Graduation Requirements and Programs
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Graduation Requirements
You are encouraged to plan your personal graduation plan so that you graduate with 26 credits and meet your selected endorsement requirements. Also, if you plan to take fine arts and/or athletics/cheerleading for four years, it may mean that you graduate with more than 26 credits. It is very important that you consider the number of courses that you take during all four years of your high school experience. In addition, your senior year is an important year. More than likely, you are preparing to transition into college or some kind of technical training. Often, students minimize their senior year and forget that transitioning into college or technical school requires managing a full-load of courses. If you have completed all of your high school graduation requirements, taking dual-credit or an AP course for college credit will make that transition to college more successful.
State Testing Requirements for Graduation
In addition to successfully completing all course requirements, students must meet certain state testing requirements for graduation, which are based on performance on STAAR End-of-Course (EOC) exams. Students must meet the Approaches Grade Level standard or higher on exams in English I, English II, Algebra I, Biology, and U.S. History. Retest opportunities for students who fail to meet the standard are provided three times during the year in spring (April/May), summer (June), and fall (December).
Griggs High School
Griggs High School is dedicated to providing social, emotional, and academic support to ¹í¹È×ÓÍø students who have fallen behind in earning the credits necessary to graduate. Priority is given to students who are designated at risk and in danger of dropping out. Griggs HS operates on a Blended, Flex/Hybrid Personalized learning model designed to empower our students to achieve success in the classroom resulting in the earning of their high school diploma. Griggs HS runs on an accelerated quarter system, which provides students with the opportunity to earn credits at a faster pace than at traditional school settings. Due to the accelerated model, attendance is the most critical factor in determining a student’s success. Students are admitted to Griggs HS by way of an application and interview process. This process is used to determine a student’s motivation for catching up and their ability and commitment to doing what it takes to attend regularly and put forth the necessary effort to earn their high school diploma.
Retrieving Credit for Prior Instruction
Any student who has failed a course may take credit by examination if the student failed the course with at least a grade of 60. The Compass Learning Credit Retrieval lab is available only if the student did not receive an NC. A grade of seventy or higher is required to earn credit for the course in which the examination was attempted. A student must be enrolled in order to take credit by exam. Further information may be obtained in the counseling office at each campus.
Graduation Plan House Bill 5 (HB 5)
Graduation Credits
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English (4 credits)
- English I
- English II
- English III
- Advanced English course
Math (4 credits)
- Algebra I
- Geometry
- Algebra II
- Advanced Math course required for endorsement
Science (4 credits)
- Biology (IPC, Chemistry, or Physics)
- 2 Advanced Science courses
Social Studies (3 credits)
- US History
- US Gov’t/Economics
- World Geography or World History
World Languages (2 credits)
Physical Education (1 credit)
Fine Arts (1 credit)
Health (.5 credit)
Professional Communications (Speech) (.5 credit)
Technology (.5 credit)
Endorsement Coursework / Electives (5.5 credits)
26 Credits Total
Endorsements
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How do you earn an endorsement?
To earn an endorsement a student must successfully complete:
- Courses related to endorsement
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STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics):
- Science
- Technology
- Engineering
- Mathematics
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Business & Industry:
- Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
- Architecture and Construction
- Arts, A/V Technology and Communications
- Business, Management and Administration
- Finance
- Hospitality and Tourism (Culinary Arts)
- Information Technology
- Manufacturing
- Marketing, Sales and Service
- Transportation and Logistics (Auto Technology)
- Advanced Broadcast Journalism, Newspaper or Public Speaking
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Public Services:
- Education and Training
- Health Science
- Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security
- Government and Public Administration
- Human Services
- JROTC
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Arts & Humanities:
- Art
- Dance
- Music
- Theater
- Social Studies
- American Sign Language
- World Languages
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Multidisciplinary Studies:
Allows a student to complete prescribed courses from each of the four foundation subject areas, advanced placement courses from each of the four foundation subject areas or four advanced courses from within one endorsement area or among endorsement areas not in a coherent sequence.
Performance Acknowledgement
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A student may earn a performance acknowledgement on their diploma for outstanding performance on any of the following:
- Completing at least 12 hours of college academic courses including those taken for dual credit and advanced technical credit.
- Bilingual and Biliteral
- On a college AP or IB exam
- On the PSAT, ACT-PLAN, SAT or ACT
- For earning a nationally or internationally recognized industry certification
Distinguished Level of Achievement (26 credits)
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To earn a distinguished level of achievement a student must successfully complete the curriculum requirements for at least one endorsement, including 4 credits in science and 4 credits in mathematics to include Algebra II.
Current CTE Course Offerings that Meet Graduation Requirements
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(Math, Science, Fine Arts, Speech, Health, Technology)
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Math
- Engineering Mathematics
- Digital Electronics
- Statistics and Business Decision Making
- Financial Mathematics
- Robotics 2
- Accounting 2
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Science
- Principles of Technology (Physics)
- Engineering Science
- Rocket Engineering 1 (Scientific Research & Design)
- Rocket Engineering 2 (Engineering, Design & Problem Solving)
- Advanced Animal Science
- Advanced Plant & Soil Science
- Food Science
- Forensic Science
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Medical Microbiology
- Pathophysiology
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Fine Arts
- Floral Design
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Health
- Principles of Health Science
- Clinical Rotations (Health Science)
- Sports Medicine 1 (Principles of Health Science)
- Sports Medicine 2 (Health Science)
- Lifetime Nutrition & Wellness
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Speech
- Professional Communications
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Technology
- Graphic Design & Illustration
- Advanced Graphic Design & Illustration
- Animation
- Advanced Animation
- Audio Video Production
- Advanced Audio Video Production
- Practicum Audio Video Production
- Journalism (Principles, Arts, A/V & Communications)
- Photojournalism (Commercial Photography)
- Adv. Yearbook or Newspaper 1 (Graphic Design & Illustration)
- Adv. Yearbook or Newspaper 2 (Adv. Graphic Design & Illustration)
- Practicum in Business Management
- Business Information Management
- Principles in Information Technology
- Digital and Interactive Media
- Web Technologies
- Computer Programming and Game Design
- CISCO Internetworking
- Computer Maintenance
- Computer Technician
- Robotics and Automation 1 & 2
- Introduction to Engineering Design (PLTW)
- Principles of Engineering (PLTW)
- Digital Electronics (PLTW)
- Aerospace Engineering (PLTW)
- Aerospace Drone Systems (PLTW)
- Civil Engineering and Architecture (PLTW)
- Computer Integrated Manufacturing (PLTW)
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Middle School
- Principles of A/V Technology and Communications
- Principles of Information Technology
- Business Information Management