CLASSIFICATION and GRADUATION CREDIT REQUIREMENTS For ALDINE, CARVER, EISENHOWER, MACARTHUR, NIMITZ, VICTORY

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1 CLASSIFICATION and GRADUATION CREDIT REQUIREMENTS For ALDINE, CARVER, EISENHOWER, MACARTHUR, NIMITZ, VICTORY Classification of high school students is based on the cumulative number of credits including specific course credits earned in each grade level as listed. For example, students must earn 1 credit in I in grade 9 before a student is eligible to be classified as a 10 th grader. Reclassification of students will be based on the credits earned by the beginning of each academic year. Students must meet 11 th grade classification requirements before being classified as a 12 th grader. A reclassified 10 th grade student is eligible for reclassification to 11 th grade if they meet certain grade and credit requirements. Please see your school counselor with questions about reclassification. The State Board of Education developed new requirements for students to receive a high school diploma in the State of Texas. These requirements include 4 years of mathematics and science. The number of credits required to receive a Recommended or Distinguished Achievement diploma increased from 24 to 26. Beginning with the freshmen class Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC) will no longer satisfy the science requirements for the Distinguished Achievement Plan, and will no longer satisfy the science requirements for the Recommended Plan after school year The chart below details classification and graduation requirements based on the year the student entered 9th grade: Entering Freshmen Requirements for Sophomore Classification Credits: Credits: Requirements for Junior Classification Requirements for senior classification Credits: Credits to graduate Entering Freshmen Courses: I Algebra I Biology or IPC 1 credit from W. Hist., W. Geo, US Hist Requirements for Sophomore Classification Credits: Courses: I & II Algebra I & Geometry Biology 1 Credit from IPC, Chem., Physics 2 Credits from W. Geo., W. Hist., US. Hist Credits: Requirements for Junior Classification Must meet 11 th grade requirements before being classified as a 12 th grader. Requirements for senior classification Credits: Credits to graduate Entering Freshmen or Credits to graduate Entering Freshmen and beyond 26 Credits to graduate Courses: I Algebra I Biology or IPC 1 credit from W. Hist., W. Geo, US Hist Requirements for Sophomore Classification 2006 / /2008 Credits: Courses: I Algebra I Biology or IPC 1 credit from W. Hist., W. Geo, US Hist Requirements for Sophomore Classification Credits: Courses: I Algebra I Biology or IPC 1 credit from W. Hist., W. Geo, US Hist Courses: I & II Algebra I & Geometry Biology 1 Credit from IPC, Chem., Physics 2 Credits from W. Geo., W. Hist., US. Hist. Credits: Requirements for Junior Classification 2007/ /2009 Courses: I & II Algebra I & Geometry Biology 1 Credit from IPC, Chem., Physics 2 Credits from W. Geo., W. Hist., US. Hist Credits: Requirements for Junior Classification Courses: I & II Algebra I & Geometry Biology 1 Credit from IPC, Chem., Physics 2 Credits from W. Geo., W. Hist., US. Hist Must meet 11 th grade requirements before being classified as a 12 th grader. Requirements for senior class 2008/ /2010 Credits: 17+ Must meet 11 th grade requirements before being classified as a 12 th grader. Requirements for senior class Credits: 19+ Must meet 11 th grade requirements before being classified as a 12 th grader.

2 HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION PLANS AVAILABLE IN ALDINE I. S. D. (Based on TEA Requirements) GRADUATION PLAN Entered 9th Grade in and beyond Entered 9th Grade in Entered 9th Grade in MINIMUM PLAN 26 credits 24 credits 25 credits RECOMMENDED PLAN 26 credits 24 credits 25 credits DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENT PLAN (to include advanced measures) 26 credits 24 credits 25 credits Also, see testing requirements listed at the bottom of this bulletin. GRADING SCALE A B C D 0-69 F

