GRADUATION

Los artículos de documentación indican los requerimientos que deben ser documentados en el proceso de educación especial. Pueden ser llenados en formas o por una declaración representativa en un diálogo por escrito.

Los artículos de práctica son requisitos, que deben de reflejarse en la práctica.

19 Texas Administrative Code § 89.1035. Age Ranges for Student Eligibility.

(a) Pursuant to state and federal law, services provided in accordance with this subchapter must be available to all eligible students ages 3-21. Services will be made available to eligible students on their third birthday. Graduation pursuant to §89.1070(b)(1) of this title (relating to Graduation Requirements) or meeting maximum age eligibility terminates a student's eligibility to receive services in accordance with this subchapter. An eligible student receiving special education services who is 21 years of age on September 1 of a school year will be eligible for services through the end of that school year or until graduation with a diploma pursuant to §89.1070 of this title, whichever comes first.
. . . 

Last amended: November 7, 2024, 49 TexReg 8712

Entered: April 8, 2025

19 Texas Administrative Code § 89.1070. Graduation Requirements.

(a) Graduation under subsection (b)(1) of this section or reaching maximum age eligibility described by §89.1035 of this title (relating to Age Ranges for Student Eligibility) terminates a student's eligibility for special education services under this subchapter and Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and entitlement to the benefits of the Foundation School Program, as provided in Texas Education Code (TEC), §48.003(a).
. . . 

34 Code of Federal Regulations § 300.102  Limitation—exception to FAPE for certain ages.   

(a) General. The obligation to make FAPE available to all children with disabilities does not apply with respect to the following:   
. . . 
    (3)
       (i) Children with disabilities who have graduated from high school with a regular high school diploma.   
       (ii) The exception in paragraph (a)(3)(i) of this section does not apply to children who have graduated from high school but have not been awarded a regular high school diploma.   
       (iii) Graduation from high school with a regular high school diploma constitutes a change in placement, requiring written prior notice in accordance with §300.503.   
       (iv) As used in paragraphs (a)(3)(i) through (iii) of this section, the term regular high school diploma means the standard high school diploma awarded to the preponderance of students in the State that is fully aligned with State standards, or a higher diploma, except that a regular high school diploma shall not be aligned to the alternate academic achievement standards described in section 1111(b)(1)(E) of the ESEA. A regular high school diploma does not include a recognized equivalent of a diploma, such as a general equivalency diploma, certificate of completion, certificate of attendance, or similar lesser credential.   
   . . .


Last Amended:  82 FR 29759, June 30, 2017 
Entered:  Aug. 2, 2017

19 Texas Administrative Code § 89.1035. Age Ranges for Student Eligibility.

(a) Pursuant to state and federal law, services provided in accordance with this subchapter must be available to all eligible students ages 3-21. Services will be made available to eligible students on their third birthday. Graduation pursuant to §89.1070(b)(1) of this title (relating to Graduation Requirements) or meeting maximum age eligibility terminates a student's eligibility to receive services in accordance with this subchapter. An eligible student receiving special education services who is 21 years of age on September 1 of a school year will be eligible for services through the end of that school year or until graduation with a diploma pursuant to §89.1070 of this title, whichever comes first.
. . . 

Last amended: November 7, 2024, 49 TexReg 8712

Entered: April 8, 2025

19 Texas Administrative Code § 89.1070. Graduation Requirements.

(a) Graduation under subsection (b)(1) of this section or reaching maximum age eligibility described by §89.1035 of this title (relating to Age Ranges for Student Eligibility) terminates a student's eligibility for special education services under this subchapter and Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and entitlement to the benefits of the Foundation School Program, as provided in Texas Education Code (TEC), §48.003(a).
. . . 

34 Code of Federal Regulations § 300.102  Limitation—exception to FAPE for certain ages.   

(a) General. The obligation to make FAPE available to all children with disabilities does not apply with respect to the following:   
. . . 
    (3)
       (i) Children with disabilities who have graduated from high school with a regular high school diploma.   
       (ii) The exception in paragraph (a)(3)(i) of this section does not apply to children who have graduated from high school but have not been awarded a regular high school diploma.   
       (iii) Graduation from high school with a regular high school diploma constitutes a change in placement, requiring written prior notice in accordance with §300.503.   
       (iv) As used in paragraphs (a)(3)(i) through (iii) of this section, the term regular high school diploma means the standard high school diploma awarded to the preponderance of students in the State that is fully aligned with State standards, or a higher diploma, except that a regular high school diploma shall not be aligned to the alternate academic achievement standards described in section 1111(b)(1)(E) of the ESEA. A regular high school diploma does not include a recognized equivalent of a diploma, such as a general equivalency diploma, certificate of completion, certificate of attendance, or similar lesser credential.   
   . . .


Last Amended:  82 FR 29759, June 30, 2017 
Entered:  Aug. 2, 2017

19 Texas Administrative Code § 74.12. Foundation High School Program.

(a) Credits. A student must earn at least 22 credits to complete the Foundation High School Program.

(b) Core courses. A student must demonstrate proficiency in the following.

(1) English language arts--four credits. Two of the credits must consist of English I and II. (Students with limited English proficiency who are at the beginning or intermediate level of English language proficiency, as defined by §74.4(d) of this title (relating to English Language Proficiency Standards), may satisfy the English I and English II graduation requirements by successfully completing English I for Speakers of Other Languages and English II for Speakers of Other Languages.) A third credit must consist of English III, a comparable Advanced Placement (AP) English language arts course that does not count toward another credit required for graduation, or a comparable International Baccalaureate (IB) English language arts course that meets all the requirements in §110.33 of this title (relating to English Language Arts and Reading, English III (One Credit), Beginning with School Year 2009-2010). A fourth credit may be selected from one full credit or a combination of two half credits from two different courses, subject to prerequisite requirements, from the following courses:

(A) English IV;

(B) Independent Study in English;

(C) Literary Genres;

(D) Creative Writing;

(E) Research and Technical Writing;

(F) Humanities;

(G) Public Speaking III;

(H) Communication Applications, which must be combined with another half credit from the other courses listed in subparagraphs (A)-(G) and (I)-(S) of this paragraph;

(I) Oral Interpretation III;

(J) Debate III;

(K) Independent Study in Speech;

(L) Independent Study in Journalism;

(M) Advanced Broadcast Journalism III;

(N) Advanced Journalism: Newspaper III;

(O) Advanced Journalism: Yearbook III;

(P) a comparable Advanced Placement (AP) English language arts course that does not count toward another credit required for graduation;

(Q) a comparable International Baccalaureate (IB) English language arts course that meets all the requirements in §110.34 of this title (relating to English Language Arts and Reading, English IV (One Credit), Beginning with School Year 2009-2010);

(R) after the successful completion of English I, II, and III, a locally developed English language arts course or other activity, including an apprenticeship or training hours needed to obtain an industry-recognized credential or certificate that is developed pursuant to the Texas Education Code (TEC), §28.002(g-1);

(S) Business English; and

(T) a college preparatory English language arts course that is developed pursuant to the TEC, §28.014.

(2) Mathematics--three credits. Two of the credits must consist of Algebra I and Geometry.

(A) The additional credit may be selected from one full credit or a combination of two half credits from two different courses, subject to prerequisite requirements, from the following courses or a credit selected from the courses listed in subparagraph (B) of this paragraph:

(i) Mathematical Models with Applications;

(ii) Mathematical Applications in Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources;

(iii) Digital Electronics;

(iv) Financial Mathematics;

(v) Applied Mathematics for Technical Professionals;

(vi) Accounting II;

(vii) Manufacturing Engineering Technology II; and

(viii) Robotics II.

(B) The additional credit may be selected from one full credit or a combination of two half credits from two different courses, subject to prerequisite requirements, from the following courses:

(i) Algebra II;

(ii) Precalculus;

(iii) Advanced Quantitative Reasoning;

(iv) Independent Study in Mathematics;

(v) Discrete Mathematics for Problem Solving;

(vi) Algebraic Reasoning;

(vii) Statistics;

(viii) a comparable AP mathematics course that does not count toward another credit required for graduation;

(ix) AP Computer Science A;

(x) IB Computer Science Higher Level;

(xi) Engineering Mathematics;

(xii) Statistics and Business Decision Making;

(xiii) Mathematics for Medical Professionals;

(xiv) Discrete Mathematics for Computer Science;

(xv) pursuant to the TEC, §28.025(b-5), after the successful completion of Algebra II, a mathematics course endorsed by an institution of higher education as a course for which the institution would award course credit or as a prerequisite for a course for which the institution would award course credit. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) shall maintain a current list of courses offered under this clause; and

(xvi) after the successful completion of Algebra I and Geometry, a locally developed mathematics course or other activity, including an apprenticeship or training hours needed to obtain an industry-recognized credential or certificate that is developed pursuant to the TEC, §28.002(g-1).

(C) One credit of a two-credit IB mathematics course selected from Chapter 111 of this title (relating to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Mathematics) may satisfy the additional mathematics credit.

(3) Science--three credits. One credit must consist of Biology or a comparable AP or IB biology course.

(A) One credit must be selected from the following laboratory-based courses:

(i) Integrated Physics and Chemistry;

(ii) Chemistry;

(iii) Physics;

(iv) Physics for Engineering; and

(v) a comparable AP or IB chemistry or physics course that does not count toward another credit required for graduation.

(B) The additional credit may be selected from one full credit or a combination of two half credits from two different courses, subject to prerequisite requirements, from the following laboratory-based courses:

(i) Chemistry;

(ii) Physics;

(iii) Aquatic Science;

(iv) Astronomy;

(v) Earth Systems Science;

(vi) Environmental Systems;

(vii) Specialized Topics in Science;

(viii) a comparable AP science course that does not count toward another credit required for graduation;

(ix) Advanced Animal Science;

(x) Advanced Plant and Soil Science;

(xi) Anatomy and Physiology;

(xii) Medical Microbiology;

(xiii) Pathophysiology;

(xiv) Food Science;

(xv) Forensic Science;

(xvi) Biotechnology I;

(xvii) Biotechnology II;

(xviii) Physics for Engineering;

(xix) Scientific Research and Design;

(xx) Engineering Design and Problem Solving;

(xxi) Engineering Science;

(xxii) pursuant to the TEC, §28.025(b-5), after the successful completion of physics, a science course endorsed by an institution of higher education as a course for which the institution would award course credit or as a prerequisite for a course for which the institution would award course credit. The TEA shall maintain a current list of courses offered under this clause;

(xxiii) a locally developed science course or other activity, including an apprenticeship or training hours needed to obtain an industry-recognized credential or certificate that is developed pursuant to the TEC, §28.002(g-1); and

(xxiv) one credit of a two-credit IB science course selected from Chapter 112 of this title (relating to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Science).

