Foundation High School Program Endorsement Career Links


In order to graduate from a Texas high school, students must complete:
  • The Foundation Graduation Program
  • Pass all required test assessments
  • Demonstrate proficiency in verbal and non-verbal communications as well as critical thinking and problem solving skills.
In addition, students also have the unique opportunity to:
  • Select at least one of five available endorsement options, allowing them to enroll in specific elective courses based on the student’s career interests and abilities.
  • Enhance their diplomas by earning the Distinguished Level of Achievement category, providing them with additional financial aid and college selection options.
  • Include Performance Acknowledgements that demonstrate outstanding achievement in several specific circumstances.
Please see the chart below to learn the total number of credits students need to take from each discipline, as well as the classes that will provide those credits. Keep in mind that all classes count as one credit (unless indicated) which means they will last for one entire school year. Those classes listed as half-credit courses will only last for one semester, so either August-December or January- May. Elective courses are those you would take depending on your career interests, and therefore align with whichever endorsement option you choose. The titles of these courses (as well as their duration) will differ between districts as they get to determine, individually, which class offerings will meet the requirements for each endorsement. Knowing what type of career you want to have after school will help you determine which endorsement option is best for you, as well as whether or not you will need to attend college, a career or technical school, or find an apprenticeship to earn the credentials necessary to work in that field. Taking electives within your endorsement choice will allow you an early glimpse into the fields you are interested in, so you will have a head start in your college classes or vocational training.
Additional resources can be found at House Bill 5: Foundation High School Program

Career Success

Foundation High School Endorsement Bulletins

This series of bulletins takes a closer look at each endorsement area and connects those endorsement pathways to career opportunities. Each comprehensive issue contains vital information about the guidelines of the Foundation High School program and endorsement selection requirements. In addition, they feature careers that are specific to each endorsement area and the accompanying labor market information for each job title.
Check out the five Foundation High School Endorsement Bulletins


Foundation High School Graduation Program Distinguished Level
Subject Credits Needed Credits Needed
English
  • English I
  • English II
  • English III
  • Advanced English Course
 4
Mathematics
  • Algebra I
  • Geometry
  • Advanced Math Course
 3
4
All Foundation Program requirements plus Algebra II
Science
  • Biology
  • IPC or advanced science course
  • Advanced Science Course
 3
4
All Foundation Program requirements plus an advanced science class based on endorsement selection.
Social Studies
  • U. S. History
  • U. S. Government (1/2 credit)
  • Economics (1/2 credit)
  • World History or Geography
 3
Physical Education 1
Languages other than English
  • Two credits in the same language
  • Two credits from Computer Science I, II, and III.
2
Fine Arts 1
Electives
Classes selected for electives will be based upon the endorsement options selected by the student. 		5 7
Speech
Demonstrated Proficiency 		0 0
Total Credits  22 26

Performance Acknowledgements

Students can earn one or more Performance Acknowledgement, in addition to any graduation program they follow, for any of the areas listed below. (Please talk to your school Counselor for specific guidelines for each category).
  • Dual Credit course
  • Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate exam performance.
  • Bilingualism and biliteracy
  • Earning a nationally or internationally recognized business or industry certification or license.
  • PSAT, ACT-PLAN, SAT, or ACT score.