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High School Course Selections
High School Course Selections
Starting in the fall semester, eighth grade students begin their transition to high school journey. School counselors will meet with students multiple times throughout the year during classroom guidance, small groups, or one-on-one to discuss expectations, graduation requirements, and course options. Parents are encouraged to have conversations with their students about career interests, and how they can begin to pursue those interests in high school. It would also be beneficial for students to talk with parents and teachers about their potential in core (on-level) and advanced courses. The high schools offer a variety of advanced options, such as Advanced, Advanced Placement (AP), Dual Credit, and Dual Enrollment (OnRamps).
While students create their four year plan, special attention is given to selecting their ninth grade courses. These are typically entered into Skyward in the early spring. Students will have the opportunity to make changes to the courses they selected during Course Verifications in April. After this period, students may not be able to make any changes due to the intricacy of the high school's schedule and should reach out to their high school counselor with any concerns.
Our goal is for this transition period to be a collaborative one in which students and parents feel well-informed about the next phase in their academic journey.
Graduation Requirements
Graduation Requirements
GISD Graduation Plans
GISD Graduation Plans
GISD currently offers 3 graduation plans that align with State-mandated graduation requirements. Students in GISD must complete a minimum of 26 credits to receive a high school diploma on the Foundation + Endorsement(s) Plan, which is the most common graduation plan. For more information on the Foundation High School Program and/or Distinguished Level of Achievement plan (required to qualify for automatic admission to Texas public colleges and universities), please see page 4 of the GISD Course Guide.
Entrance requirements vary greatly from college to college, as well as for employers, students are highly encouraged to carefully consider high school course selections and investigate postsecondary entrance and entry level employment requirements prior to selecting their graduation plan.
Personal Graduation Plan (PGP)
Personal Graduation Plan (PGP)
What is a PGP?
What is a PGP?
A Personal Graduation Plan (PGP) is a like a roadmap designed to guide students through the four years of high school and set goals for post-secondary education and career aspirations. Starting in the eighth grade, students work with parents, teachers, and counselors to plan out their courses over their four years in high school. While they create their plans, they make certain they meet their graduation requirements. In addition to graduation requirements, students can take specific elective courses that allow them to earn an endorsement in a specific pathway as well as take Career Technology Education (CTE) courses. Student's plans are based on their interests - that's why we call them "Personal Graduation Plans". Of course, we expect for these plans to change and high school counselors meet with students each year to make sure they are on track and adjust plans as needed.
How do you make sure you plan for your graduation requirements? How do you plan your coursework so you earn an endorsement in a pathway? This is exactly what the personal graduation plan tool is all about.
In this "Counselor Clip", you will receive an overview of the PGP process.
Copy of GISD PGP Document.pdfIn eighth grade, Benold students spend several months constructing a PGP with guidance from their school counselor, teachers, parents, and even their high school counselor. Students begin with the paper document seen here and eventually enter the information into Skyward.
Endorsements and Programs of Study
Endorsements and Programs of Study
Endorsements.pdfWhat is an Endorsement?
What is an Endorsement?
Endorsements are a series of courses that are grouped together by interest or skill set. It is very similar to a college major, or a career strand, providing students with in-depth knowledge of a subject area. Students earn an endorsement by completing the curriculum requirements for the endorsement.
Students can choose from 5 endorsement areas (click on the links to read more):
What is a Program of Study?
What is a Program of Study?
Programs of study are coherent course sequences that prepare students with knowledge and skills necessary for success in their chosen career. Students must complete at least one of these series of courses to earn an Endorsement. Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs of study also include industry-based certifications, and work-based learning opportunities to ensure students are prepared for high-wage, in-demand, and high-skill careers in Texas.
These are the current Programs of Study (groups by Endorsements) offered at GISD high schools. Students take a trip to the high school to learn more about the Programs of Study. Both GHS and East View offer a separate parent night as well to review high school expectations and give parents the opportunity to find out more about Programs of Study.
For more specific information about the sequence of courses for each Program of Study, please lick the button below.
Additional Resources
Additional Resources
While we want parents to reach out with any questions, please remember that we are middle school counselors with a limited knowledge-base of high school courses, transcript information, Grade Point Averages (GPA), and class rankings. We highly encourage parents to reach out to their child's high school counselor. In addition to having a wealth of high school-related information, contact information can be found on the high school's counseling website.
We also encourage parents to utilize the High School Advising Guide and Secondary Course Guide for information about graduation requirements, GPA calculations, student transcripts, and much more.
High School Advising Guide
High School Advising Guide
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