--three and one-half credits. The credits
must consist of World History Studies (one credit), World Geography Studies
(one credit), United States History Studies Since Reconstruction (one credit),
and United States Government (one-half credit).
(5)
Economics, with emphasis on the free enterprise system
and its benefits--one-half credit. The credit must consist of Economics with
Emphasis on the Free Enterprise System and Its Benefits.
(6)
Languages other than English--three credits. The credits
must consist of Level I, Level II, and Level III in the same language.
(7)
Physical education--one and one-half credits to include
Foundations of Personal Fitness (one-half credit).
(A)
A student may not earn more than two credits in physical
education toward state graduation requirements.
(B)
The school district board of trustees may allow a student
to substitute certain physical activities for the required credits in physical
education, including the Foundations of Personal Fitness. The substitutions
must be based on the physical activity involved in drill team, marching band,
and cheerleading during the fall semester; Junior Reserve Officer Training
Corps (JROTC); athletics; Dance I - IV; and two- or three-credit career and
technology work-based training courses.
(C)
In accordance with local district policy, a school district
may award up to two credits for physical education for appropriate private
or commercially-sponsored physical activity programs conducted on or off campus.
The district must apply to the commissioner of education for approval of such
programs, which may be substituted for state graduation credit in physical
education. Such approval may be granted under the following conditions:
(i)
Olympic-level participation and/or competition includes
a minimum of 15 hours per week of highly intensive, professional, supervised
training. The training facility, instructors, and the activities involved
in the program must be certified by the superintendent to be of exceptional
quality. Students qualifying and participating at this level may be dismissed
from school one hour per day. Students dismissed may not miss any class other
than physical education.
(ii)
Private or commercially-sponsored physical activities
include those certified by the superintendent to be of high quality and well
supervised by appropriately trained instructors. Student participation of
at least five hours per week must be required. Students certified to participate
at this level may not be dismissed from any part of the regular school day.
(8)
Health education--one-half credit, which may be satisfied
by Health 1 or Advanced Health, or Health Science Technology--one credit,
which may be satisfied by Introduction to Health Science Technology, Health
Science Technology I, or Health Science Technology II.
(9)
Speech--one-half credit. The credit must consist of Communication
Applications.
(10)
Technology applications--one credit, which may be satisfied
by:
(A)
the following courses in Chapter 126 of this title (relating
to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Technology Applications): Computer
Science I, Computer Science II, Desktop Publishing, Digital Graphics/Animation,
Multimedia, Video Technology, Web Mastering, or Independent Study in Technology
Applications, or state-approved technology applications innovative courses;
(B)
the following courses in Chapter 120 of this title (relating
to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Business Education): Business
Computer Information Systems I or II, Business Computer Programming, Telecommunications
and Networking, or Business Image Management and Multimedia;
(C)
the following courses in Chapter 123 of this title (relating
to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Technology Education/Industrial
Technology Education): Computer Applications, Technology Systems (modular
computer laboratory-based), Communications Graphics (modular computer laboratory-based),
or Computer Multimedia and Animation Technology; or
(D)
the completion of three credits (for students participating
in a coherent sequence of career and technology courses or who are enrolled
in a Tech Prep high school plan of study) consisting of two or more state-approved
career and technology courses in Chapters 119-125 and 127 of this title. Districts
shall ensure that career and technology courses, including innovative courses,
in a coherent sequence used to meet the technology applications credit are
appropriate to collectively teach the knowledge and skills found in any of
the approved courses listed in subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) of this paragraph.
Students pursuing the technology applications option described in this subparagraph
must demonstrate proficiency in technology applications prior to the beginning
of Grade 11 through credit by examination as described in §74.24 of this
title (relating to Credit by Examination).
(11)
Fine arts--one credit, which may be satisfied by any course
in Chapter 117, Subchapter C, of this title (relating to Texas Essential Knowledge
and Skills for Fine Arts).
(c)
Elective Courses--one and one-half credits. The credits
may be selected from the list of courses specified in §74.61(g) of this
title (relating to High School Graduation Requirements). All students who
wish to complete the Distinguished Achievement High School Program are encouraged
to study each of the four foundation curriculum areas (English language arts,
mathematics, science, and social studies) every year in high school.
(d)
Advanced measures. A student also must achieve any combination
of four of the following advanced measures. Original research/projects may
not be used for more than two of the four advanced measures. The measures
must focus on demonstrated student performance at the college or professional
level. Student performance on advanced measures must be assessed through an
external review process. The student may choose from the following options:
(1)
original research/project that is:
(A)
judged by a panel of professionals in the field that is
the focus of the project; or
(B)
conducted under the direction of mentor(s) and reported
to an appropriate audience; and
(C)
related to the required curriculum set forth in §74.1
of this title (relating to Essential Knowledge and Skills);
(2)
test data where a student receives:
(A)
a score of three or above on the College Board advanced
placement examination;
(B)
a score of four or above on an International Baccalaureate
examination; or
(C)
a score on the Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test (PSAT)
that qualifies the student for recognition as a commended scholar or higher
by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, as part of the National Hispanic
Scholar Program of the College Board or as part of the National Achievement
Scholarship Program for Outstanding Negro Students of the National Merit Scholarship
Corporation. The PSAT score shall count as only one advanced measure regardless
of the number of honors received by the student; or
(3)
college academic courses and tech-prep articulated college
courses with a grade of 3.0 or higher.
(e)
Substitutions. No substitutions are allowed in the Distinguished
Achievement High School Program, except as specified in this chapter.
This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed
by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.
Filed with the Office of
the Secretary of State on May 28, 2004.
TRD-200403632
Cristina De La Fuente-Valadez
Director, Policy Coordination
Texas Education Agency
Earliest possible date of adoption: July 11, 2004
For further information, please call: (512) 475-1497