3 MINIMUM PLAN (Special permission is required for this program) This plan is required for students entering 9 th grade in and beyond. 4 I, II, III, IV ( I and II for Speakers of Other Languages) Mathematics 3 To include Algebra I and Geometry Science 2 Biology Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC) Chemistry or Physics may substitute for IPC but the second of these courses must also be taken as a science elective. Social Studies 3 United States History Studies Since Reconstruction(1 credit), World Geography Studies or World History Studies (1 credit), Government (l/2 credit) Economics- emphasis on the Free Enterprise System & its Benefits (1/2 credit) Physical Education 1.5 (1/2 beginning plus 2 of the following: Adventure/Outdoor Education Individual Sports Aerobic activities Team Sports Can substitute for 1.5 PE requirements (Foundations of Personal Fitness is waived with these courses): To include: Foundations of Personal Fitness credit) required Drill Team Marching Band JROTC Athletics Speech 0.5 Communication Applications Technology Applications 1 Selected from: Social Studies/ Science Elective 1 Selected from either: World History Studies or World Geography Studies or Science elective Career Connections.5 Required for students at 9 th Grade Schools only Electives 9.0 Five and one-half credits selected from the list of State Board of Education approved courses, grades TOTAL CREDITS 26

4 MINIMUM PLAN (Special permission is required for this program) This plan is required for students entering 9 th grade in and I, II, III, IV ( I and II for Speakers of Other Languages) Mathematics 3 To include Algebra I and Geometry Science 2 Biology Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC) Chemistry or Physics may substitute for IPC but the second of these courses must also be taken as a science elective. Social Studies 3 United States History Studies Since Reconstruction(1 credit), World Geography Studies or World History Studies (1 credit), Government (l/2 credit) Economics- emphasis on the Free Enterprise System & its Benefits (1/2 credit) Physical Education 1.5 (1/2 beginning plus 2 of the following: Adventure/Outdoor Education Individual Sports Aerobic activities Team Sports Can substitute for 1.5 PE requirement (Foundations of Personal Fitness is waived with these courses) To include: Foundations of Personal Fitness credit) required Drill Team Marching Band JROTC Athletics Speech 0.5 Communication Applications Technology Applications 1 Selected from: Social Studies/ Science Elective 1 Selected from either: World History Studies or World Geography Studies or Science elective Career Connections.5 Required for students at 9 th Grade Schools only Electives 7.0 Five and one-half credits selected from the list of State Board of Education approved courses, grades TOTAL CREDITS 24

5 MINIMUM PLAN (Special permission is required for this program) This plan is required for students entering 9 th grade in I, II, III, IV ( I and II for Speakers of Other Languages) Mathematics 3 To include Algebra I and Geometry Science 2 Biology Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC) Chemistry or Physics may substitute for IPC but the second of these courses must also be taken as a science elective. Social Studies 3 United States History Studies Since Reconstruction(1 credit), World Geography Studies or World History Studies (1 credit), Government (l/2 credit) Economics- emphasis on the Free Enterprise System & its Benefits (1/2 credit) Physical Education 1.5 (1/2 beginning plus 2 of the following: Adventure/Outdoor Education Individual Sports Aerobic activities Team Sports Can substitute for 1.5 PE requirement (Foundations of Personal Fitness is waived with these courses): To include: Foundations of Personal Fitness credit) required Drill Team Marching Band JROTC Athletics Speech 0.5 Communication Applications Technology Applications 1 Selected from: Social Studies/ Science Elective 1 Selected from either: World History Studies or World Geography Studies or Science elective Career Connections.5 Required for students at 9 th Grade Schools only Electives 8.0 Five and one-half credits selected from the list of State Board of Education approved courses, grades TOTAL CREDITS 25

