The Foundation High School Program
The new graduation plan for Texas students
Overview
• The new Texas graduation plan is designed to increase flexibility in choosing courses
that will help each student succeed with future plans. These options affect students
entering 9
th
grade in 2014-2015 and beyond.
• The Foundation High School Program (FHSP), along with EOC assessments, will
make up the basic requirements for graduation. The FHSP requires students to
complete a minimum of 22 credits including courses in English, Math, Social Studies,
Science, World Languages, Fine Arts, and Physical Education.
• The Foundation High School Program PLUS Endorsement requires 26 credits. An
endorsement is earned by completing the FHSP, taking a 4
th
math credit (to include
Algebra II), taking a 4
th
science credit, a 4
th
social studies credit, and completing a
coherent sequence of courses in an endorsement area.
English
• Students must earn 4 Credits:
– English 1 (STAAR EOC)
– English 2 (STAAR EOC)
– English 3
– English 4
Mathematics
• Students must earn 4 Credits:
– Algebra 1 (STAAR EOC)
– Geometry
– An Advanced Math
– An Advanced Math
Science
• Students must earn 4 Credits:
– Biology (STAAR EOC)
– An Advanced Science
– An Advanced Science
– An Advanced Science
Social Studies
• Students must earn 4 Credits:
– World History
– World Geography
– US History (STAAR EOC)
– Government (0.5)
– Economics (0.5)
World Languages
• Students must earn 2 credits in same
language
• Students may substitute 2 credits of
computer programming language for a
world language
Physical Education, Fine Arts, Speech
• Students earn:
– One credit in PE
(can include athletics, and PE equivalents)
– One credit in Fine Arts
(music, art, theatre arts)
– One half credit in Communication Applications
(UT requirement)
FHSP Endorsement Options
• STEM- Science, Technology, Engineering and Math
• Business and Industry
• Public Services
• Arts and Humanities
• Multidisciplinary Studies– UT High School Endorsement Option
UT High School
• UT High School offers the Multidisciplinary Studies Endorsement
• To earn this endorsement, students must complete the Foundation Plan
and earn four credits in each of the four core foundation areas including
English 4, Chemistry/or Physics, social studies, and a 4
th
math including
Algebra II.
• Students must earn a total of 26 credits
UTHS and Performance Acknowledgments
UTHS Students may earn Performance Acknowledgments on their
diplomas and transcripts in multiple ways:
• Outstanding Performance in Dual Credit Courses by successfully completing 12
college hours of dual credit courses with a minimum of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Outstanding performance in Bilingualism and Biliteracy in two or more
languages by maintaining an 80% average in English Language Arts AND
earning 3 credits in a world language with an 80% or better.
• Outstanding Performance on the PSAT, ACT-Plan, SAT, or ACT by attaining
scores of:
--Combined 1250 on reading/math of SAT
--Composite (without writing) of 28 on ACT
UTHS and Distinguished Level of Achievement
• Students may earn a Distinguished Level of
Achievement by meeting the four requirements below.
(The achievement will be noted on the diploma and the transcript)
• Successfully completing the Foundation Plan
• Earning at least one Endorsement (Multidisciplinary Studies for UTHS
students)
• Completing four levels of science
• Completing four levels of Mathematics that includes Algebra II
Completing and signing the Personal Graduation
Plan Selection Form
• At the time of enrollment in UTHS, each student is sent a
transcript and recommended sequence of courses.
• HB5 mandates that all students complete and sign a Personal
Graduation Plan Selection Form. The student chooses an
endorsement and individual courses. After the student
completes the form, the student, parent, and counselor sign
the document.
• The PGP selection form you have received is an interactive
document. Please fill in the information, print the form and
send that either by mail or electronically to
FAQs
• Does every student have to graduate with an endorsement?
– No. A student may opt out after the student’s sophomore year.
– Student and parent/guardian must sign a TEA opt out form after talking to the
academic advisor.
– All freshmen and sophomores start with the 26-credit plan.
• Can a student change endorsements?
- Yes. UTHS currently offers the Multidisciplinary Endorsement. When UT High
school adds new endorsements, or if a student moves to another school,
the student may choose a different or additional endorsement.
Foundation Plan (no endorsement)
• This is only available to students after sophomore year.
• Students complete the basic plan of 22 credits:
– English 4 credits
– Math 3 credits
– Science 3 credits
– Social Studies 3 credits
– Fine Arts 1 credit
– PE 1 credit
– Speech 0.5 credit
– Electives 6.5 credits
22 credits
Endorsement Opt-out Agreement
• Texas Education Code allows student to graduate under the FHSP
without earning an endorsement.
• Opt out can only be done after student’s sophomore year
• Student and parents must be notified of the benefits of graduating
with an endorsement.
• Form is signed by student, parent, and counselor.
Questions?
• If you have questions about the Texas
graduation requirements or your own
personal graduation plan, please contact
the Academic Advisor
512-471-4808
