WHAT ARE ENDORSEMENTS?
In 2013, the 83rd Texas Legislature established the new Foundation High School Program as the default graduation program for all students entering high school beginning in 2014-2015. The State Board of Education adopted rules related to the new Foundation High School Program in January 2014.
Highlights of the Bill:
- Replaces the 4×4 graduation plan (4 Math, 4 Science, 4 English, 4 Social Studies) & introduces Foundation Plan & Foundation + Endorsements
- 5 Endorsements – Arts & Humanities, Business & Industry, Multidisciplinary, Public Service, & STEM
- Various pathway options for students to choose from to earn an Endorsement
- End of Course Assessment Requirements – English I, English II, US History, Biology & Algebra I
- New Accountability System – College Career Military Readiness (CCMR)
WHY ARE ENDORSEMENTS IMPORTANT?
- they serve as the bridge between secondary education and the workforce or postsecondary education.
- The courses taken in conjunction with an endorsement help students attain the knowledge and skills necessary to become college and career ready.
- They allow students to show through the endorsement that they have gained applicable skills and knowledge in their field of choice.
- If a student wants to enter the workforce after high school instead of attending an institution of higher learning, the student will be able to demonstrate the skills they have learned during high school, making them more marketable.
- They show that students are willing to go above and beyond what is minimally required in order to begin their pathway to success.
CAN I SWITCH MY ENDORSEMENT AFTER 9TH GRADE?
You can switch pathways, however, consider the benefits of choosing a pathway and sticking with it until you have completed the higher level courses in a pathway. If you are interested in another pathway, you can possibly take 2 courses from a single pathway at one time so that you can catch up and have a better chance of getting to a higher level practicum course from that pathway. Talk to your counselor about this!
