Part 2.
TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY
Chapter 74.
CURRICULUM REQUIREMENTS
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) adopts amendments to §§74.3,
74.11-74.14, and 74.23-74.29 and new §§74.31 and 74.41-74.44, concerning
curriculum requirements. The sections establish definitions, requirements,
and procedures related to required curricula, graduation requirements, academic
achievement records, special programs, and credit. Amendments to §74.13
and new §74.42 and §74.44 are adopted with changes to the proposed
text as published in the June 2, 2000, issue of the
Texas Register
(25 TexReg 4995). Amendments to §§74.3, 74.11,
74.12, 74.14, and 74.23- 74.29 and new §§74.31, 74.41, and 74.43
are adopted without changes to the proposed text as published in the June
2, 2000, issue of the
Texas Register
(25 TexReg
4995) and will not be republished.
Texas Education Code (TEC), §28.002(a), sets forth the required curriculum
that each school district must offer. The adopted amendments to §§74.3,
74.11-74.14, 74.23-74.29, and new §74.31 revise 19 TAC Chapter 74 to
clarify existing language. These changes include listing the courses that
districts may offer under Technology Applications and allowing credit by exam
to be administered for students with some prior instruction, according to
local policy. New §§74.41-74.44 are adopted to specify graduation
requirements for students entering Grade 9 beginning with the 2001-2002 school
year. TEC, §39.023(c), as amended by Senate Bill (SB) 103, 76th Texas
Legislature, 1999, requires the implementation of a new assessment program
no later than the 2002-2003 school year. As specified in SB 103, the exit-level
assessment required for graduation will move from Grade 10 to Grade 11 and
increase in scope to test English language arts, mathematics, social studies,
and science. SB 103 also specifies the inclusion of certain areas of study
in these exit-level tests. Language is included in the adopted new sections
to designate Geometry as a required mathematics course and to address specific
science content requirements. In addition, the adopted new sections address
the following three topics: (1) Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC)
as an approved elective in all three graduation plans; (2) Communication Applications
as the only course to satisfy the speech requirement; and (3) additional flexibility
in the choice of electives in the Recommended High School Program and the
Distinguished Achievement Program.
In response to comments, the following changes have been made to the following
sections since published as proposed.
Language in §74.13(a)(3)(C) was modified to clarify the reference
to academic college courses and articulated tech-prep college courses.
A technical correction resulted in deleting §74.42(b)(11) relating
to elective courses and adding the same language as new §74.42(c) for
formatting consistency.
Language in §74.44(d)(3) was modified to clarify the reference to
academic college courses and articulated tech-prep college courses.
The following comments were received regarding adoption of the amendments
and new sections.
Comment. Concerning §74.3(b)(2)(K), a comment was received from an
individual that supports the clarification of the required technology applications
curriculum and the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for Technology
Applications in 19 TAC Chapter 126. In addition, the individual supports the
listing of the eight technology applications courses in the graduation requirements
in 19 TAC Chapter 74, Subchapter B.
Agency Response. The agency agrees with the comment and has maintained
language as filed as proposed.
Comment. Concerning §74.3(b)(2)(K), a comment was received from an
individual in opposition to the proposed change to reduce the number of technology
applications courses from eight to four courses.
Agency Response. The agency disagrees with the comment and has maintained
language as filed as proposed. Districts may offer all eight courses in technology
applications, but at least four courses must be offered.
Comment. Concerning §§74.11(d)(9), 74.12(b)(11), and 74.13(a)(1)(k),
comments were received from an individual representing the Texas Speech Communications
Association supporting proposed language that the Communication Applications
course be the course that students must complete to receive their speech credit.
This individual expressed that the Communication Applications course provides
a common ground in communication skills for all Texas students.
Agency Response. The agency agrees with the comment and has maintained
language as filed as proposed. In addition, parallel language is maintained
in §§74.42(b)(9), 74.43(b)(9), and 74.44(b)(9) as filed as proposed.
Comment. Concerning §74.13(a)(3)(C) and §74.44(d)(3), a representative
of a tech-prep consortium expressed concern regarding the addition of the
word "academic" to these sections. The individual pointed out that most tech-prep
articulated college credit is awarded for career and technology courses, not
for academic courses.
Agency Response. The agency agrees with the comment and has amended the
section. In order to provide clarification, language was revised to specify
that "academic college courses and tech-prep articulated college courses with
a grade of 3.0 or higher" qualify as advanced measures.
Comment. Concerning §74.23, a comment was received from an individual
in support of the clarification on distance learning courses.
Agency Response. The agency agrees with the comment and has maintained
language as filed as proposed. Students who wish to pursue online courses
for high school graduation credit may do so with the consent of the school
district.
