HB5 Graduation Plans

House Bill 5 (HB 5), passed by the Texas Legislature in 2013, made significant changes to the state’s graduation requirements. Referred to as the High School Foundation Graduation Program, key aspects include required foundation courses, a selection of endorsement options, changes to the STAAR EOC testing program, and opportunities to earn performance acknowledgments.  These standards affect students entering the ninth grade. They replaced the graduation plans referred to as Minimum, Recommended and Distinguished.

Although the state Foundation Graduation Plan has reduced the number of math, science and social studies courses required for graduation, this plan considers the minimum course requirements acceptable by the state. Socorro ISD administration has met with their stakeholders and with their input have decided to ensure that they adhere to their goal of graduating all students "college and career ready" by continuing to require the 4x4. It has been decided that SISD will become a default Distinguished Achievement Endorsement school district.

What is the Foundation High School Plan?

The Socorro Foundation High School Program provides the minimum number of courses needed to graduate from the Socorro ISD High Schools. The plan consists of the 4X4 core and a total of 23 required electives.

SISD Foundation Graduation Plan

What is an Endorsement?

Incoming ninth grade students for the next school year will select an endorsement plan to complete while in high school. Depending on the endorsement area, students will take a minimum of 26-29 credits.

What is the Distinguished Level of Achievement?

All students enrolled in a Socorro ISD high school will qualify for the Distinguished Achievement Program by completing the prescribed sequences of courses in one of the many programs offered by Socorro ISD. By completing the four Math, English, Science and Social Studies to include Algebra II, completing the Endorsement electives and the remaining required courses, students will receive a Distinguished Level of Achievement label on their transcript.

What are Performance Acknowledgements?

Students have the option of earning a Performance Acknowledgment, which will be noted on the official high school transcript. This is not a graduation requirement, but allows students to obtain an acknowledgment for outstanding performance in different areas to include:

• Dual Credit courses
• Articulated courses
• Associate Degree earned as HS student
• AP exam scores
• International Baccalaureate (IB) exam scores
• ACT, SAT, and PSAT scores
• Language acquisition
• Earning a state or nationally recognized certificate or license