On the pages that follow, you will find the graduation plan options that
are available to you. Have you ever
wondered why there are options for high school graduation? What are the
advantages in choosing one plan over another? Keep these
questions in mind while you are reviewing the requirements of the graduation
plans. Make sure that you fully understand all graduation plans so that you
and your family can make the best decision for you.
According to the United Independent School District policy the selection of a
graduation plan and the monitoring of course choices are the collaborative
responsibility of students, parent/guardian, and counselor. We automatically
place our students on the Distinguished Achievement Program and monitor the
student’s progress for success. Furthermore, college-bound students are
advised that college entrance
requirements vary; therefore, students should check with the
college of their choice before choosing courses.
Recommended High School Program
The Recommended High School program is just that, recommended.
The reason it is the recommended graduation plan for high school students is because students who complete the requirements will most likely have met the core curriculum requirements to enter a major four-year college or university. Students on the Recommended High School Program who entered 9th grade in the 2003-04 school year and thereafter shall complete 24 credits as follows:
· English Language Arts: Four credits to include English I, II, III, and IV
· Mathematics: Three credits to include Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II
· Science: Three credits to include Biology and choose from Integrated Physics & Chemistry/Chemistry and Chemistry or Physics
· Social Studies: Three and one-half credits to include World Geography, World History, U.S. History and U. S. Government
· Economics: One-half credit to include Economics with emphasis on the free enterprise system and its benefits
· Physical Education: One and one-half credits to include Foundations of Fitness (one-half credit). Can substitute: drill team, marching band, cheerleading, ROTC, athletics, Dance and certain career and technology education courses.
· Languages Other Than English: Two credits which must consist of Level I and Level II in the same language.
· Health Education: One-half credit of Health or Health Science Technology (one credit).
· Technology Applications: One credit (BCIS I) or other approved courses
· Fine Arts: One credit which may be satisfied by any course in Chapter 117, Subchapter C, of this title (relating to the TEKS for Fine Arts)
· Speech: One-half credit of Communications Applications
· Additional Components (Elective Courses): Three and one-half credits from the list of courses approved by the SBOE for grades 9-12 (relating to TEKS)
Students on the Recommended High School Program who entered 9th grade in the 2007-08 school year and thereafter shall complete 26 credits as follows:
· English Language Arts: Four credits to include English I, II, III, and IV
· Mathematics: Four credits to include Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II. The fourth credit may be selected from a list of approved Math courses.
· Science: Four credits to include Biology, Chemistry and Physics. The fourth credit may be selected from a list of approved Science courses.
· Social Studies: Three and one-half credits to include World Geography, World History, U.S. History and U. S. Government
· Economics: One-half credit to include Economics with emphasis on the free enterprise system and its benefits
· Physical Education: One and one-half credits to include Foundations of Fitness (one-half credit). Can substitute: drill team, marching band, cheerleading, ROTC, athletics, Dance and certain career and technology education courses.
· Languages Other Than English: Two credits which must consist of any two levels in the same language.
· Health Education: One-half credit of Health or Health Science Technology (one credit).
· Technology Applications: One credit (BCIS I) or other approved courses
· Fine Arts: One credit which may be satisfied by any course in Chapter 117, Subchapter C, of this title (relating to the TEKS for Fine Arts)
· Speech: One-half credit of Communications Applications
· Additional Components (Elective Courses): Three and one-half credits from the list of courses approved by the SBOE for grades 9-12 (relating to TEKS)
Distinguished Achievement High School Program (DAP)
The Distinguished Achievement High School Program recognizes students who demonstrate levels of performance equivalent to college students or work done by professionals. This graduation plan not only requires credits in certain courses, but the student must also achieve any combination of four of the following advanced measures:
1. Original research/project that is judged by a panel of professionals in the field that is the focus of the project. Students interested in acquiring an advanced measure by conducting an original research/project must enroll in at least one of the following courses during their high school years while developing the original research project. The classes are Scientific Research and Design, Virtual Finance and a Science Course.
2. Test data where a student receives: a score of three or above on the College Board advanced placement examination or a score on the Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test (PSAT) that qualifies the student for recognition as a commended scholar or higher by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.