Comment. Concerning §74.25, a comment was received from an individual
stating that there needs to be coordination of the alignment of college courses
with the TEKS of the courses for which the students are receiving credit.
The individual would like for districts to receive more guidance in this area
from the state.
Agency Response. The agency agrees with the comment that there is a need
for alignment of college courses with the TEKS of courses for which students
are receiving credit; however, the agency disagrees that the state should
provide more guidance in this area and has maintained language as filed as
proposed. School districts have the authority to analyze the content of college
courses and give permission to students who wish to take courses for dual
credit.
Comment. Concerning §74.42(b)(3) and §74.43(b)(3), an individual
requested that alternate options be considered for graduation that do not
impose difficult academic standards for students interested in the arts, or
simply not interested in careers requiring Algebra I or Chemistry and Physics.
Agency Response. The agency disagrees with the comment and has maintained
language as filed as proposed. Students need a rigorous foundation in order
to make wise career or education choices after they complete their high school
diplomas.
Comment. Concerning §74.42(b)(3) and §74.43(b)(3), a comment
was received from an individual recommending that students be allowed to take
more than one of the science courses from the list of science courses reflected
in the proposed language.
Agency Response. The agency disagrees with the comment and has maintained
language as filed as proposed. Students entering Grade 9 in the 2001-2002
school year must have the proposed courses in order to meet the SB 103 assessment
requirements. Students may take an additional science course in the academic
elective. Students may also take science courses to fulfill any of the five
and one-half credits of electives in the Minimum High School Program or the
three and one-half credits of electives in the Recommended High School Program
(RHSP).
Comment. Concerning §74.42(b)(3) and §74.43(b)(3), several individuals
expressed concern about requiring students to take such rigorous courses such
as Biology, Chemistry, and Physics for the RHSP. They also stated that students
should be given choices other than these courses to complete the Minimum High
School Program.
Agency Response. The agency disagrees with the comment and has maintained
language as filed as proposed. In order for students to be adequately prepared
for the exit-level exam as required in SB 103, students entering the Grade
9 in the 2001-2002 school year must have an opportunity to learn what will
be tested. The course options presented in the proposed language meet the
SB 103 content requirements.
Comment. Concerning §74.42(b)(3) and §74.43(b)(3), several individuals
asked that the agency list a scope and sequence to be included in the list
of science courses that students complete for the RHSP and the Distinguished
Achievement Program (DAP).
Agency Response. The agency disagrees with the comment and has maintained
language as filed as proposed. The new rules identify the course options and
the courses are described in the TEKS. Decisions about course sequence are
local authority.
Comment. Concerning §74.42(b)(3) and §74.43(b)(3), a comment
was received from an individual asking that Advanced Placement Environmental
Science be included in the list of science courses that students may choose
for the RHSP and DAP.
Agency Response. The agency disagrees with the comment and has maintained
language as filed as proposed. Current students may take this course to fulfill
elective options in the graduation plans, but students entering Grade 9 in
the 2001-2002 school year must have the proposed courses in order to meet
the SB 103 assessment programs.
Comment. Concerning §74.42(b)(3), several individuals expressed concern
that only two science credits are required in the Minimum High School Program.
Agency Response. The agency disagrees with the comment and has maintained
language as filed as proposed. As outlined in the new rules, two credits would
fulfill requirements for adequate preparation for the Grade 11 science exit-level
assessment as outlined in SB 103. Students may also take an additional science
course in the academic elective. Students may also take science courses to
fulfill any of the five and one-half credits of electives in the Minimum High
School Program.
Comment. Concerning §74.43(b)(3), comments were received from the
Texas Business and Education Coalition and an individual that support the
proposal of Biology as a prescribed course in the RHSP because it strengthens
the core academic preparation for students.
Agency Response. The agency agrees with the comment and has maintained
language as filed as proposed.
Comment. Concerning §§74.42(b)(4), 74.43(b)(4), and 74.44(b)(4),
comments were received from two individuals and a representative of the Texas
Eagle Forum that support adding one-half credit to United States History to
make it a one and one-half credit course.
Agency Response. The agency disagrees with the comment and has maintained
language as filed as proposed. Such a revision would require changes to other
graduation requirements. It would also have implications for timelines for
Proclamation 2000 and the new statewide assessment program.
Comment. Concerning §§74.42(b)(4), 74.43(b)(4), and 74.44(b)(4),
the Texas Council for the Social Studies and several individuals expressed
concern about the possibility of adding a third semester or one-half credit
to United States History Studies Since Reconstruction. This addition would
affect 10th grade assessment, the sequencing of courses at high schools, graduation
requirements, textbooks, and the TEKS.
