Graduation Plans

• GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS  
  
  In the state of Texas, all incoming freshman must choose a graduation plan prior to beginning their first year of high school.  Graduation plans are developed with the school counselor, kept on file, and are subject to change as needed based on the students academic needs and abilities.   Students are encouraged to select courses that will advance their career pathways, support admission into an institute of higher education or a certificate/license program, or help them to become employable in the workforce.
  
  Foundation Plan Only - 22 credits
  
  ENGLISH
  Four credits-  Credits must consist of English I, II, III, and an advanced English course.
  
  MATH
  Three credits-  All students must take Algebra I, Geometry and an additional Advanced Math course.
  
  SCIENCE
  Three credits-  All student must take Biology and a lab based course (IPC, Chemistry, or Physics) and an additional Advanced Science course.
  
  SOCIAL STUDIES
  Three credits - Credits must consist of World Geography or World History, United States History, U.S. Government and Economics.
  
  PHYSICAL EDUCATION - One credit required
  
  

• Fine Arts - One Credit Required
  
  Off campus PE Waiver
  
  
  
  
  FOREIGN LANGUAGE(LOTE - Language Other Than English)- Two credits required in the same language
  
  
  ELECTIVES -Five credits required.  These courses should be in the area of interest to the student to further establish their career pathway.
  
  
  Foundation Plan with Endorsement- 26 credits
  *See a list of endorsements and descriptions under the Endorsements page*
  ENGLISH:
  Four credits - Credits must consist of English I, II, III, and IV.
  
  MATH:
  Four credits-  All students must take Algebra I, Geometry and two additional advanced Math course.   Algebra II must be taken in order to earn the Distinguished level of achievement. 
  
  SCIENCE:
  Four credits - All student must take Biology and a lab based course (IPC, Chemistry, Principles of Technology, or Physics) and two additional Advanced Science course.
  
  SOCIAL STUDIES:
  Three credits - (NDISD highly recommends four courses of Social Studies)- Credits must consist of World Geography or World History, United States History, U.S. Government and Economics.
  
  PHYSICAL EDUCATION - One credit required
  
  
  FINE ARTS-  One credit required
  
  
  TECHNOLOGY APPLICATIONS- One Credit required  
  
  
  SPEECH- One-half credit required
  
  
  HEALTH- One-haf credit required
  
  FOREIGN LANGUAGE(LOTE - Language Other Than English)- Two credits required in the same language
  
  ELECTIVES - Four credits required.  These courses should be in the area of interest to the student to further establish their career pathway and fulfill endorsement requirements.
  
  
  STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness)
  End-of-Course (EOC) ASSESSMENT REQUIREMENTS
  In accordance with TEC, Section 39.025, students are required to perform satisfactorily on the secondary exit level STAAR End of Course assessments for English I, English II, Algebra I, Biology, and U.S. History in order to qualify for graduation.   
  
  DISTINGUISHED LEVEL OF ACHIEVEMENT
  (Applicable to all students graduating under the FHSP plus an endorsement with 26 credits, including Algebra II)
  The information below is provided by the Texas Education Agency and is an overview of the general benefits of the FHSP plus Endorsements to include Algebra II. New Diana ISD strongly encourages all students to research college admission requirements for the college or university they wish to attend.  Colleges and universities have difference admission requirements and it is very important to know what each institution you are considering attending requires so that you may choose your courses accordingly. 
  To best prepare yourself for the transition to post-high school education or quality workforce training, choosing and taking the right classes is essential. The Distinguished Level of Achievement will ensure the best preparation for your future.
  Why it matters -Benefits
  The Distinguished Level of Achievement opens a world of educational and employment opportunities for you beyond high school. The Distinguished Level of Achievement will:

  • Allow you to compete for Top 10% automatic admissions eligibility at any Texas public university;

  • Position you among those first in line for a TEXAS Grant (must be financially qualified) to help pay for university tuition and fees; and

  • Ensure you are a more competitive applicant at the most selective colleges and universities.

•  
  What it means
  The Distinguished Level of Achievement requires more mathematics and more science than the Foundation High School Program. The Distinguished Level of Achievement requires:

  • A total of four credits in math, including Algebra II;

  • A total of four credits in science; and

  • Successful completion of an endorsement in your area of interest.

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  Advantages

  • Opportunity to earn an endorsement in an area of interest

  • More college and university options

  • More financial aid options

  • Better preparation for college-level coursework at community/technical colleges and universities

  • Opportunity for immediate enrollment in classes related to your chosen field of study

  • Strong foundation to successfully complete an industry workforce credential or college degree

•  
  **Choose your courses with your future in mind!**
  When choosing your high school courses, it is important to think about your future career path and what colleges/universities you plan to attend.  Different institutions have different high school course requirements or sequences, so make sure you do your homework.
  For example, some Universities, such as the University of Texas, require that students have 4 full years of a social studies credits. If you read the above carefully, you will notice that the state of Texas only requires that you complete 3 full years of social studies to fulfill graduation requirements.
  Please take the time to check your top college choices to make sure you are on the right path.