(C) Credit may not be earned for both physics and Physics for Engineering to satisfy science credit requirements.

(4) Social studies--three credits.

(A) One credit must consist of United States History Studies Since 1877.

(B) One-half credit must consist of United States Government.

(C) One-half credit must be selected from the following:

(i) Economics with Emphasis on the Free Enterprise System and Its Benefits; or

(ii) Personal Financial Literacy/Economics.

(D) One credit must be selected from the following:

(i) World History Studies;

(ii) World Geography Studies; or

(iii) a comparable AP or IB world history or world geography course that does not count toward another credit required for graduation.

(5) Languages other than English (LOTE)--two credits.

(A) The credits may be selected from the following:

(i) any two levels in the same language, including comparable AP or IB language courses that do not count toward another credit required for graduation; or

(ii) two credits in computer programming languages, including computer coding, to be selected from Computer Science I, II, and III, AP Computer Science Principles, AP Computer Science A, IB Computer Science Standard Level, and IB Computer Science Higher Level.

(B) A single two-credit IB LOTE course may only satisfy one LOTE requirement.

(C) If a student, in completing the first credit of LOTE, demonstrates that the student is unlikely to be able to complete the second credit, the student may substitute another appropriate course as follows:

(i) Special Topics in Language and Culture;

(ii) World History Studies or World Geography Studies for a student who is not required to complete both by the local district;

(iii) another credit selected from Chapter 114 of this title (relating to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Languages Other Than English); or

(iv) computer programming languages, including computer coding.

(D) The determination regarding a student's ability to complete the second credit of LOTE must be agreed to by:

(i) the teacher of the first LOTE credit course or another LOTE teacher designated by the school district, the principal or designee, and the student's parent or person standing in parental relation;

(ii) the student's admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) committee if the student receives special education services under the TEC, Chapter 29, Subchapter A; or

(iii) the committee established for the student under Section 504, Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 United States Code, Section 794) if the student does not receive special education services under the TEC, Chapter 29, Subchapter A, but is covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

(E) A student, who due to a disability, is unable to complete two credits in the same language in a language other than English, may substitute a combination of two credits that are not being used to satisfy another specific graduation requirement selected from English language arts, mathematics, science, or social studies or two credits in career and technical education for the LOTE credit requirements. The determination regarding a student's ability to complete the LOTE credit requirements will be made by:

(i) the student's ARD committee if the student receives special education services under the TEC, Chapter 29, Subchapter A; or

(ii) the committee established for the student under Section 504, Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 United States Code, Section 794) if the student does not receive special education services under the TEC, Chapter 29, Subchapter A, but is covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

(F) A student who successfully completes a dual language immersion/two-way or dual language immersion/one-way program in accordance with §89.1210(d)(3) and (4) of this title (relating to Program Content and Design), §89.1227 of this title (relating to Minimum Requirements for Dual Language Immersion Program Model), and §89.1228 of this title (relating to Two-Way Dual Language Immersion Program Model Implementation) at an elementary school may satisfy one credit of the two credits required in a language other than English.

(i) To successfully complete a dual language immersion program, a student must:

(I) have participated in a dual language immersion program for at least five consecutive school years;

(II) achieve high levels of academic competence as demonstrated by performance of meets or masters grade level on both the mathematics and reading State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR®) in English or Spanish, as applicable, in at least one grade level; and

(III) achieve proficiency in both English and a language other than English as demonstrated by scores of proficient or higher in the reading and speaking domains on language proficiency or achievement tests in both languages.

(ii) The second credit of a language other than English must be in the same language as the successfully completed dual language immersion program.

(G) A student who successfully completes a course in American Sign Language while in elementary school may satisfy one credit of the two credits required in a language other than English.

(6) Physical education--one credit.

(A) The required credit may be selected from one full credit or a combination of two half credits from two different courses from the following courses:

(i) Lifetime Fitness and Wellness Pursuits;

(ii) Lifetime Recreation and Outdoor Pursuits; and

(iii) Skill-Based Lifetime Activities.

(B) In accordance with local district policy, the required credit may be earned through completion of any Texas essential knowledge and skills-based course that meets the requirement in subparagraph (E) of this paragraph for 100 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per five-day school week and that is not being used to satisfy another specific graduation requirement.

(C) In accordance with local district policy, credit for any of the courses listed in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph may be earned through participation in the following activities:

(i) Athletics;

(ii) Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC); and

(iii) appropriate private or commercially sponsored physical activity programs conducted on or off campus. The district must apply to the commissioner of education for approval of such programs, which may be substituted for state graduation credit in physical education. Such approval may be granted under the following conditions.

(I) Olympic-level participation and/or competition includes a minimum of 15 hours per week of highly intensive, professional, supervised training. The training facility, instructors, and the activities involved in the program must be certified by the superintendent to be of exceptional quality. Students qualifying and participating at this level may be dismissed from school one hour per day. Students dismissed may not miss any class other than physical education.

(II) Private or commercially sponsored physical activities include those certified by the superintendent to be of high quality and well supervised by appropriately trained instructors. Student participation of at least five hours per week must be required. Students certified to participate at this level may not be dismissed from any part of the regular school day.

(D) In accordance with local district policy, up to one credit for any one of the courses listed in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph may be earned through participation in any of the following activities:

(i) Drill Team;

(ii) Marching Band; and

(iii) Cheerleading.

(E) All substitution activities allowed in subparagraphs (B)-(D) of this paragraph must include at least 100 minutes per five-day school week of moderate to vigorous physical activity.

(F) Credit may not be earned more than once for the courses identified in subparagraph (A)(i) and (iii) of this paragraph. Credit may not be earned more than twice for the course identified in subparagraph (A)(ii) of this paragraph. No more than four substitution credits may be earned through any combination of substitutions allowed in subparagraphs (B)-(D) of this paragraph.

(G) A student who is unable to participate in physical activity due to disability or illness may substitute an academic elective credit (English language arts, mathematics, science, or social studies) or a course that is offered for credit as provided by the TEC, §28.002(g-1), for the physical education credit requirement. The determination regarding a student's ability to participate in physical activity will be made by:

(i) the student's ARD committee if the student receives special education services under the TEC, Chapter 29, Subchapter A;

(ii) the committee established for the student under Section 504, Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 United States Code, Section 794) if the student does not receive special education services under the TEC, Chapter 29, Subchapter A, but is covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; or

(iii) a committee established by the school district of persons with appropriate knowledge regarding the student if each of the committees described by clauses (i) and (ii) of this subparagraph is inapplicable. This committee shall follow the same procedures required of an ARD or a Section 504 committee.

(7) Fine arts--one credit.

(A) The credit may be selected from the following courses subject to prerequisite requirements:

(i) Art, Level I, II, III, or IV;

(ii) Dance, Level I, II, III, or IV;

(iii) Music, Level I, II, III, or IV;

(iv) Music Studies;

(v) Theatre, Level I, II, III, or IV;

(vi) Musical Theatre, Level I, II, III, or IV;

(vii) Technical Theatre, Level I, II, III, or IV;

(viii) IB Film Standard or Higher Level;

(ix) Floral Design;

(x) Digital Art and Animation; and

(xi) 3-D Modeling and Animation.

(B) In accordance with local district policy, credit may be earned through participation in a community-based fine arts program not provided by the school district in which the student is enrolled. The district must apply to the commissioner of education for approval of such programs, which may be substituted for state graduation credit in fine arts. Approval may be granted if the fine arts program provides instruction in the essential knowledge and skills identified for a fine arts course as defined by Chapter 117, Subchapter C, of this title (relating to High School, Adopted 2013).

(c) Elective courses--five credits. The credits must be selected from the list of courses specified in §74.11(g) or (h) of this title (relating to High School Graduation Requirements) or from a locally developed course or activity developed pursuant to the TEC, §28.002(g-1), for which a student may receive credit and that does not satisfy a specific course requirement.

(d) Substitutions. No substitutions are allowed in the Foundation High School Program, except as specified in this chapter.

Last Amended:   August 1, 2025, 50 TexReg 3569.
Entered:  October 22, 2025

19 Texas Administrative Code § 89.1070. Graduation Requirements.

...

(b) A student who receives special education services may graduate and be awarded a diploma if the student  meets one of the following conditions. 

   (1) The student has demonstrated mastery of the required state standards (or district standards if  greater) in Chapters 110-117, 126-128, and 130 of this title; satisfactorily  completed credit  requirements for graduation under the Foundation High School Program specified in §74.12 of  this title (relating to Foundation High School Program)    applicable to students in general education;  and demonstrated satisfactory performance as established for students in general education in  TEC, Chapters 28 and 39, on the required end-of-course assessment instruments, which could  include meeting the requirements of subsection (d) of this section.

   (2) The student has demonstrated mastery of the required state standards (or district standards if  greater) in Chapters 110-117, 126-128, and 130 of this title; the student has satisfactorily  completed credit requirements for graduation under the Foundation High School Program  specified in §74.12 of this title applicable to students in general education; and the student's  admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) committee has determined that satisfactory performance,  beyond what would otherwise be required in subsections (b)(1) and (d) of this section, on the  required end-of-course assessment instruments is not required for graduation.