Agency Response. The agency agrees with the comment and has maintained
language as filed as proposed.
Comment. Concerning §74.43(c) and §74.44(c), comments were received
from the Texas Business and Education Coalition that recommend that Options
I and II, as delineated in §74.12(c) and §74.13(a)(2)(A) for current
elective credits required for graduation, be retained and continue to serve
as a roadmap for students who prepare for associate's degrees, bachelor's
degrees, and technical education. Additionally, they suggested that Option
III of the current graduation requirements might be expanded to allow students
to complete the 24-credit requirement by completing three and one-half elective
credits from the state-approved high school level courses.
Comment. Concerning §74.43(c) and §74.44(c), comments were received
from a tech-prep representative who expressed concern about the elimination
of Options I-III in the RHSP and DAP. The representative felt that school
districts should be held accountable for counseling students and that the
options help students focus on their four-year plans and encourage them to
make logical decisions for their future.
Agency Response. The agency disagrees with the comments and has maintained
language as filed as proposed. The elimination of Options I-III allows more
flexibility for students in choosing elective courses while at the same time
maintains the rigor of the core curriculum. Under the new rules students may
still take the courses specified in Option I-III.
Comment. Concerning §74.43(c) and §74.44(c), comments were received
from several individuals who endorse the elimination of Options I-III. They
believe that flexibility in electives would be beneficial for students. Individuals
also commented that these options limit student elective course choices.
Agency Response. The agency agrees with the comment and has maintained
the language as filed as proposed to eliminate Options I-III to allow more
flexibility for students in choosing elective courses, and at the same time
maintain the rigor of the core curriculum.
Comment. Concerning §74.44(c), several individuals objected to not
including Option I, related to the math and science elective, since it helps
direct students to academic choices in their electives.
Agency Response. The agency disagrees with the comment and has maintained
language as filed as proposed. The elimination of Options I-III allows more
flexibility for students in choosing elective courses while at the same time
maintains the rigor of the core curriculum. Under the new rules students may
still take the courses specified in Option I-III.
Comment. Concerning §74.44(b)(3), several individuals have expressed
concern for including Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC) in the DAP since
colleges and universities do not recognize this course.
Agency Response. The agency disagrees with the comment and has maintained
language as filed as proposed. IPC is one of the courses that would meet the
science requirements in new 19 TAC Chapter 74, Subchapter D, in all three
of the high school graduation plans. The IPC course may be used in one of
a number of course combinations that would prepare students to meet the exit-level
test requirements of SB 103.
Subchapter A. REQUIRED CURRICULUM
19 TAC §74.3
The amendments are adopted under the Texas Education Code, §7.102(c)(4),
which authorizes the State Board of Education (SBOE) to establish curriculum
and graduation requirements; and §28.025(a), which authorizes the SBOE
by rule to determine curriculum requirements for the minimum, recommended,
and advanced high school programs that are consistent with the required curriculum
under §28.002.
This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed
by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of
the Secretary of State on July 28, 2000.
TRD-200005223
Criss Cloudt
Associate Commissioner, Policy Planning and Research
Texas Education Agency
Effective date: September 1, 2001
Proposal publication date: June 2, 2000
For further information, please call: (512) 463-9701
19 TAC §§74.11 - 74.14
The amendments are adopted under the Texas Education Code, §7.102(c)(4),
which authorizes the State Board of Education (SBOE) to establish curriculum
and graduation requirements; and §28.025(a), which authorizes the SBOE
by rule to determine curriculum requirements for the minimum, recommended,
and advanced high school programs that are consistent with the required curriculum
under §28.002.
§74.13.Distinguished Achievement Program -- Advanced High School Program.
(a)
General requirements. A student entering Grade 9 in the
1998-1999, 1999-2000, or 2000-2001 school years who wishes to complete an
advanced high school program (called the distinguished achievement program)
and have the accomplishment recognized and distinguished on the academic achievement
record (transcript) must complete the following requirements.
(1)
Academic core components. College Board advanced placement
and International Baccalaureate courses may be substituted for requirements
in appropriate areas. The student must demonstrate proficiency in the following.
(A)
English--four credits. The credits must consist of English
I, English II, English III, and English 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);
(B)
Mathematics--three credits. The credits must consist of
Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry.
(C)
Science--three credits. Students may choose three credits
from the following four areas. Not more than one credit may be chosen from
each of the four areas. All students who wish to complete the distinguished
achievement program are encouraged to take Biology, Chemistry, and Physics
to fulfill the requirements of this section.
(i)
Integrated Physics and Chemistry;
(ii)
Biology, AP Biology, or IB Biology;
(iii)
Chemistry, AP Chemistry, or IB Chemistry; and
(iv)
Physics, Principles of Technology I, AP Physics, or IB
Physics.