6 RECOMMENDED PLAN This plan is required for students entering 9 th grade in and beyond 4 I, II, III, IV ( I and II for Speakers of Other Languages) Mathematics 4 Must consist of: Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry plus one of the following SBOE approved courses: Mathematical Models with Applications AP Statistics Precalculus AP Calculus (AB, BC) Mathematical Studies (IB) Mathematics Standard Level (IB) Mathematics Higher Level (IB) Advanced Mathematics Standard Level (IB) Independent Study in Mathematics AP Computer Science Concurrent enrollment in college mathematics courses Science 4 Must consist of 1 credit from: Biology or AP or IB Biology Two credits from: Chemistry or AP or IB Chemistry, Physics or AP or IB Physics plus one of the following SBOE approved courses: Aquatic Science Astronomy Principles of Technology I and II Earth and Space Science Engineering Anatomy and Physiology of Human Systems Scientific Research and Design Environmental Systems or AP or IB Environmental Systems Medical Microbiology and Pathophysiology Concurrent enrollment in college science courses Social Studies 4 Consisting of: United States History Studies Since Reconstruction (1 credit) World Geography Studies (1 credit) Government (1/2 credit) World History Studies (1 credit) Economics - Emphasis on the Free Enterprise System & its Benefits (1/2 credit) Languages other than 2 Credits must consist of: Level I and Level II in the same language Physical Education 1.5 To include: Foundations of Personal Fitness (1/2 credit) required beginning plus 2 of the following: Adventure/Outdoor Education Team Sports Individual Sports Aerobic activities Can substitute for 1.5 PE requirement (Foundation of Personal Fitness is waived with these courses): Drill Team Marching Band JROTC Athletics Speech 0.5 Communication Applications Technology Applications 1 Selected from: Business Computer Programming (CATE) Fine Arts 1 Art, Dance, Music or Theater (Speech may not substitute.) Career Connections.5 Required for students at 9 th Grade Schools only. Electives 3.0 State Board of Education approved high school courses TOTAL CREDITS 26

7 RECOMMENDED PLAN This plan is required for students entering 9 th grade in and I, II, III, IV ( I and II for Speakers of Other Languages) Mathematics 3 Must consist of: Algebra I, Algebra II and Geometry. Science 3 Must consist of 1 credit of: Biology or AP Biology Two credits to be selected from: A) Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC) B) Chemistry or AP Chemistry C) Physics, AP Physics or Principles of Technology Students must earn the 2 nd and 3 rd science credit by taking only one course each from any of the three categories (A, B, and C). Social Studies 4 Consisting of: United States History Studies Since Reconstruction (1 credit) World Geography Studies (1 credit) Government (1/2 credit) World History Studies (1 credit) Economics - Emphasis on the Free Enterprise System & its Benefits (1/2 credit) Languages other than 2 Credits must consist of: Level I and Level II in the same language Physical Education 1.5 To include: Foundations of Personal Fitness (1/2 credit) required beginning plus 2 of the following: Adventure/Outdoor Education Individual Sports Aerobic activities Team Sports Can substitute for 1.5 PE requirement (Foundations of Personal Fitness is waived with these courses): Drill Team JROTC Marching Band Athletics Speech 0.5 Communication Applications Technology Applications 1 Selected from: Fine Arts 1 Art, Dance, Music or Theater (Speech may not substitute.) Career Connections.5 Required for students at 9 th Grade Schools only. Electives 3.0 State Board of Education approved high school courses TOTAL CREDITS 24

8 RECOMMENDED PLAN This plan is required for students entering 9 th grade in I, II, III, IV ( I and II for Speakers of Other Languages) Mathematics 3 Must consist of: Algebra I, Algebra II and Geometry. Science 3 Must consist of 1 credit of: Biology or AP Biology Two credits to be selected from: A) Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC) B) Chemistry or AP Chemistry C) Physics, AP Physics or Principles of Technology Students must earn the 2 nd and 3 rd science credit by taking only one course each from any of the three categories (A, B, and C). Social Studies 4 Consisting of: United States History Studies Since Reconstruction (1 credit) World Geography Studies (1 credit) Government (1/2 credit) World History Studies (1 credit) Economics - Emphasis on the Free Enterprise System & its Benefits (1/2 credit) Languages other than 2 Credits must consist of: Level I and Level II in the same language Physical Education 1.5 To include: Foundations of Personal Fitness (1/2 credit) required beginning plus 2 of the following: Adventure/Outdoor Education Individual Sports Aerobic activities Team Sports Can substitute for 1.5 PE requirement (Foundations of Personal Fitness is waived with these courses): Drill Team Marching Band JROTC Athletics Speech 0.5 Communication Applications Technology Applications 1 Selected from: Fine Arts 1 Art, Dance, Music or Theater (Speech may not substitute.) Career Connections.5 Required for students at 9 th Grade Schools only. Electives 4.0 State Board of Education approved high school courses TOTAL CREDITS 25

