HB5 Graduation Plans
Legislation passed in 2013 (called "House Bill 5" or "HB5") made significant changes to high school graduation requirements, replacing the Minimum, Recommended, and Distinguished Achievement graduation plans with one Foundation program, on top of which students can earn endorsements and a "Distinguished Level of Achievement." TEA maintains a HB5 website with useful information.
TEA has provided a Graduation toolkit to help students, parents and counselors work through graduation plans.
A document explaining the overview of the graduation requirements can be found here:
Graduation Program Overview
ENDORSEMENTS
In addition to the Foundation Plan, students are highly encouraged to graduate with at least one endorsement. Endorsements consist of a related series of courses that are grouped together by interest or skill set. The endorsement provides students with in-depth knowledge of a subject area. Students must select an endorsement in the ninth grade. All endorsements require the completion of four (4) math and four (4) science credits.
Pettus High School offers the following endorsements:
* Business & Industry
* Public Service
Programs of Study Include:
* Business & Industry
- Agriculture Technology & Mechanical Systems
- Animal Science
- Business Management
- Culinary Arts
* Public Service
- Teaching & Training
The Benefits of Graduating with an Endorsement
DISTINGUISHED LEVEL OF ACHIEVEMENT
In addition to the Foundation Plan and Endorsements, students are highly encouraged to graduate with a Distinguished Level of Achievement. A student may earn a distinguished level of achievement by completing four credits in mathematics, four credits in science, the remaining curriculum requirements and the curriculum endorsements for at least one of the five areas.
A document explaining the benefits of the Distinguished Level of Achievement can be found here:
Distinguished Level of Achievement
PERFORMANCE ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
In addition to the Foundation Plan, Endorsements and the Distinguished Level of Achievement, a student can earn Performance Acknowledgements. Students may earn an additional acknowledgement on their diploma because of outstanding performance in areas such as dual credit courses and bilingualism and biliteracy; on Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, PSAT, ACT's Plan, the SAT or ACT exams; or by earning a nationally- or internationally- recognized business or industry certification.
The Performance Acknowledgements Flowchart can be found here:
Performance Acknolwedgements Flowchart
STATE TESTING GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
Students are required to earn a Level II: Satisfactory Performance on each of 5 End-of-Course (EOC) exams - Algebra I, Biology, English I, English II, and U.S. History. Students who earn high school credit through dual enrollment at Coastal Bend College are still required to pass the corresponding EOC.
Score levels are printed on a student's transcript and his/her graduation plan.
CPR TRAINING GRADUATION REQUIREMENT
According to TAC Chapter 74 Rule 74.38, in order to graduate and receive a high school diploma, a student should receive mandatory CPR training. Pettus High School delivers this training annually to high school seniors on a specified date.
SPEECH GRADUATION REQUIREMENT
To receive a high school diploma, a student must demonstrate proficiency, as determined by the district in which the student is enrolled, in the following:
* Delivering clear verbal messages
* Choosing effective nonverbal behaviors
* Listening for desired results
* Applying a valid critical thinking and problem solving processes
* Identifying, analyzing, developing, and evaluating communication skills needed for professional and social success in interpersonal situations, group interactions, and personal and professional presentations.
Pettus High School instructs these students in these skills in English III and English IV.
PROPER INTERACTION WITH PEACE OFFICERS TRAINING GRADUATION REQUIREMENT
According to TAC Chapter 74 Rule 74.39, in order to graduate and receive a high school diploma, a student must receive mandatory instruction on proper interaction with Peace Officers. Pettus High School delivers this training annually to high school seniors on a specified date.
FINANCIAL AID APPLICATION GRADUATION REQUIREMENT
According to House Bill 3, in order to graduate and receive a high school diploma, a student must do one of the following in order to graduate:
* Complete and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
* Complete and submit a Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA)
* Submit a signed opt-out form (included below).
Financial Aid Application Opt-Out Form
TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY: FINANCIAL AID APPLICATION GRADUATION REQUIREMENT
PETTUS HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION PLAN
Pettus High School Graduation Plan
REQUIRED NOTIFICATION REGARDING ALGEBRA II
Required Notification Regarding Algebra II