The Texas Education Agency (TEA) Graduation Toolkit is a resource designed to help students, parents, and educators navigate the requirements and options for earning a high school diploma in Texas. The toolkit provides information on the state's graduation plan, and outlines the following key components:
Graduation Requirements
Endorsements
Distinguished Level of Achievement
Performance Acknowledgments
Career Planning
The toolkit is a helpful guide for making informed decisions about course selection and graduation pathways.
Senate Bill 1888, 87th Texas Legislature, Regular Session, 2021, added Texas Education Code §28.0253, which establishes the Texas First Early High School Completion Program to allow public high school students who demonstrate early readiness for college to graduate early from high school.
The purpose of the Texas First Early High School Completion Program, in conjunction with the Texas First Scholarship Program (Texas Education Code, Chapter 56, Subchapter K-1), is to promote efficiency in the state public education system and incentivize the enrollment of high performing students at eligible institutions within the state of Texas.
An endorsement represents a student’s demonstrated proficiency in a related set of courses often associated with their interests or career goals. Completing an endorsement provides students with indepth knowledge to pursue high-wage and in-demand occupations. Endorsements also help students prepare for further education, training, or careers in a chosen field. To earn an endorsement, students must complete four credits each in math and science, two additional elective credits, and the specific courses required for the endorsement.
If a student is unable to complete the requirements to receive a DLA distinction, students may graduate under the Foundation High School Program without endorsement requirements. If a student would like to graduate under a Foundation High School Program plan without any endorsement, they must make this decision after their sophomore year.
To opt-out of an endorsement, students and families must meet with their school counselor to discuss the benefits of graduating with an endorsement, and the student’s parent or guardian must give written permission for the student to opt out of an endorsement.