9 DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENT PLAN This plan is required for students entering 9 th grade in and beyond. 4 I, II, III, IV ( I and II for Speakers of Other Languages) Mathematics 4 Must consist of: Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry plus one of the following SBOE approved courses: Precalculus AP Statistics AP Calculus AB, BC IB Mathematics Studies Subsidiary Level IB Advanced Mathematics Subsidiary Level IB Mathematics Methods Subsidiary Level IB Mathematics Higher Level Concurrent Enrollment in College Courses Independent Study in Mathematics Science 4 Must consist of : Biology or AP or IB Biology, Chemistry or AP or IB Chemistry, Physics or AP or IB Physics plus one of the following SBOE approved courses: Aquatic Science Astronomy Earth and Space Science Engineering Scientific Research and Design Anatomy and Physiology of Human Systems Environmental Systems or AP or IB Environmental Systems Social Studies 4 Consisting of: United States History Studies Since Reconstruction (1 credit) World Geography Studies (1 credit) Government (1/2 credit) World History Studies (1 credit) Economics - Emphasis on the Free Enterprise System & its Benefits (1/2 credit) Languages other than 3 Credits must consist of: Level I, Level II and Level III must be in the same language Physical Education 1.5 To include: Foundations of Personal Fitness (1/2 credit) required beginning plus 2 of the following: Adventure/Outdoor Education Team Sports Individual Sports Aerobic activities Can substitute for 1.5 PE requirements (Foundations of Personal Fitness is waived with these courses): Drill Team Marching Band JROTC Athletics Speech 0.5 Communication Applications Technology Applications 1 Selected from: Fine Arts 1 Art, Dance, Music or Theater (Speech may not substitute.) Career Connections.5 Required for students at 9 th Grade Schools only. Electives 2.0 State Board of Education approved high school courses TOTAL CREDITS 26

10 DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENT PLAN This plan is required for students entering 9 th grade in and I, II, III, IV ( I and II for Speakers of Other Languages) Mathematics 3 Must consist of: Algebra I, Algebra II and Geometry. Science 3 Must consist of 1 credit of: Biology or AP Biology Two credits to be selected from: A) Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC) B) Chemistry or AP Chemistry C) Physics, AP Physics or Principles of Technology Students must earn the 2 nd and 3 rd science credit by taking only one course each from any of the three categories (A, B, and C). Social Studies 4 Consisting of: United States History Studies Since Reconstruction (1 credit) World Geography Studies (1 credit) Government (1/2 credit) World History Studies (1 credit) Economics - Emphasis on the Free Enterprise System (1/2 credit) Languages other than 3 Credits must consist of: Level I, Level II, and Level III in the same language Physical Education 1.5 To include: Foundations of Personal Fitness (1/2 credit) required beginning plus 2 of the following: Adventure/Outdoor Education Individual Sports Aerobic activities Team Sports Can substitute for 1.5 PE requirement (Foundations of Personal Fitness is waived with these courses): Drill Team JROTC Marching Band Athletics Speech 0.5 Communication Applications Technology 1 Selected from: Applications Fine Arts 1 Art, Dance, Music or Theater (Speech may not substitute.) Career Connections 0.5 Required for students at 9 th Grade Schools only. Electives 2.0 State Board of Education approved high school courses TOTAL CREDITS 24

11 DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENT PLAN This plan is required for students entering 9 th grade in I, II, III, IV ( I and II for Speakers of Other Languages) Mathematics 3 Must consist of: Algebra I, Algebra II and Geometry. Science 3 Must consist of 1 credit of: Biology or AP Biology Two credits to be selected from: A) Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC) B) Chemistry or AP Chemistry C) Physics, AP Physics or Principles of Technology Students must earn the 2 nd and 3 rd science credit by taking only one course each from any of the three categories (A, B, and C). Social Studies 4 Consisting of: United States History Studies Since Reconstruction (1 credit) World Geography Studies (1 credit) Government (1/2 credit) World History Studies (1 credit) Economics - Emphasis on the Free Enterprise System (1/2 credit) Languages other than 3 Credits must consist of: Level I, Level II, and Level III in the same language Physical Education 1.5 To include: Foundations of Personal Fitness (1/2 credit) required beginning plus 2 of the following: Adventure/Outdoor Education Individual Sports Aerobic activities Team Sports Can substitute for 1.5 PE requirement (Foundation of Personal Fitness is waived with these courses): Drill Team JROTC Marching Band Athletics Speech 0.5 Communication Applications Technology 1 Selected from: Applications Fine Arts 1 Art, Dance, Music or Theater (Speech may not substitute.) Career Connections 0.5 Required for students at 9 th Grade Schools only. Electives 3.0 State Board of Education approved high school courses TOTAL CREDITS 25