3. College academic courses and tech-prep articulated college courses with a grade of 3.0 (B-80) or higher.
4. UISD Regional Science Fair where students selected by the campus committee to enter the science fair as a representative of their school are eligible to receive one measure if: Their project adheres to the guidelines outlined in the International Science and Engineering Fair website and their project receives a minimum score of 80 out of a possible 100 points from each of his/her assigned judges and the student passes the course.
Please see the UISD Distinguished Achievement Program booklet for more specific details on measures.
The Distinguished Achievement Program requires the same courses as listed above under the Recommended High School Program for students entering 9th grade in 2003 and thereafter with the exception of one additional credit of a language other than English for a total of (3) credits. In addition, they would also only be required to complete two and one-half credits of electives instead of the three and one-half credits under the RHSP.
Students on the Distinguished Achievement Program who entered 9th grade in the 2007-08 school year and thereafter shall complete 26 credits as follows:
· English Language Arts: Four credits to include English I, II, III, and IV
· Mathematics: Four credits to include Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II. The fourth credit may be selected from a list of approved Math courses for which Algebra II is a prerequisite.
· Science: Four credits to include Biology, Chemistry and Physics. The fourth credit may be selected from a list of approved laboratory-based Science courses.
· Social Studies: Three and one-half credits to include World Geography, World History, U.S. History and U. S. Government
· Economics: One-half credit to include Economics with emphasis on the free enterprise system and its benefits
· Physical Education: One and one-half credits to include Foundations of Fitness (one-half credit). Can substitute: drill team, marching band, cheerleading, ROTC, athletics, Dance and certain career and technology education courses.
· Languages Other Than English: Three credits which must consist of any three levels in the same language.
· Health Education: One-half credit of Health or Health Science Technology (one credit).
· Technology Applications: One credit (BCIS I) or other approved courses
· Fine Arts: One credit which may be satisfied by any course in Chapter 117, Subchapter C, of this title (relating to the TEKS for Fine Arts)
· Speech: One-half credit of Communications Applications
· Additional Components (Elective Courses): Two and one-half credits from the list of courses approved by the SBOE for grades 9-12 (relating to TEKS)
Additionally, students with financial need who graduate from high school on the Recommended High School Program or the Distinguished Achievement Program may compete to receive a Texas Grant. If you would like more information regarding the Texas Grant, log on to www.collegefortexans.com.
If you have any questions regarding graduation plans or which one is the right one for you, please see your designated counselor.
It
is the policy of the United Independent School District not to discriminate on
the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, or disability in it's
Educational programs, services or activities, as required by Title VI of the
Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Educational Amendments
of 1972; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended; and Section 504 of
the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.
Es norma de United I.S.D. el no discriminar por motivos de raza, color, origen
nacional, sexo o impedimento, en sus programas, servicios o actividades, tal
como lo requieren el Título VI de la Ley de Derechos Civiles de 1964, según
enmienda; el Título IX de las Enmiendas en la Educación de 1972, y la Sección
504 de la Ley de Rehabilitación de 1973, según la enmienda.
General Testing Information
The following information applies to college admission tests
(e.g. PSAT/NMSQT, SAT I, ACT and THEA).
Registration Materials:
SAT I, SAT II, ACT and THEA materials are available in the Counseling Office. Registration for SAT I, II, ACT, and THEA can be done either by mail or on-line. Fee waivers are available for students for whom payment of fees presents a serious barrier to college entrance. Registration for the PSAT/NMSQT can only be done on your High School campus through the school counselor.
Important note: if you qualify for a fee waiver, you may be eligible to receive a total of four (4) Request for Waiver of College Application Fee forms. See your counselor to discuss fee waivers.
Students with Disabilities:
A student with a documented disability may be eligible to take college admission tests and PSAT/NMQT with testing accommodations. A Student EligibilityForm must be submitted for each student who requests accommodations. To be eligible, you must:
On Test Day:
Remember to take proper identification (driver’s license or school ID) to the testing site. Plan to arrive at the test center by 8:00 a.m. Bring No. 2 pencils and calculator.
| Our Mission | ||
| Program Overview | ||
| Counselors | ||
| Target Your Future | ||
| General Scholarship Application | ||
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| Chosing a Graduation Plan | |
| Course Selection Indv. Academic Plan |
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| Testing Information | |
| Planning Checklist by grade level: |
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| Freshmen (9) | |
| Sophomore (10) | |
| Junior (11) | |
| Senior (12) | |
| College Application Process | |