Additional Designations for Texas Diploma Designations

There are a number of additional designations options that counselors can choose from when working with students who are either accelerating or academically challenged. Below are some descriptions and links to resources should you need further clarification.

Texas First

Students who graduate early and earn a Texas First Diploma receive a scholarship at participating institutions. To be eligible, students must meet specific criteria:

• Graduate two or more semesters before their class

• Texas residency

• FAFSA or TASFA completion

• At least 22 high school credits

• Final GPA equivalent to 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale

• Overall score in at least the 80th percentile on one or more of the following assessments: ACT, SAT, PSAT/NMSQT, TSIA/TSIA2, or GED; or, alternatively, a GPA in the top 10 percent of the student’s class

• Completion of the STAAR EOC exams in English I or II, Algebra I, and Biology, or completion of eligible substitute assessments

• Demonstration of mastery in each subject area of English/Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and a language other than English

Adv. Diploma Plan for SPED Student

Designation for students who are serviced under and Individual Education Plan (IEP) but are able to complete the additional requirements to earn a graduation endorsement.

IEP and Workforce Readiness

Students who are on an Individual Education Plan (IEP) do not always meet all state graduation requirements, especially as concerns performance on End-Of-Course (STAAR) exams. This option allows a student to graduate via ARD Committee determination.

Students must:

• Complete the state’s or district’s (whichever is greater) required standards through courses - one or more of which may contain modified content that is aligned to the standards required under the foundation program - as well as the credit requirements under the foundation high school program (FHSP);

• Participate in required state assessments (STAAR); the degree to be determined by the ARD committee;

• Complete the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP); and

  • Meet one of the following conditions, consistent with the IEP: (A) full-time employment; (B) demonstrated mastery of specific employability skills and self-help skills which do not require direct ongoing educational support of the local school district; or (C) access to services which are not within the legal responsibility of public education or employment or educational options for which the student has been prepared by the academic program.