12 DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENT PLAN WITH ADVANCED MEASURES The Distinguished Achievement Program (DAP) recognizes students who demonstrate levels of performance equivalent to college students or work done by professionals in the arts, sciences, business, industry, or in community service. STANDARDS FOR APPROVAL: Measures focus on demonstrated student performance at the college or professional level. Student performance is assessed through an external review process. REQUIREMENTS: To earn a Distinguished Achievement Seal on the transcript, a student must participate in the distinguished achievement program and receive any combination of four of the following advanced measures. (Examples: two AP examinations, one college course, one research project; four AP examinations): a score of three or above on The College Board Advanced Placement examination; a score of four or above on an International Baccalaureate examination; a grade of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) or higher on courses that count for college credit, including tech prep programs; products of professional quality as judged by a panel of professionals in the field that is the focus of the project; original research/project conducted under the direction of mentor(s) and reported to an appropriate audience; (Students may only use two research projects as part of the four advanced measures.) a score on the PSAT that qualifies a student for recognition as a Commended Scholar or higher by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation; as part of the National Hispanic Scholar Program of The College Board; or as part of the National Achievement Scholarship Program for Outstanding Black Students of the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. The PSAT score may count as only one advanced measure regardless of the number of honors received by the student. The students in the Encounters Gifted and Talented Program are expected to attain the Distinguished Achievement Program Seal. The student may begin to acquire the advanced academic measures in the ninth grade.

13 DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENT PLAN WITH ADVANCED MEASURES.CONTINUED In addition to completing the requirements of the High School Recommended Plan, students must successfully complete an additional year of foreign language and achieve any combination of four of the following advanced academic measures. These measures must focus on demonstrated student performance at the college or professional level. Student performance on advanced measures must be assessed through an external review process such as original research. Original research projects may not be used for more than two of the four advanced measures. (A) Original research/project that is: (i) judged by a panel of professionals in the field that is the focus of the project; or (ii) conducted under the direction of mentor(s) and reported to an appropriate audience; and (iii) related to the required curriculum set forth in chapter 74.1 Essential knowledge and skills. To attain this measure, a student may: (a) orally defend an original research project at the state level (b) orally defend an original research project meeting the Texas Performance Standards Guidelines. For group projects, or projects where there are no opportunities for individual oral defense, the student must notify district personnel (the campus G/T coordinator) of the intent to defend. Provisions are then made by the district Gifted and Talented Program Director to provide the individual an opportunity to defend the research product by a panel of experts. In this defense the student documents individual work and advanced understanding of the research. Or A student may initiate or continue an original research project, under the direction of a teacher of record. The research may take place during a core class, independent studies or outside of the classroom. In addition to meeting the research requirements, the student must work with a mentor or mentors and orally defend research to a panel of experts. (B) Test data where a student receives: (i) a score of three or above on The College Board advanced placement examination (ii) a score of four or above on an International Baccalaureate examination; or (iii) a score on the Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test (PSAT) that qualifies a student for recognition as a Commended Scholar or higher by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation; as part of the National Hispanic Scholar Program of the College Board; Or, as part of the National Achievement Scholarship Program for Outstanding African-American Students of the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. The PSAT score may count as only one advanced measure regardless of the number of honors received by the student; Or (C)College academic courses and tech-prep articulated college courses with a grade of 3.0 or higher.

14 No substitutions are allowed in the Distinguished Achievement Program. Encounters Gifted and Talented Students are placed on the Distinguished Achievement Plan in the beginning of the 9 th grade unless the student and the student s parent specifically request in writing that the student not participate in the Distinguished Achievement Plan. CLASSIFICATION and GRADUATION CREDIT REQUIREMENTS For W. T. HALL HIGH SCHOOL.Continued