   (3) The student has satisfactorily completed credit requirements for graduation under the Foundation  High School Program specified in §74.12 of this title through courses, one or more of which  contain modified curriculum that is aligned to the standards applicable to students in general  education; demonstrated mastery of the required state standards (or district standards if greater) in  Chapters 110-117, 126-128, and 130 of this title in accordance with modified content and  curriculum expectations established in the student's individualized education program (IEP); and  demonstrated satisfactory performance on the required end-of-course assessment instruments,  unless the student's ARD committee has determined that satisfactory performance on the required  end-of-course assessment instruments is not required for graduation. The student must also  successfully complete the student's IEP and meet one of the following conditions: 

(A) consistent with the IEP, the student has obtained full-time employment, based on the  student's abilities and local employment opportunities, in addition to mastering sufficient  self-help skills to enable the student to maintain the employment without direct and  

ongoing educational support of the local school district; 

(B) consistent with the IEP, the student has demonstrated mastery of specific employability  skills and self-help skills that do not require direct ongoing educational support of the  

local school district; or 

(C) the student has access to services or other supports that are not within the legal  responsibility of public education, including employment or postsecondary education  

established through transition planning. 

19 Texas Administrative Code § 101.3023. Participation and Graduation Assessment Requirements for Students Receiving Special Education Services.

(a)  As stipulated by §89.1070 of this title (relating to Graduation Requirements), a student receiving special education services under the Texas Education Code (TEC), Chapter 29, Subchapter A, who successfully completes the requirements of his or her individualized education program (IEP), including performance on a state assessment required for graduation, shall receive a Texas high school diploma. A student's admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) committee shall determine if the student will be required to meet satisfactory performance on an assessment for purposes of graduation.

(b)  Beginning with the 2011-2012 school year, all Grades 9-12 students with significant cognitive disabilities who are assessed with an alternate assessment as specified in the student's IEP will be assessed using alternate versions of end-of-course (EOC) assessments as listed in §101.3011(b)(2) of this title (relating to Implementation and Administration of Academic Content Area Assessment Instruments).

(c)  For the 2011-2012 through 2013-2014 school years, a student who is receiving special education services under the TEC, Chapter 29, Subchapter A, and who is first enrolled in Grade 9 or below in the 2011-2012 school year shall be administered an alternative version of an EOC assessment instrument upon completion of the corresponding course as required by the student's IEP. Beginning with the 2014-2015 school year, a student who is receiving special education services under the TEC, Chapter 29, Subchapter A, whose IEP does not specify the administration of an alternate assessment and who is first enrolled in Grade 9 or below in the 2011-2012 school year shall be administered an EOC assessment instrument upon completion of the corresponding course as required by the student's IEP.


Last Amended:  March 25, 2014, 39 TexReg 2077  
Entered:  Sept. 21, 2015

Texas Education Code § 28.025. High School Diploma and Certificate; Academic Achievement Record.  

(c) A person may receive a diploma if the person is eligible for a diploma under Section 28.0251. In other cases, a student may graduate and receive a diploma only if:

    (1) the student successfully completes the curriculum requirements identified by the State Board of Education under Subsection (a) and complies with Sections 28.0256,                      28.0257, and 39.025; or 
. . . 


Last Amended: 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1137 (S.B. 568), Sec. 4, eff. June 20, 2025.
Entered: October 22, 2025

Texas Education Code § 39.025.  Secondary-Level Performance Require

(a)  The commissioner shall adopt rules requiring a student in the foundation high school program under Section 28.025 to be administered an end-of-course assessment
       instrument listed in Section 39.023(c) only for a course in which the student is enrolled and for which an end-of-course assessment instrument is administered.  A 
       student is required to achieve a scale score that indicates satisfactory performance, as determined by the commissioner under Section 39.0241(a), on each 
       end-of-course assessment instrument administered to the student.  For each scale score required under this subsection that is not based on a 100-point scale scoring 
       system, the commissioner shall provide for conversion, in accordance with commissioner rule, of the scale score to an equivalent score based on a 100-point scale 
       scoring system. A student may not receive a high school diploma until the student has performed satisfactorily on end-of-course assessment instruments in the 
      manner provided under this subsection.  This subsection does not require a student to demonstrate readiness to enroll in an institution of higher education.
(a-1)  Repealed by Acts 2025, 89th Leg., 2nd C.S., Ch. 6 (H.B. 8), Sec. 1.012(2), eff. December 4, 2025.
(a-2)  The commissioner shall determine a method by which a student's satisfactory performance on an advanced placement test, an international baccalaureate 
          examination, the SAT, the ACT, an assessment instrument designated by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board under Section 51.334, or any nationally 
          recognized norm-referenced assessment instrument used by institutions of higher education to award course credit based on satisfactory performance on the 
          assessment instrument shall be used to satisfy the requirements concerning an end-of-course assessment instrument in an equivalent course as prescribed by 
          Subsection (a).  To the extent authorized by federal law, a student may take a test or other assessment instrument authorized under this subsection in lieu of the 
          appropriate end-of-course assessment instrument.  The commissioner shall determine a method by which a student's satisfactory performance on the PSAT or the
          PreACT shall be used to satisfy the requirements concerning an end-of-course assessment instrument in an equivalent course as prescribed by Subsection (a). 
          A student who fails to perform satisfactorily on a test or other assessment instrument authorized under this subsection, other than the PSAT or the PreACT, may 
          retake that test or other assessment instrument for purposes of this subsection or may take the appropriate end-of-course assessment instrument.  A student who
          fails to perform satisfactorily on the PSAT or the PreACT must take the appropriate end-of-course assessment instrument.  The commissioner shall adopt rules as 
          necessary for the administration of this subsection.
(a-3)  Repealed by Acts 2025, 89th Leg., 2nd C.S., Ch. 6 (H.B. 8), Sec. 1.012(2), eff. December 4, 2025.
(a-4)  The admission, review, and dismissal committee of a student in a special education program under Subchapter A, Chapter 29, shall determine whether, to receive
          a high school diploma, the student is required to achieve satisfactory performance on end-of-course assessment instruments.
(a-5)  Notwithstanding Subsection (a), a student who has failed to perform satisfactorily on end-of-course assessment instruments in the manner provided under this 
          section may receive a high school diploma if the student has qualified for graduation under Section 28.0258.
(b)  Each time an end-of-course assessment instrument adopted or developed under Section 39.023(c) is administered, a student who failed to achieve a score 
       requirement under Subsection (a) may retake the assessment instrument.  A student is not required to retake a course as a condition of retaking an end-of-course
       assessment instrument.
(b-1)  A school district shall provide each student who fails to perform satisfactorily as determined by the commissioner under Section 39.0241(a) on an end-of-course
          assessment instrument with accelerated instruction under Section 28.0211 in the subject assessed by the assessment instrument.
(b-2)  Repealed by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 934 , Sec. 5(3), eff. June 18, 2015.
(c)  A student who has been denied a high school diploma under this section and who subsequently performs at the level necessary to comply with the requirements of 
      this section shall be issued a high school diploma.
(c-1)  A school district may not administer an assessment instrument required for graduation administered under this section as this section existed:
      (1)  before September 1, 1999; or
      (2)  before amendment by Chapter 1312 (S.B. 1031), Acts of the 80th Legislature, Regular Session, 2007.
(c-2)  A school district may administer to a student who failed to perform satisfactorily on an assessment instrument described by Subsection (c-1) an alternate 
         assessment instrument designated by the commissioner.  The commissioner shall determine the level of performance considered to be satisfactory on an alternate
         assessment instrument.  The district may not administer to the student an assessment instrument or a part of an assessment instrument that assesses a subject
         that was not assessed in an assessment instrument applicable to the student described by Subsection (c-1).  The commissioner shall make available to districts 
         information necessary to administer the alternate assessment instrument authorized by this subsection.  The commissioner's determination regarding designation
         of an appropriate alternate assessment instrument under this subsection and the performance required on the assessment instrument is final and may not be 
         appealed.
(d)  Notwithstanding Subsection (a), the commissioner by rule shall adopt one or more alternative nationally recognized norm referenced assessment instruments under
       this section to administer to a student to qualify for a high school diploma if the student enrolls after January 1 of the school year in which the student is otherwise 
       eligible to graduate:
    (1)  for the first time in a public school in this state; or
    (2)  after an absence of at least four years from any public school in this state.
(e)  The commissioner shall establish a required performance level for an assessment instrument adopted under Subsection (d) that is at least as rigorous as the 
       performance level required to be met under Subsection (a).
(e-1)  Nothing in this section has the effect of prohibiting the administration of an end-of-course assessment instrument listed in Section 39.023(c) to a student enrolled 
          below the high school level who is enrolled in the course for which the assessment instrument is adopted or developed.  The commissioner shall adopt rules
          necessary to ensure that the student's performance on the assessment instrument is considered in the same manner for purposes of this section as the 
          performance of a student enrolled at the high school level.
(f)  The commissioner shall by rule adopt a transition plan to implement the amendments made by Chapter 1312 (S.B. No. 1031), Acts of the 80th Legislature, Regular
      Session, 2007, replacing general subject assessment instruments administered at the high school level with end-of-course assessment instruments.  The rules must
      provide for the end-of-course assessment instruments adopted or developed under Section 39.023(c) to be administered beginning with students enrolled in the
      ninth grade for the first time during the 2011-2012 school year.  During the period under which the transition to end-of-course assessment instruments is made:
        (1)  for students entering a grade above the ninth grade during the 2011-2012 school year or students repeating ninth grade during the 2011-2012 school year, the
              commissioner shall retain, administer, and use for purposes of accreditation and other campus and district accountability measures under this chapter the 
              assessment instruments required by Section 39.023(a) or (c), as that section existed before amendment by Chapter 1312 (S.B. No. 1031), Acts of the 80th 
              Legislature, Regular Session, 2007; and
        (2)  a student subject to Subdivision (1) may not receive a high school diploma unless the student has performed satisfactorily on the SAT, the ACT, the Texas Success
              Initiative (TSI) diagnostic assessment, or the current assessment instrument or instruments administered for graduation purposes as provided by Subsection (f-1)
              or on each required assessment instrument administered under Section 39.023(c), as that section existed before amendment by Chapter 1312 (S.B. No. 1031), 
              Acts of the 80th Legislature, Regular Session, 2007.
(f-1)  The commissioner shall establish satisfactory performance levels for the SAT, the ACT, the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) diagnostic assessment, and the current 
         assessment instrument or instruments administered for graduation purposes that are equivalent in rigor to the performance level required to be met under 
         Subsection (a), as that subsection existed before amendment by Chapter 1312 (S.B. No. 1031), Acts of the 80th Legislature, Regular Session, 2007, that qualify a 
         student subject to Subsection (f)(1) to receive a high school diploma.  Notwithstanding Subsection (f), the commissioner is not required after September 1, 2017, 
         to maintain and administer assessment instruments administered under Section 39.023(c), as that section existed before amendment by Chapter 1312
         (S.B. No. 1031), Acts of the 80th Legislature, Regular Session, 2007.
(f-2)  A school district shall determine which assessment or assessments described by Subsection (f-1) qualify a student subject to Subsection (f)(1) to receive a high
          school diploma from the district.

