In Texas, some students are able to earn one or more "endorsements" as part of their graduation requirements. Endorsements include a related series of courses that are grouped together by interest or skill set. They provide students with in-depth knowledge of a subject area.
Texas law and TEA rules (TAC 74.12(b)(5)) allow exemptions to the requirement for two LOTE credits. Texas has recognized that this can be very difficult or impossible for some students.
Students with disabilities have the option to participate in a graduation ceremony after completing four years of high school (TEC § 28.025 (f)). Your child can only participate in ONE graduation ceremony so students and families need to consider which situation fits their needs.
Texas law creates several requirements and opportunities for students to advance from one grade to the next. Students also have a variety of options regarding how they earn credits toward graduation.
Parents are often confused about the rules regarding course credits, graduation programs/plans, and what a school can do regarding course accommodations and content modification. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) develops a Minimum Standards for the AAR document each year. The information in this post, much of it quoted heavily from the TEA document, can assist parents during ARD/IEP meetings to explore available options, if standard high school courses and/or content do not seem appropriate. “Each school district shall report the academic achievement record of students who have completed a minimum (MHSP), recommended (RHSP), or advanced (distinguished) high school program (DAP) on [...]