(D)
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).
(E)
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.
(F)
Languages other than English--three credits. The credits
must consist of Level I, Level II, and Level III in the same language.
(G)
Health education--one-half credit of Health 1 or Advanced
Health, or Health Science Technology--one credit.
(H)
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).
(I)
Physical education--one and one-half credits to include
one-half credit in Foundations of Personal Fitness.
(i)
A school district board of trustees may allow a student
to substitute certain physical activities for the one and one-half required
credits of physical education, including the one-half credit of 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.
(ii)
In accordance with local district policy, a school district
may also apply to the commissioner of education for a waiver to allow credit
for appropriate private or commercially-sponsored physical activity programs
conducted on or off campus. 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.
(J)
Technology applications--one credit, which may be satisfied
by:
(i)
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;
(ii)
the following courses in Chapter 120 of this title (relating
to 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
(iii)
the following courses in Chapter 123 of this title (relating
to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Technology Education/Industrial
Technology Education): Computer Applications, Technology Systems (modular
computer laboratory-based), Communication Graphics (modular computer laboratory-based),
or Computer Multimedia and Animation Technology.
(K)
Speech--one-half credit, which may be satisfied by Communication
Applications, Speech Communication, Public Speaking, Debate, or Oral Interpretation.
(2)
Additional components. All students who wish to complete
the distinguished achievement program are encouraged to study each of the
foundation curriculum areas (English language arts, mathematics, science
and social studies) every year in high school as provided in Option I. Options
II and III are provided for students who want to focus on a particular career
exploration or the development of an academic interest or artistic talent.
College Board advanced placement and International Baccalaureate courses may
be substituted for requirements in appropriate academic areas. The student
must choose one of the following options for additional components. Credit
may be awarded without prior instruction under Texas Education Code, §28.023,
(Credit by Examination).
(A)
Option I: mathematics, science, elective. The student must
demonstrate proficiency in the following.
(i)
Mathematics--one credit. The credit must consist of Precalculus.
(ii)
Science--one credit. Students may select any Science course
including Integrated Physics and Chemistry; Biology; Environmental Systems;
Chemistry; Aquatic Science; Physics; Astronomy; Geology, Meteorology, and
Oceanography; AP Biology; AP Chemistry; AP Physics; AP Environmental Science;
IB Biology; IB Chemistry; IB Physics; IB Environmental Systems; Scientific
Research and Design; Anatomy and Physiology of Human Systems; Medical Microbiology;
Pathophysiology; Principles of Technology I; and Principles of Technology
II.
(iii)
Elective--one-half credit.
(B)
Option II: career and technology. The student must demonstrate
proficiency equivalent to two and one-half credits in a coherent sequence
of courses for career and technology preparation, as defined by the local
school district. To be included in the distinguished achievement program,
a technology preparation program approved by the Texas Education Agency (TEA)
must meet distinguished achievement program criteria in English language arts,
mathematics, science, social studies, languages other than English, health,
fine arts, and technology applications.
(C)
Option III: academic. The student must demonstrate proficiency
equivalent to two and one-half credits consisting of state-approved courses
from language arts, science, social studies, mathematics, languages other
than English, fine arts, or technology applications. Students may choose all
two and one-half credits from one of the disciplines, or they may select courses
among the listed disciplines.
(3)
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.
(A)
original research/project that is:
(i)
judged by a panel of professionals in the field that is
the focus of the project; or
(ii)
conducted under the direction of mentor(s) and reported
to an appropriate audience; and
(iii)
related to the required curriculum set forth in §74.1
of this title (relating to Essential Knowledge and Skills);
(B)
test data where a student receives:
(i)
a score of three or above on The College Board advanced
placement examination;
(ii)
a score of four or above on an International Baccalaureate
examination; or
(iii)
a score on the Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test
(PSAT) that qualifies a 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 may count as only one advanced
measure regardless of the number of honors received by the student; or
(C)
college academic courses and tech-prep articulated college
courses with a grade of 3.0 or higher.
(4)
Substitutions. No substitutions are allowed in the Distinguished
Achievement Program.
(b)
Students entering Grade 9 in the 2001-2002 school year
and thereafter must complete requirements in Chapter 74, Subchapter D, of
this title (relating to Curriculum Requirements).
This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed
by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed
with the Office of the Secretary of State on July 28, 2000.
TRD-200005222
Criss Cloudt
Associate Commissioner, Policy Planning and Research
Texas Education Agency
Effective date: September 1, 2001
Proposal publication date: June 2, 2000
For further information, please call: (512) 463-9701
Subchapter B. GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
Subchapter C. OTHER PROVISIONS