(g)  Rules adopted under Subsection (f) must require that each student who will be subject to the requirements of Subsection (a) is entitled to notice of the specific 
       requirements applicable to the student.  Notice under this subsection must be provided not later than the date the student enters the eighth grade.

Last Amended: 89th Leg., 2nd C.S., Ch. 6 (H.B. 8, Sec. 4.012, eff. December 4, 2025.
Entered: February 9, 2026

19 Texas Administrative Code § 89.1070. Graduation Requirements. 

. . . 
. . . 

19 Texas Administrative Code § 89.1070. Graduation Requirements. 

. . . 
. . . 

19 Texas Administrative Code § 74.1025. Individual Graduation Committee Review.

. . . 
(n)  A student receiving special education services is not subject to the individual graduation committee requirements in the TEC, §28.0258, or the provisions of this section. As provided in §89.1070 of this title (relating to Graduation Requirements) and §101.3023 of this title (relating to Participation and Graduation Assessment Requirements for Students Receiving Special Education Services), a student's admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) committee determines whether a student is required to achieve satisfactory performance on an EOC assessment to graduate.


Last Amended:  February 10, 2020, 45 TexReg 893.
Entered: March 19, 2020

19 Texas Administrative Code § 89.1070. Graduation Requirements. 

. . . 
. . . 

19 Texas Administrative Code § 101.3023. Participation and Graduation Assessment Requirements for Students Receiving Special Education Services.

(a) As stipulated by §89.1070 of this title (relating to Graduation Requirements), a student receiving special education services under the Texas Education Code (TEC), Chapter 29, Subchapter A, who successfully completes the requirements of his or her individualized education program (IEP), including performance on a state assessment required for graduation, shall receive a Texas high school diploma. A student's admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) committee shall determine if the student will be required to meet satisfactory performance on an assessment for purposes of graduation.
. . . 


Last Amended:  March 25, 2014, 39 TexReg 2077  
Entered:  Sept. 21, 2015

Texas Education Code § 39.025.  Secondary-Level Performance Required.   

(a-4) The admission, review, and dismissal committee of a student in a special education program under Subchapter A, Chapter 29, shall determine whether, to receive a high school diploma, the student is required to achieve satisfactory performance on end-of-course assessment instruments.
. . . 

                                                                                    

Last Amended: 89th Leg., 2nd C.S., Ch. 6 (H.B. 8), Sec. 4.012, eff. December 4, 2025.

Entered: February 9, 2026

19 Texas Administrative Code § 89.1070. Graduation Requirements. 

. . . 
. . . 

19 Texas Administrative Code § 89.1070. Graduation Requirements. 

. . . 
(d) A student receiving special education services classified in Grade 11 or 12 who has taken each of the state assessments required by Chapter 101, Subchapter CC, of this title (relating to Commissioner's Rules Concerning Implementation of the Academic Content Areas Testing Program) or Subchapter DD of this title (relating to Commissioner's Rules Concerning Substitute Assessments for Graduation) but failed to achieve satisfactory performance on no more than two of the assessments is eligible to receive a diploma under subsection (b)(1) of this section.
. . . 

19 Texas Administrative Code § 74.12. Foundation High School Program.

(a) Credits. A student must earn at least 22 credits to complete the Foundation High School Program.

(b) Core courses. A student must demonstrate proficiency in the following.

(1) English language arts--four credits. Two of the credits must consist of English I and II. (Students with limited English proficiency who are at the beginning or intermediate level of English language proficiency, as defined by §74.4(d) of this title (relating to English Language Proficiency Standards), may satisfy the English I and English II graduation requirements by successfully completing English I for Speakers of Other Languages and English II for Speakers of Other Languages.) A third credit must consist of English III, a comparable Advanced Placement (AP) English language arts course that does not count toward another credit required for graduation, or a comparable International Baccalaureate (IB) English language arts course that meets all the requirements in §110.33 of this title (relating to English Language Arts and Reading, English III (One Credit), Beginning with School Year 2009-2010). A fourth credit may be selected from one full credit or a combination of two half credits from two different courses, subject to prerequisite requirements, from the following courses:

(A) English IV;

(B) Independent Study in English;

(C) Literary Genres;

(D) Creative Writing;

(E) Research and Technical Writing;

(F) Humanities;

(G) Public Speaking III;

(H) Communication Applications, which must be combined with another half credit from the other courses listed in subparagraphs (A)-(G) and (I)-(S) of this paragraph;

(I) Oral Interpretation III;

(J) Debate III;

(K) Independent Study in Speech;

(L) Independent Study in Journalism;

(M) Advanced Broadcast Journalism III;

(N) Advanced Journalism: Newspaper III;

(O) Advanced Journalism: Yearbook III;

(P) a comparable Advanced Placement (AP) English language arts course that does not count toward another credit required for graduation;

(Q) a comparable International Baccalaureate (IB) English language arts course that meets all the requirements in §110.34 of this title (relating to English Language Arts and Reading, English IV (One Credit), Beginning with School Year 2009-2010);

(R) after the successful completion of English I, II, and III, a locally developed English language arts course or other activity, including an apprenticeship or training hours needed to obtain an industry-recognized credential or certificate that is developed pursuant to the Texas Education Code (TEC), §28.002(g-1);

(S) Business English; and

(T) a college preparatory English language arts course that is developed pursuant to the TEC, §28.014.

(2) Mathematics--three credits. Two of the credits must consist of Algebra I and Geometry.

(A) The additional credit may be selected from one full credit or a combination of two half credits from two different courses, subject to prerequisite requirements, from the following courses or a credit selected from the courses listed in subparagraph (B) of this paragraph:

(i) Mathematical Models with Applications;

(ii) Mathematical Applications in Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources;

(iii) Digital Electronics;

(iv) Financial Mathematics;

(v) Applied Mathematics for Technical Professionals;

(vi) Accounting II;

(vii) Manufacturing Engineering Technology II; and

(viii) Robotics II.

(B) The additional credit may be selected from one full credit or a combination of two half credits from two different courses, subject to prerequisite requirements, from the following courses:

(i) Algebra II;

(ii) Precalculus;

(iii) Advanced Quantitative Reasoning;

(iv) Independent Study in Mathematics;

(v) Discrete Mathematics for Problem Solving;

(vi) Algebraic Reasoning;

(vii) Statistics;

(viii) a comparable AP mathematics course that does not count toward another credit required for graduation;

(ix) AP Computer Science A;

(x) IB Computer Science Higher Level;

(xi) Engineering Mathematics;

(xii) Statistics and Business Decision Making;

(xiii) Mathematics for Medical Professionals;

(xiv) Discrete Mathematics for Computer Science;

(xv) pursuant to the TEC, §28.025(b-5), after the successful completion of Algebra II, a mathematics course endorsed by an institution of higher education as a course for which the institution would award course credit or as a prerequisite for a course for which the institution would award course credit. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) shall maintain a current list of courses offered under this clause; and

(xvi) after the successful completion of Algebra I and Geometry, a locally developed mathematics course or other activity, including an apprenticeship or training hours needed to obtain an industry-recognized credential or certificate that is developed pursuant to the TEC, §28.002(g-1).

(C) One credit of a two-credit IB mathematics course selected from Chapter 111 of this title (relating to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Mathematics) may satisfy the additional mathematics credit.

(3) Science--three credits. One credit must consist of Biology or a comparable AP or IB biology course.

(A) One credit must be selected from the following laboratory-based courses:

(i) Integrated Physics and Chemistry;

(ii) Chemistry;

(iii) Physics;

(iv) Physics for Engineering; and

(v) a comparable AP or IB chemistry or physics course that does not count toward another credit required for graduation.

(B) The additional credit may be selected from one full credit or a combination of two half credits from two different courses, subject to prerequisite requirements, from the following laboratory-based courses:

(i) Chemistry;

(ii) Physics;

(iii) Aquatic Science;

(iv) Astronomy;

(v) Earth Systems Science;

(vi) Environmental Systems;

(vii) Specialized Topics in Science;

(viii) a comparable AP science course that does not count toward another credit required for graduation;

(ix) Advanced Animal Science;

(x) Advanced Plant and Soil Science;

(xi) Anatomy and Physiology;

(xii) Medical Microbiology;

(xiii) Pathophysiology;

(xiv) Food Science;

(xv) Forensic Science;

(xvi) Biotechnology I;

(xvii) Biotechnology II;

(xviii) Physics for Engineering;

(xix) Scientific Research and Design;

(xx) Engineering Design and Problem Solving;

(xxi) Engineering Science;

(xxii) pursuant to the TEC, §28.025(b-5), after the successful completion of physics, a science course endorsed by an institution of higher education as a course for which the institution would award course credit or as a prerequisite for a course for which the institution would award course credit. The TEA shall maintain a current list of courses offered under this clause;

(xxiii) a locally developed science course or other activity, including an apprenticeship or training hours needed to obtain an industry-recognized credential or certificate that is developed pursuant to the TEC, §28.002(g-1); and

(xxiv) one credit of a two-credit IB science course selected from Chapter 112 of this title (relating to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Science).

(C) Credit may not be earned for both physics and Physics for Engineering to satisfy science credit requirements.

(4) Social studies--three credits.

(A) One credit must consist of United States History Studies Since 1877.

(B) One-half credit must consist of United States Government.

(C) One-half credit must be selected from the following:

(i) Economics with Emphasis on the Free Enterprise System and Its Benefits; or

(ii) Personal Financial Literacy/Economics.

(D) One credit must be selected from the following:

(i) World History Studies;

(ii) World Geography Studies; or

(iii) a comparable AP or IB world history or world geography course that does not count toward another credit required for graduation.

