Academy Endorsements

How Endorsements Under House Bill 5 Connect to the Academy Structure in RRISD:

Students may earn an endorsement by completing a coherent sequence of coursework housed within an academy. This “Program of Study” should suit a student’s unique skills and interests. An endorsement is earned once a minimum of four (4) credits in three (3) or more sequenced courses are completed, and must include upper level coursework. Initial endorsements offered to RRISD students during 9th grade registration include Arts & Humanities, Business & Industry, Public Service, and STEM. Endorsements can be achieved in numerous ways to allow students to focus their studies in Academy Programs of Study, in addition to other academic electives.

Connecting the pieces:

• Students create a Texas Foundation Graduation Plan during the spring of 8th grade when registering for high school.
• In addition to core classes, a Program of Study Pathway is selected to focus on areas of personal interest, i.e., “endorsements”.
• Endorsements are embedded into the RRISD Academies as a Program of Study Pathway.
• Endorsements are earned by completing a sequenced minimum of three (3) or more courses for four (4) or more credits.
• Under House Bill 5, the benefits of endorsements should be identified, such as:
  • Industry certifications
  • Articulated or dual credit
  • Real-world experiences (apprenticeships, job shadow opportunities, internships, industry tours, etc.)
• While students may earn multiple endorsements, the student’s intended endorsements should be ranked in priority for the purpose of academy placement (Small Learning Community).