​House Bill 5 Overview

Graduation Requirements - Beginning with freshman class of 2014-15

• Foundation High School Program (FHSP- 22 credits)

• 4 ELA, 3 Math, 3 Science, 3 Social Studies, 2 Foreign Language, 1Fine Arts, 1P.E., 5 Electives

• Endorsement (4 additional credits)

• Endorsements in S.T.E.M., Public Services, Business & Industry, Arts & Humanities, and Multidisciplinary Studies
  Note - The requirement to take Algebra II is under discussion at the State Board.

• Performance Acknowledgement (PA)

• Students can earn a PA for outstanding performance in AP or IB, PSAT, SAT, ACT, Bilingualism, Biliteracy,  Dual Credit, or for having earned a recognized business/industry certification or license

• Distinguished Level of Achievement

• Students can earn this distinction through completion of 26 credits including the Foundation program plus a fourth credit in math, including Algebra II, a fourth credit in science and at least 1endorsement.

Assessment - Beginning 2013-14

• Reduces required End-of-Course (EOC) exams from 15 to 5

• Eliminates 15%, cumulative and minimum score requirements

• Districts will have the option of administering the Algebra II and/or English Ill EOC for students to satisfy
  the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) college readiness requirement beginning in 2015-2016.

• Students may be able to substitute some EOCs with other assessments such as the SAT, ACT, AP or other nationally recognized assessments.

Accountability

• Introduces a new letter-grade (A, B, C, D or F) district performance rating (2016-17)

• Introduces a new community and student engagement accountability system (2013-14)

• District to issue a self-evaluation of district and each campus

• Local committee to establish rating criteria for both overall performance and individual performance in 8 areas (Fine Arts, Well ness and Physical Education, Community and Parent Involvement, 21st Century Workforce Development, 2nd Language Acquisition, Digital Learning Environment, Dropout Prevention Strategies, and Gifted & Talented program) plus Compliance.

^{Updated: 12/16/13}