(5) Languages other than English (LOTE)--two credits.

(A) The credits may be selected from the following:

(i) any two levels in the same language, including comparable AP or IB language courses that do not count toward another credit required for graduation; or

(ii) two credits in computer programming languages, including computer coding, to be selected from Computer Science I, II, and III, AP Computer Science Principles, AP Computer Science A, IB Computer Science Standard Level, and IB Computer Science Higher Level.

(B) A single two-credit IB LOTE course may only satisfy one LOTE requirement.

(C) If a student, in completing the first credit of LOTE, demonstrates that the student is unlikely to be able to complete the second credit, the student may substitute another appropriate course as follows:

(i) Special Topics in Language and Culture;

(ii) World History Studies or World Geography Studies for a student who is not required to complete both by the local district;

(iii) another credit selected from Chapter 114 of this title (relating to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Languages Other Than English); or

(iv) computer programming languages, including computer coding.

(D) The determination regarding a student's ability to complete the second credit of LOTE must be agreed to by:

(i) the teacher of the first LOTE credit course or another LOTE teacher designated by the school district, the principal or designee, and the student's parent or person standing in parental relation;

(ii) the student's admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) committee if the student receives special education services under the TEC, Chapter 29, Subchapter A; or

(iii) the committee established for the student under Section 504, Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 United States Code, Section 794) if the student does not receive special education services under the TEC, Chapter 29, Subchapter A, but is covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

(E) A student, who due to a disability, is unable to complete two credits in the same language in a language other than English, may substitute a combination of two credits that are not being used to satisfy another specific graduation requirement selected from English language arts, mathematics, science, or social studies or two credits in career and technical education for the LOTE credit requirements. The determination regarding a student's ability to complete the LOTE credit requirements will be made by:

(i) the student's ARD committee if the student receives special education services under the TEC, Chapter 29, Subchapter A; or

(ii) the committee established for the student under Section 504, Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 United States Code, Section 794) if the student does not receive special education services under the TEC, Chapter 29, Subchapter A, but is covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

(F) A student who successfully completes a dual language immersion/two-way or dual language immersion/one-way program in accordance with §89.1210(d)(3) and (4) of this title (relating to Program Content and Design), §89.1227 of this title (relating to Minimum Requirements for Dual Language Immersion Program Model), and §89.1228 of this title (relating to Two-Way Dual Language Immersion Program Model Implementation) at an elementary school may satisfy one credit of the two credits required in a language other than English.

(i) To successfully complete a dual language immersion program, a student must:

(I) have participated in a dual language immersion program for at least five consecutive school years;

(II) achieve high levels of academic competence as demonstrated by performance of meets or masters grade level on both the mathematics and reading State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR®) in English or Spanish, as applicable, in at least one grade level; and

(III) achieve proficiency in both English and a language other than English as demonstrated by scores of proficient or higher in the reading and speaking domains on language proficiency or achievement tests in both languages.

(ii) The second credit of a language other than English must be in the same language as the successfully completed dual language immersion program.

(G) A student who successfully completes a course in American Sign Language while in elementary school may satisfy one credit of the two credits required in a language other than English.

(6) Physical education--one credit.

(A) The required credit may be selected from one full credit or a combination of two half credits from two different courses from the following courses:

(i) Lifetime Fitness and Wellness Pursuits;

(ii) Lifetime Recreation and Outdoor Pursuits; and

(iii) Skill-Based Lifetime Activities.

(B) In accordance with local district policy, the required credit may be earned through completion of any Texas essential knowledge and skills-based course that meets the requirement in subparagraph (E) of this paragraph for 100 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per five-day school week and that is not being used to satisfy another specific graduation requirement.

(C) In accordance with local district policy, credit for any of the courses listed in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph may be earned through participation in the following activities:

(i) Athletics;

(ii) Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC); and

(iii) appropriate private or commercially sponsored physical activity programs conducted on or off campus. The district must apply to the commissioner of education for approval of such programs, which may be substituted for state graduation credit in physical education. Such approval may be granted under the following conditions.

(I) Olympic-level participation and/or competition includes a minimum of 15 hours per week of highly intensive, professional, supervised training. The training facility, instructors, and the activities involved in the program must be certified by the superintendent to be of exceptional quality. Students qualifying and participating at this level may be dismissed from school one hour per day. Students dismissed may not miss any class other than physical education.

(II) Private or commercially sponsored physical activities include those certified by the superintendent to be of high quality and well supervised by appropriately trained instructors. Student participation of at least five hours per week must be required. Students certified to participate at this level may not be dismissed from any part of the regular school day.

(D) In accordance with local district policy, up to one credit for any one of the courses listed in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph may be earned through participation in any of the following activities:

(i) Drill Team;

(ii) Marching Band; and

(iii) Cheerleading.

(E) All substitution activities allowed in subparagraphs (B)-(D) of this paragraph must include at least 100 minutes per five-day school week of moderate to vigorous physical activity.

(F) Credit may not be earned more than once for the courses identified in subparagraph (A)(i) and (iii) of this paragraph. Credit may not be earned more than twice for the course identified in subparagraph (A)(ii) of this paragraph. No more than four substitution credits may be earned through any combination of substitutions allowed in subparagraphs (B)-(D) of this paragraph.

(G) A student who is unable to participate in physical activity due to disability or illness may substitute an academic elective credit (English language arts, mathematics, science, or social studies) or a course that is offered for credit as provided by the TEC, §28.002(g-1), for the physical education credit requirement. The determination regarding a student's ability to participate in physical activity will be made by:

(i) the student's ARD committee if the student receives special education services under the TEC, Chapter 29, Subchapter A;

(ii) the committee established for the student under Section 504, Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 United States Code, Section 794) if the student does not receive special education services under the TEC, Chapter 29, Subchapter A, but is covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; or

(iii) a committee established by the school district of persons with appropriate knowledge regarding the student if each of the committees described by clauses (i) and (ii) of this subparagraph is inapplicable. This committee shall follow the same procedures required of an ARD or a Section 504 committee.

(7) Fine arts--one credit.

(A) The credit may be selected from the following courses subject to prerequisite requirements:

(i) Art, Level I, II, III, or IV;

(ii) Dance, Level I, II, III, or IV;

(iii) Music, Level I, II, III, or IV;

(iv) Music Studies;

(v) Theatre, Level I, II, III, or IV;

(vi) Musical Theatre, Level I, II, III, or IV;

(vii) Technical Theatre, Level I, II, III, or IV;

(viii) IB Film Standard or Higher Level;

(ix) Floral Design;

(x) Digital Art and Animation; and

(xi) 3-D Modeling and Animation.

(B) In accordance with local district policy, credit may be earned through participation in a community-based fine arts program not provided by the school district in which the student is enrolled. The district must apply to the commissioner of education for approval of such programs, which may be substituted for state graduation credit in fine arts. Approval may be granted if the fine arts program provides instruction in the essential knowledge and skills identified for a fine arts course as defined by Chapter 117, Subchapter C, of this title (relating to High School, Adopted 2013).

(c) Elective courses--five credits. The credits must be selected from the list of courses specified in §74.11(g) or (h) of this title (relating to High School Graduation Requirements) or from a locally developed course or activity developed pursuant to the TEC, §28.002(g-1), for which a student may receive credit and that does not satisfy a specific course requirement.

(d) Substitutions. No substitutions are allowed in the Foundation High School Program, except as specified in this chapter.

Last Amended:   August 1, 2025, 50 TexReg 3569.
Entered:  October 22, 2025

19 Texas Administrative Code § 89.1070. Graduation Requirements.

...

(b) A student who receives special education services may graduate and be awarded a diploma if the student  meets one of the following conditions. 

   (1) The student has demonstrated mastery of the required state standards (or district standards if  greater) in Chapters 110-117, 126-128, and 130 of this title; satisfactorily  completed credit  requirements for graduation under the Foundation High School Program specified in §74.12 of  this title (relating to Foundation High School Program)    applicable to students in general education;  and demonstrated satisfactory performance as established for students in general education in  TEC, Chapters 28 and 39, on the required end-of-course assessment instruments, which could  include meeting the requirements of subsection (d) of this section.

   (2) The student has demonstrated mastery of the required state standards (or district standards if  greater) in Chapters 110-117, 126-128, and 130 of this title; the student has satisfactorily  completed credit requirements for graduation under the Foundation High School Program  specified in §74.12 of this title applicable to students in general education; and the student's  admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) committee has determined that satisfactory performance,  beyond what would otherwise be required in subsections (b)(1) and (d) of this section, on the  required end-of-course assessment instruments is not required for graduation.

   (3) The student has satisfactorily completed credit requirements for graduation under the Foundation  High School Program specified in §74.12 of this title through courses, one or more of which  contain modified curriculum that is aligned to the standards applicable to students in general  education; demonstrated mastery of the required state standards (or district standards if greater) in  Chapters 110-117, 126-128, and 130 of this title in accordance with modified content and  curriculum expectations established in the student's individualized education program (IEP); and  demonstrated satisfactory performance on the required end-of-course assessment instruments,  unless the student's ARD committee has determined that satisfactory performance on the required  end-of-course assessment instruments is not required for graduation. The student must also  successfully complete the student's IEP and meet one of the following conditions: 

(A) consistent with the IEP, the student has obtained full-time employment, based on the  student's abilities and local employment opportunities, in addition to mastering sufficient  self-help skills to enable the student to maintain the employment without direct and  

ongoing educational support of the local school district; 

(B) consistent with the IEP, the student has demonstrated mastery of specific employability  skills and self-help skills that do not require direct ongoing educational support of the  

local school district; or 

(C) the student has access to services or other supports that are not within the legal  responsibility of public education, including employment or postsecondary education  

established through transition planning. 

19 Texas Administrative Code § 89.1070. Graduation Requirements. 

. . . 
(j) For students who graduate and receive a diploma according to subsections (b)(2) or (b)(3)(A), (B), or (C) of this section, the ARD committee must determine needed special education services upon the request of the student or parent to resume services, as long as the student meets the age eligibility requirements.
. . . 

19 Texas Administrative Code § 101.3023. Participation and Graduation Assessment Requirements for Students Receiving Special Education Services.

