info for HB5

• hb5 schools will have less standardized testing. 
•  new high school graduation requirements
•  But the requirement for science, math and social studies has dropped to three credits, giving students more flexibility in elective coursework 
•  The updated plan includes endorsements students can earn in specific subjects including business and industry, humanities, science and technology. 
• he law also reduces the number of standardized exams, STAAR tests, that high school students must pass in order to graduate from 15 to five. 
• Reducing the number of end of course exams from 15 to five, adding more vocational paths to graduation, and dumping the old accountability system of Exemplary/Recognized/Academically
• The state's graduation requirements will "significantly change" beginning with freshmen entering high school in 2014. 
• The governor signed HB5 on June 10 
• "English I, English II, Algebra I, U.S. history and biology EOCs are required, while the state will no longer require students to pass (State Assessment of Academic Readiness) chemistry, physics, geometry, world history, world geography, Algebra II and English II EOC tests to graduate. HB5 also eliminated the requirement that districts include the EOC results as 15 percent of course grades," according to the release. 
• moving from the current “4x4” graduation plans to a 22
• credit Foundation High School Program that allows students to earn endorsements in specific areas of study by completing four additional credits -The new plan requires the state board to make a number of policy decisions, such as deciding which courses will count as advanced mathematics, English and science courses and determining the requirements for each endorsement area.
• The endorsement areas are science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM); business and industry; public services; arts and humanities; and multidisciplinary studies. -the new graduation plan will not be in effect for the 2013-2014 school year.
• However, students who will be sophomores, juniors or seniors during the 2014-2015 school year and are currently following one of the three existing programs will have the option of switching to the Foundation program when it becomes available in the 2014-2015 school year. 
• http://www.yourhoustonnews.com/lake_houston/news/state-board-of-education-seeks-input-on-new-graduation-plans/article_d29e55d4-7e7e-508e-b372-e00e7b17f001.html
•    All students must begin high school on a 26-credit program that includes a specialized focus, such as Arts and Humanities, Business and Industry, or STEM — science, technology, engineering and math. They can opt for a 22-credit plan after their sophomore year with parental consent.
• A student cannot choose to choose to graduate under the Foundation Program until after sophomore year and must get parental consent.
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