15 Entered 9th Grade in (22 credits for graduation) 9 th Grade Requirements for 10 th Requirements for 11 th classification 12 th Grade classification & 2 Algebra 1 Algebra 1 & Geometry 1 credit from: World 2 credits from: World Geography, World Must meet 11 th grade classification Geography, World History, US History requirements History, US History Biology 1 credit from: IPC, l credit from: IPC, Chemistry, Physics Biology before being classified as a 12 th grader Entered 9th Grade in to (24 credits for Recommended Plan graduate) 9 th Grade Requirements for 10 th Requirements for 11 th classification 12 th Grade classification & 2 Algebra 1 Algebra 1 & Geometry 1 credit from: World 2 credits from: World Geography, Must meet 11 th grade classification Geography, World World History, US History requirements History, US History Biology before being 1 credit from: IPC, l credit from: IPC, Chemistry, Physics classified as a Biology 12 th grader Entered 9th Grade in and beyond (26 credits for Recommended Plan graduate) 9 th Grade Requirements for 10 th Requirements for 11 th classification 12 th Grade classification & 2 Algebra 1 Algebra 1 & Geometry 1 credit from: World 2 credits from: World Geography, Must meet 11 th grade classification Geography, World World History, US History requirements History, US History Biology before being 1 credit from: IPC, l credit from: IPC, Chemistry, Physics classified as a Biology 12 th grader GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS W. T. HALL HIGH SCHOOL MINIMUM PLAN ( FOR HALL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ONLY)

16 4 I, II, III, IV ( I and II for Speakers of Other Languages) Mathematics 3 To include Algebra I and Geometry Science 2 Biology Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC) Chemistry or Physics may substitute for IPC but the second of these courses must also be taken as a science elective. Social Studies 3 United States History Studies Since Reconstruction (1 credit) World Geography Studies or World History Studies (1 credit) Government (1/2 credit) Economics - Emphasis on the Free Enterprise System & its Benefits (1/2 credit) Physical Education 1.5 To include: Foundations of Personal Fitness (1/2 credit) required beginning plu s 2 of the following: Adventure/Outdoor Education Individual Sports Aerobic activities Team Sports Can substitute for 1.5 PE requirement: Drill Team Marching Band JROTC Athletics 2 or 3 credit career and technology work based training courses. Speech 0.5 Communication Applications Technology Applications 1 Selected from: Business image management and Multimedia (CTE) Social Studies/ Science Elective 1 Selected from either: World History Studies or World Geography Studies or Science Electives 5.5 State Board of Education approved high school courses TOTAL CREDITS 22 TAAS REQUIREMENTS (Texas Assessment of Academic Skills) For Students Who Entered 9 th Grade in or Before

17 In addition to earning required credits for graduation, students must also pass the exit-level Texas Assessment of Academic Skills (TAAS) in language arts, writing, and mathematics. The TAAS tests are administered in the spring of the sophomore year. Students who do not pass one or more tests may take the test/s again in the fall of the following year and again in the spring. Students who complete their course work but are denied a diploma because they did not pass a test may take it again each time it is offered. In order for a student to receive a diploma in high school, they must pass all three portions of the TAAS test. Students who fail to demonstrate mastery on this exit-level test will be placed in remedial classes for local credit. An exception may be made for students enrolled in Career/Technical Education courses as individualized remediation will be offered through these courses. These students may also attend tuition-free TAAS remediation classes in the summer. TAKS REQUIREMENTS (Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills) For Students Who Entered 9 th Grade in or After In addition to earning credits for graduation, students must also pass the exit-level Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) in language arts, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies. The TAKS tests are administered in the junior year. Students who do not pass one or more tests may take the test/s again in the fall of the following year and again in the spring. Students who complete their course work but are denied a diploma because they did not pass a test may take it again each time it is offered. In order for a student to receive a diploma in high school, they must pass all portions of the TAKS test. Students who fail to demonstrate mastery on this exit-level test will be placed in remedial classes for local credit. An exception may be made for students enrolled in Career/Technical Education courses, as individualized remediation will be offered through these courses. Students who fail to demonstrate mastery on the exit-level test will be required to attend a TAKS summer preparation course. This course is free to the student and designed to help students acquire skills necessary to successfully pass the TAKS exam. Students will earn.5 local credit for taking this course. Aldine Independent School District believes that students should be grouped for instruction in a way that facilitates learning. Grouping, or assignment to courses, is based primarily on student performance. This method narrows the ability range of the students with whom a teacher works, resulting in a more individualized program for the student. The entry and exit level criteria for each level are listed below. Teachers and counselors can assist the student in selecting the appropriate level of instruction for a course.