(a)  As stipulated by §89.1070 of this title (relating to Graduation Requirements), a student receiving special education services under the Texas Education Code (TEC), Chapter 29, Subchapter A, who successfully completes the requirements of his or her individualized education program (IEP), including performance on a state assessment required for graduation, shall receive a Texas high school diploma. A student's admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) committee shall determine if the student will be required to meet satisfactory performance on an assessment for purposes of graduation.

(b)  Beginning with the 2011-2012 school year, all Grades 9-12 students with significant cognitive disabilities who are assessed with an alternate assessment as specified in the student's IEP will be assessed using alternate versions of end-of-course (EOC) assessments as listed in §101.3011(b)(2) of this title (relating to Implementation and Administration of Academic Content Area Assessment Instruments).

(c)  For the 2011-2012 through 2013-2014 school years, a student who is receiving special education services under the TEC, Chapter 29, Subchapter A, and who is first enrolled in Grade 9 or below in the 2011-2012 school year shall be administered an alternative version of an EOC assessment instrument upon completion of the corresponding course as required by the student's IEP. Beginning with the 2014-2015 school year, a student who is receiving special education services under the TEC, Chapter 29, Subchapter A, whose IEP does not specify the administration of an alternate assessment and who is first enrolled in Grade 9 or below in the 2011-2012 school year shall be administered an EOC assessment instrument upon completion of the corresponding course as required by the student's IEP.


Last Amended:  March 25, 2014, 39 TexReg 2077  
Entered:  Sept. 21, 2015

Texas Education Code § 28.025. High School Diploma and Certificate; Academic Achievement Record.  

(c) A person may receive a diploma if the person is eligible for a diploma under Section 28.0251. In other cases, a student may graduate and receive a diploma only if:

    (1) the student successfully completes the curriculum requirements identified by the State Board of Education under Subsection (a) and complies with Sections 28.0256,                      28.0257, and 39.025; or 
. . . 


Last Amended: 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1137 (S.B. 568), Sec. 4, eff. June 20, 2025.
Entered: October 22, 2025

Texas Education Code § 39.025.  Secondary-Level Performance Require

(a)  The commissioner shall adopt rules requiring a student in the foundation high school program under Section 28.025 to be administered an end-of-course assessment
       instrument listed in Section 39.023(c) only for a course in which the student is enrolled and for which an end-of-course assessment instrument is administered.  A 
       student is required to achieve a scale score that indicates satisfactory performance, as determined by the commissioner under Section 39.0241(a), on each 
       end-of-course assessment instrument administered to the student.  For each scale score required under this subsection that is not based on a 100-point scale scoring 
       system, the commissioner shall provide for conversion, in accordance with commissioner rule, of the scale score to an equivalent score based on a 100-point scale 
       scoring system. A student may not receive a high school diploma until the student has performed satisfactorily on end-of-course assessment instruments in the 
      manner provided under this subsection.  This subsection does not require a student to demonstrate readiness to enroll in an institution of higher education.
(a-1)  Repealed by Acts 2025, 89th Leg., 2nd C.S., Ch. 6 (H.B. 8), Sec. 1.012(2), eff. December 4, 2025.
(a-2)  The commissioner shall determine a method by which a student's satisfactory performance on an advanced placement test, an international baccalaureate 
          examination, the SAT, the ACT, an assessment instrument designated by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board under Section 51.334, or any nationally 
          recognized norm-referenced assessment instrument used by institutions of higher education to award course credit based on satisfactory performance on the 
          assessment instrument shall be used to satisfy the requirements concerning an end-of-course assessment instrument in an equivalent course as prescribed by 
          Subsection (a).  To the extent authorized by federal law, a student may take a test or other assessment instrument authorized under this subsection in lieu of the 
          appropriate end-of-course assessment instrument.  The commissioner shall determine a method by which a student's satisfactory performance on the PSAT or the
          PreACT shall be used to satisfy the requirements concerning an end-of-course assessment instrument in an equivalent course as prescribed by Subsection (a). 
          A student who fails to perform satisfactorily on a test or other assessment instrument authorized under this subsection, other than the PSAT or the PreACT, may 
          retake that test or other assessment instrument for purposes of this subsection or may take the appropriate end-of-course assessment instrument.  A student who
          fails to perform satisfactorily on the PSAT or the PreACT must take the appropriate end-of-course assessment instrument.  The commissioner shall adopt rules as 
          necessary for the administration of this subsection.
(a-3)  Repealed by Acts 2025, 89th Leg., 2nd C.S., Ch. 6 (H.B. 8), Sec. 1.012(2), eff. December 4, 2025.
(a-4)  The admission, review, and dismissal committee of a student in a special education program under Subchapter A, Chapter 29, shall determine whether, to receive
          a high school diploma, the student is required to achieve satisfactory performance on end-of-course assessment instruments.
(a-5)  Notwithstanding Subsection (a), a student who has failed to perform satisfactorily on end-of-course assessment instruments in the manner provided under this 
          section may receive a high school diploma if the student has qualified for graduation under Section 28.0258.
(b)  Each time an end-of-course assessment instrument adopted or developed under Section 39.023(c) is administered, a student who failed to achieve a score 
       requirement under Subsection (a) may retake the assessment instrument.  A student is not required to retake a course as a condition of retaking an end-of-course
       assessment instrument.
(b-1)  A school district shall provide each student who fails to perform satisfactorily as determined by the commissioner under Section 39.0241(a) on an end-of-course
          assessment instrument with accelerated instruction under Section 28.0211 in the subject assessed by the assessment instrument.
(b-2)  Repealed by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 934 , Sec. 5(3), eff. June 18, 2015.
(c)  A student who has been denied a high school diploma under this section and who subsequently performs at the level necessary to comply with the requirements of 
      this section shall be issued a high school diploma.
(c-1)  A school district may not administer an assessment instrument required for graduation administered under this section as this section existed:
      (1)  before September 1, 1999; or
      (2)  before amendment by Chapter 1312 (S.B. 1031), Acts of the 80th Legislature, Regular Session, 2007.
(c-2)  A school district may administer to a student who failed to perform satisfactorily on an assessment instrument described by Subsection (c-1) an alternate 
         assessment instrument designated by the commissioner.  The commissioner shall determine the level of performance considered to be satisfactory on an alternate
         assessment instrument.  The district may not administer to the student an assessment instrument or a part of an assessment instrument that assesses a subject
         that was not assessed in an assessment instrument applicable to the student described by Subsection (c-1).  The commissioner shall make available to districts 
         information necessary to administer the alternate assessment instrument authorized by this subsection.  The commissioner's determination regarding designation
         of an appropriate alternate assessment instrument under this subsection and the performance required on the assessment instrument is final and may not be 
         appealed.
(d)  Notwithstanding Subsection (a), the commissioner by rule shall adopt one or more alternative nationally recognized norm referenced assessment instruments under
       this section to administer to a student to qualify for a high school diploma if the student enrolls after January 1 of the school year in which the student is otherwise 
       eligible to graduate:
    (1)  for the first time in a public school in this state; or
    (2)  after an absence of at least four years from any public school in this state.
(e)  The commissioner shall establish a required performance level for an assessment instrument adopted under Subsection (d) that is at least as rigorous as the 
       performance level required to be met under Subsection (a).
(e-1)  Nothing in this section has the effect of prohibiting the administration of an end-of-course assessment instrument listed in Section 39.023(c) to a student enrolled 
          below the high school level who is enrolled in the course for which the assessment instrument is adopted or developed.  The commissioner shall adopt rules
          necessary to ensure that the student's performance on the assessment instrument is considered in the same manner for purposes of this section as the 
          performance of a student enrolled at the high school level.
(f)  The commissioner shall by rule adopt a transition plan to implement the amendments made by Chapter 1312 (S.B. No. 1031), Acts of the 80th Legislature, Regular
      Session, 2007, replacing general subject assessment instruments administered at the high school level with end-of-course assessment instruments.  The rules must
      provide for the end-of-course assessment instruments adopted or developed under Section 39.023(c) to be administered beginning with students enrolled in the
      ninth grade for the first time during the 2011-2012 school year.  During the period under which the transition to end-of-course assessment instruments is made:
        (1)  for students entering a grade above the ninth grade during the 2011-2012 school year or students repeating ninth grade during the 2011-2012 school year, the
              commissioner shall retain, administer, and use for purposes of accreditation and other campus and district accountability measures under this chapter the 
              assessment instruments required by Section 39.023(a) or (c), as that section existed before amendment by Chapter 1312 (S.B. No. 1031), Acts of the 80th 
              Legislature, Regular Session, 2007; and
        (2)  a student subject to Subdivision (1) may not receive a high school diploma unless the student has performed satisfactorily on the SAT, the ACT, the Texas Success
              Initiative (TSI) diagnostic assessment, or the current assessment instrument or instruments administered for graduation purposes as provided by Subsection (f-1)
              or on each required assessment instrument administered under Section 39.023(c), as that section existed before amendment by Chapter 1312 (S.B. No. 1031), 
              Acts of the 80th Legislature, Regular Session, 2007.
(f-1)  The commissioner shall establish satisfactory performance levels for the SAT, the ACT, the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) diagnostic assessment, and the current 
         assessment instrument or instruments administered for graduation purposes that are equivalent in rigor to the performance level required to be met under 
         Subsection (a), as that subsection existed before amendment by Chapter 1312 (S.B. No. 1031), Acts of the 80th Legislature, Regular Session, 2007, that qualify a 
         student subject to Subsection (f)(1) to receive a high school diploma.  Notwithstanding Subsection (f), the commissioner is not required after September 1, 2017, 
         to maintain and administer assessment instruments administered under Section 39.023(c), as that section existed before amendment by Chapter 1312
         (S.B. No. 1031), Acts of the 80th Legislature, Regular Session, 2007.
(f-2)  A school district shall determine which assessment or assessments described by Subsection (f-1) qualify a student subject to Subsection (f)(1) to receive a high
          school diploma from the district.

(g)  Rules adopted under Subsection (f) must require that each student who will be subject to the requirements of Subsection (a) is entitled to notice of the specific 
       requirements applicable to the student.  Notice under this subsection must be provided not later than the date the student enters the eighth grade.

Last Amended: 89th Leg., 2nd C.S., Ch. 6 (H.B. 8, Sec. 4.012, eff. December 4, 2025.
Entered: February 9, 2026

19 Texas Administrative Code § 89.1070. Graduation Requirements.  

. . . 
(b) A student who receives special education services may graduate and be awarded a diploma if the student meets one of the following conditions.
. . . 
   (2) The student has demonstrated mastery of the required state standards (or district standards if greater) in Chapters 110-117, 126-128, and 130 of this title; the student has satisfactorily completed credit requirements for graduation under the Foundation High School Program specified in §74.12 of this title applicable to students in general education; and the student's admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) committee has determined that satisfactory performance, beyond what would otherwise be required in subsections (b)(1) and (d) of this section, on the required end-of-course assessment instruments is not required for graduation.
. . . 

19 Texas Administrative Code § 89.1070. Graduation Requirements.  

. . . 
(b) A student who receives special education services may graduate and be awarded a diploma if the student meets one of the following conditions.
. . . 
   (2) The student has demonstrated mastery of the required state standards (or district standards if greater) in Chapters 110-117, 126-128, and 130 of this title; the student has satisfactorily completed credit requirements for graduation under the Foundation High School Program specified in §74.12 of this title applicable to students in general education; and the student's admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) committee has determined that satisfactory performance, beyond what would otherwise be required in subsections (b)(1) and (d) of this section, on the required end-of-course assessment instruments is not required for graduation.
. . . 

19 Texas Administrative Code § 89.1070. Graduation Requirements.  

. . . 
(b) A student who receives special education services may graduate and be awarded a diploma if the student meets one of the following conditions.
. . . 
   (2) The student has demonstrated mastery of the required state standards (or district standards if greater) in Chapters 110-117, 126-128, and 130 of this title; the student has satisfactorily completed credit requirements for graduation under the Foundation High School Program specified in §74.12 of this title applicable to students in general education; and the student's admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) committee has determined that satisfactory performance, beyond what would otherwise be required in subsections (b)(1) and (d) of this section, on the required end-of-course assessment instruments is not required for graduation.
. . . 

19 Texas Administrative Code § 74.12. Foundation High School Program.

(a) Credits. A student must earn at least 22 credits to complete the Foundation High School Program.

(b) Core courses. A student must demonstrate proficiency in the following.

(1) English language arts--four credits. Two of the credits must consist of English I and II. (Students with limited English proficiency who are at the beginning or intermediate level of English language proficiency, as defined by §74.4(d) of this title (relating to English Language Proficiency Standards), may satisfy the English I and English II graduation requirements by successfully completing English I for Speakers of Other Languages and English II for Speakers of Other Languages.) A third credit must consist of English III, a comparable Advanced Placement (AP) English language arts course that does not count toward another credit required for graduation, or a comparable International Baccalaureate (IB) English language arts course that meets all the requirements in §110.33 of this title (relating to English Language Arts and Reading, English III (One Credit), Beginning with School Year 2009-2010). A fourth credit may be selected from one full credit or a combination of two half credits from two different courses, subject to prerequisite requirements, from the following courses:

(A) English IV;

(B) Independent Study in English;

(C) Literary Genres;

(D) Creative Writing;

(E) Research and Technical Writing;

(F) Humanities;

(G) Public Speaking III;

(H) Communication Applications, which must be combined with another half credit from the other courses listed in subparagraphs (A)-(G) and (I)-(S) of this paragraph;

(I) Oral Interpretation III;

(J) Debate III;

(K) Independent Study in Speech;

(L) Independent Study in Journalism;

(M) Advanced Broadcast Journalism III;

(N) Advanced Journalism: Newspaper III;

(O) Advanced Journalism: Yearbook III;

(P) a comparable Advanced Placement (AP) English language arts course that does not count toward another credit required for graduation;

(Q) a comparable International Baccalaureate (IB) English language arts course that meets all the requirements in §110.34 of this title (relating to English Language Arts and Reading, English IV (One Credit), Beginning with School Year 2009-2010);

(R) after the successful completion of English I, II, and III, a locally developed English language arts course or other activity, including an apprenticeship or training hours needed to obtain an industry-recognized credential or certificate that is developed pursuant to the Texas Education Code (TEC), §28.002(g-1);

(S) Business English; and

(T) a college preparatory English language arts course that is developed pursuant to the TEC, §28.014.

(2) Mathematics--three credits. Two of the credits must consist of Algebra I and Geometry.

(A) The additional credit may be selected from one full credit or a combination of two half credits from two different courses, subject to prerequisite requirements, from the following courses or a credit selected from the courses listed in subparagraph (B) of this paragraph:

(i) Mathematical Models with Applications;

(ii) Mathematical Applications in Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources;

(iii) Digital Electronics;

(iv) Financial Mathematics;

(v) Applied Mathematics for Technical Professionals;

(vi) Accounting II;

(vii) Manufacturing Engineering Technology II; and

(viii) Robotics II.

(B) The additional credit may be selected from one full credit or a combination of two half credits from two different courses, subject to prerequisite requirements, from the following courses:

(i) Algebra II;

(ii) Precalculus;

(iii) Advanced Quantitative Reasoning;

(iv) Independent Study in Mathematics;

(v) Discrete Mathematics for Problem Solving;

(vi) Algebraic Reasoning;

(vii) Statistics;

(viii) a comparable AP mathematics course that does not count toward another credit required for graduation;

(ix) AP Computer Science A;

(x) IB Computer Science Higher Level;

(xi) Engineering Mathematics;

(xii) Statistics and Business Decision Making;

(xiii) Mathematics for Medical Professionals;

(xiv) Discrete Mathematics for Computer Science;

(xv) pursuant to the TEC, §28.025(b-5), after the successful completion of Algebra II, a mathematics course endorsed by an institution of higher education as a course for which the institution would award course credit or as a prerequisite for a course for which the institution would award course credit. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) shall maintain a current list of courses offered under this clause; and

(xvi) after the successful completion of Algebra I and Geometry, a locally developed mathematics course or other activity, including an apprenticeship or training hours needed to obtain an industry-recognized credential or certificate that is developed pursuant to the TEC, §28.002(g-1).

(C) One credit of a two-credit IB mathematics course selected from Chapter 111 of this title (relating to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Mathematics) may satisfy the additional mathematics credit.

(3) Science--three credits. One credit must consist of Biology or a comparable AP or IB biology course.

(A) One credit must be selected from the following laboratory-based courses:

(i) Integrated Physics and Chemistry;

(ii) Chemistry;

(iii) Physics;

(iv) Physics for Engineering; and

(v) a comparable AP or IB chemistry or physics course that does not count toward another credit required for graduation.

(B) The additional credit may be selected from one full credit or a combination of two half credits from two different courses, subject to prerequisite requirements, from the following laboratory-based courses:

(i) Chemistry;

(ii) Physics;

(iii) Aquatic Science;

(iv) Astronomy;

(v) Earth Systems Science;

(vi) Environmental Systems;

(vii) Specialized Topics in Science;

(viii) a comparable AP science course that does not count toward another credit required for graduation;

(ix) Advanced Animal Science;

(x) Advanced Plant and Soil Science;

(xi) Anatomy and Physiology;

(xii) Medical Microbiology;

(xiii) Pathophysiology;

(xiv) Food Science;

(xv) Forensic Science;

(xvi) Biotechnology I;

(xvii) Biotechnology II;

(xviii) Physics for Engineering;

(xix) Scientific Research and Design;

(xx) Engineering Design and Problem Solving;

(xxi) Engineering Science;

(xxii) pursuant to the TEC, §28.025(b-5), after the successful completion of physics, a science course endorsed by an institution of higher education as a course for which the institution would award course credit or as a prerequisite for a course for which the institution would award course credit. The TEA shall maintain a current list of courses offered under this clause;

(xxiii) a locally developed science course or other activity, including an apprenticeship or training hours needed to obtain an industry-recognized credential or certificate that is developed pursuant to the TEC, §28.002(g-1); and

(xxiv) one credit of a two-credit IB science course selected from Chapter 112 of this title (relating to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Science).

(C) Credit may not be earned for both physics and Physics for Engineering to satisfy science credit requirements.

(4) Social studies--three credits.

(A) One credit must consist of United States History Studies Since 1877.

(B) One-half credit must consist of United States Government.

(C) One-half credit must be selected from the following:

(i) Economics with Emphasis on the Free Enterprise System and Its Benefits; or

(ii) Personal Financial Literacy/Economics.

(D) One credit must be selected from the following:

(i) World History Studies;

(ii) World Geography Studies; or

(iii) a comparable AP or IB world history or world geography course that does not count toward another credit required for graduation.

(5) Languages other than English (LOTE)--two credits.

(A) The credits may be selected from the following:

(i) any two levels in the same language, including comparable AP or IB language courses that do not count toward another credit required for graduation; or

(ii) two credits in computer programming languages, including computer coding, to be selected from Computer Science I, II, and III, AP Computer Science Principles, AP Computer Science A, IB Computer Science Standard Level, and IB Computer Science Higher Level.

(B) A single two-credit IB LOTE course may only satisfy one LOTE requirement.

(C) If a student, in completing the first credit of LOTE, demonstrates that the student is unlikely to be able to complete the second credit, the student may substitute another appropriate course as follows:

(i) Special Topics in Language and Culture;

(ii) World History Studies or World Geography Studies for a student who is not required to complete both by the local district;

(iii) another credit selected from Chapter 114 of this title (relating to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Languages Other Than English); or

(iv) computer programming languages, including computer coding.

(D) The determination regarding a student's ability to complete the second credit of LOTE must be agreed to by:

(i) the teacher of the first LOTE credit course or another LOTE teacher designated by the school district, the principal or designee, and the student's parent or person standing in parental relation;

(ii) the student's admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) committee if the student receives special education services under the TEC, Chapter 29, Subchapter A; or

(iii) the committee established for the student under Section 504, Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 United States Code, Section 794) if the student does not receive special education services under the TEC, Chapter 29, Subchapter A, but is covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

(E) A student, who due to a disability, is unable to complete two credits in the same language in a language other than English, may substitute a combination of two credits that are not being used to satisfy another specific graduation requirement selected from English language arts, mathematics, science, or social studies or two credits in career and technical education for the LOTE credit requirements. The determination regarding a student's ability to complete the LOTE credit requirements will be made by:

(i) the student's ARD committee if the student receives special education services under the TEC, Chapter 29, Subchapter A; or

(ii) the committee established for the student under Section 504, Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 United States Code, Section 794) if the student does not receive special education services under the TEC, Chapter 29, Subchapter A, but is covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

(F) A student who successfully completes a dual language immersion/two-way or dual language immersion/one-way program in accordance with §89.1210(d)(3) and (4) of this title (relating to Program Content and Design), §89.1227 of this title (relating to Minimum Requirements for Dual Language Immersion Program Model), and §89.1228 of this title (relating to Two-Way Dual Language Immersion Program Model Implementation) at an elementary school may satisfy one credit of the two credits required in a language other than English.

(i) To successfully complete a dual language immersion program, a student must:

(I) have participated in a dual language immersion program for at least five consecutive school years;

(II) achieve high levels of academic competence as demonstrated by performance of meets or masters grade level on both the mathematics and reading State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR®) in English or Spanish, as applicable, in at least one grade level; and

(III) achieve proficiency in both English and a language other than English as demonstrated by scores of proficient or higher in the reading and speaking domains on language proficiency or achievement tests in both languages.

(ii) The second credit of a language other than English must be in the same language as the successfully completed dual language immersion program.

(G) A student who successfully completes a course in American Sign Language while in elementary school may satisfy one credit of the two credits required in a language other than English.

(6) Physical education--one credit.

(A) The required credit may be selected from one full credit or a combination of two half credits from two different courses from the following courses:

(i) Lifetime Fitness and Wellness Pursuits;

(ii) Lifetime Recreation and Outdoor Pursuits; and

(iii) Skill-Based Lifetime Activities.

(B) In accordance with local district policy, the required credit may be earned through completion of any Texas essential knowledge and skills-based course that meets the requirement in subparagraph (E) of this paragraph for 100 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per five-day school week and that is not being used to satisfy another specific graduation requirement.

(C) In accordance with local district policy, credit for any of the courses listed in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph may be earned through participation in the following activities:

(i) Athletics;

(ii) Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC); and

(iii) appropriate private or commercially sponsored physical activity programs conducted on or off campus. The district must apply to the commissioner of education for approval of such programs, which may be substituted for state graduation credit in physical education. Such approval may be granted under the following conditions.

(I) Olympic-level participation and/or competition includes a minimum of 15 hours per week of highly intensive, professional, supervised training. The training facility, instructors, and the activities involved in the program must be certified by the superintendent to be of exceptional quality. Students qualifying and participating at this level may be dismissed from school one hour per day. Students dismissed may not miss any class other than physical education.

(II) Private or commercially sponsored physical activities include those certified by the superintendent to be of high quality and well supervised by appropriately trained instructors. Student participation of at least five hours per week must be required. Students certified to participate at this level may not be dismissed from any part of the regular school day.

(D) In accordance with local district policy, up to one credit for any one of the courses listed in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph may be earned through participation in any of the following activities:

(i) Drill Team;

(ii) Marching Band; and

(iii) Cheerleading.

(E) All substitution activities allowed in subparagraphs (B)-(D) of this paragraph must include at least 100 minutes per five-day school week of moderate to vigorous physical activity.

(F) Credit may not be earned more than once for the courses identified in subparagraph (A)(i) and (iii) of this paragraph. Credit may not be earned more than twice for the course identified in subparagraph (A)(ii) of this paragraph. No more than four substitution credits may be earned through any combination of substitutions allowed in subparagraphs (B)-(D) of this paragraph.

(G) A student who is unable to participate in physical activity due to disability or illness may substitute an academic elective credit (English language arts, mathematics, science, or social studies) or a course that is offered for credit as provided by the TEC, §28.002(g-1), for the physical education credit requirement. The determination regarding a student's ability to participate in physical activity will be made by:

(i) the student's ARD committee if the student receives special education services under the TEC, Chapter 29, Subchapter A;

(ii) the committee established for the student under Section 504, Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 United States Code, Section 794) if the student does not receive special education services under the TEC, Chapter 29, Subchapter A, but is covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; or

(iii) a committee established by the school district of persons with appropriate knowledge regarding the student if each of the committees described by clauses (i) and (ii) of this subparagraph is inapplicable. This committee shall follow the same procedures required of an ARD or a Section 504 committee.

(7) Fine arts--one credit.

(A) The credit may be selected from the following courses subject to prerequisite requirements:

(i) Art, Level I, II, III, or IV;

(ii) Dance, Level I, II, III, or IV;

(iii) Music, Level I, II, III, or IV;

(iv) Music Studies;

(v) Theatre, Level I, II, III, or IV;

(vi) Musical Theatre, Level I, II, III, or IV;

(vii) Technical Theatre, Level I, II, III, or IV;

(viii) IB Film Standard or Higher Level;

(ix) Floral Design;

(x) Digital Art and Animation; and

(xi) 3-D Modeling and Animation.

(B) In accordance with local district policy, credit may be earned through participation in a community-based fine arts program not provided by the school district in which the student is enrolled. The district must apply to the commissioner of education for approval of such programs, which may be substituted for state graduation credit in fine arts. Approval may be granted if the fine arts program provides instruction in the essential knowledge and skills identified for a fine arts course as defined by Chapter 117, Subchapter C, of this title (relating to High School, Adopted 2013).

(c) Elective courses--five credits. The credits must be selected from the list of courses specified in §74.11(g) or (h) of this title (relating to High School Graduation Requirements) or from a locally developed course or activity developed pursuant to the TEC, §28.002(g-1), for which a student may receive credit and that does not satisfy a specific course requirement.

(d) Substitutions. No substitutions are allowed in the Foundation High School Program, except as specified in this chapter.

Last Amended:   August 1, 2025, 50 TexReg 3569.
Entered:  October 22, 2025

19 Texas Administrative Code § 89.1070. Graduation Requirements. 

. . .

(b) A student who receives special education services may graduate and be awarded a diploma if the student meets one of the following conditions.

(1) The student has demonstrated mastery of the required state standards (or district standards if greater) in Chapters 110-117, 126-128, and 130 of this title; satisfactorily completed credit requirements for graduation under the Foundation High School Program specified in §74.12 of this title (relating to Foundation High School Program) applicable to students in general education; and demonstrated satisfactory performance as established for students in general education in TEC, Chapters 28 and 39, on the required end-of-course assessment instruments, which could include meeting the requirements of subsection (d) of this section.

(2) The student has demonstrated mastery of the required state standards (or district standards if greater) in Chapters 110-117, 126-128, and 130 of this title; the student has satisfactorily completed credit requirements for graduation under the Foundation High School Program specified in §74.12 of this title applicable to students in general education; and the student's admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) committee has determined that satisfactory performance, beyond what would otherwise be required in subsections (b)(1) and (d) of this section, on the required end-of-course assessment instruments is not required for graduation.

(3) The student has satisfactorily completed credit requirements for graduation under the Foundation High School Program specified in §74.12 of this title through courses, one or more of which contain modified curriculum that is aligned to the standards applicable to students in general education; demonstrated mastery of the required state standards (or district standards if greater) in Chapters 110-117, 126-128, and 130 of this title in accordance with modified content and curriculum expectations established in the student's individualized education program (IEP); and demonstrated satisfactory performance on the required end-of-course assessment instruments, unless the student's ARD committee has determined that satisfactory performance on the required end-of-course assessment instruments is not required for graduation. The student must also successfully complete the student's IEP and meet one of the following conditions:

(A) consistent with the IEP, the student has obtained full-time employment, based on the student's abilities and local employment opportunities, in addition to mastering sufficient self-help skills to enable the student to maintain the employment without direct and ongoing educational support of the local school district;

(B) consistent with the IEP, the student has demonstrated mastery of specific employability skills and self-help skills that do not require direct ongoing educational support of the local school district; or

(C) the student has access to services or other supports that are not within the legal responsibility of public education, including employment or postsecondary education established through transition planning.

. . .

Last amended: November 7, 2024, 49 TexReg 8712.

Entered: March 19, 2026

19 Texas Administrative Code § 89.1070. Graduation Requirements. 

. . . 
(j) For students who graduate and receive a diploma according to subsections (b)(2) or (b)(3)(A), (B), or (C) of this section, the ARD committee must determine needed special education services upon the request of the student or parent to resume services, as long as the student meets the age eligibility requirements.
. . . 

19 Texas Administrative Code § 101.3023. Participation and Graduation Assessment Requirements for Students Receiving Special Education Services.

(a)  As stipulated by §89.1070 of this title (relating to Graduation Requirements), a student receiving special education services under the Texas Education Code (TEC), Chapter 29, Subchapter A, who successfully completes the requirements of his or her individualized education program (IEP), including performance on a state assessment required for graduation, shall receive a Texas high school diploma. A student's admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) committee shall determine if the student will be required to meet satisfactory performance on an assessment for purposes of graduation.

(b)  Beginning with the 2011-2012 school year, all Grades 9-12 students with significant cognitive disabilities who are assessed with an alternate assessment as specified in the student's IEP will be assessed using alternate versions of end-of-course (EOC) assessments as listed in §101.3011(b)(2) of this title (relating to Implementation and Administration of Academic Content Area Assessment Instruments).

(c)  For the 2011-2012 through 2013-2014 school years, a student who is receiving special education services under the TEC, Chapter 29, Subchapter A, and who is first enrolled in Grade 9 or below in the 2011-2012 school year shall be administered an alternative version of an EOC assessment instrument upon completion of the corresponding course as required by the student's IEP. Beginning with the 2014-2015 school year, a student who is receiving special education services under the TEC, Chapter 29, Subchapter A, whose IEP does not specify the administration of an alternate assessment and who is first enrolled in Grade 9 or below in the 2011-2012 school year shall be administered an EOC assessment instrument upon completion of the corresponding course as required by the student's IEP.


Last Amended:  March 25, 2014, 39 TexReg 2077  
Entered:  Sept. 21, 2015

Texas Education Code § 28.025. High School Diploma and Certificate; Academic Achievement Record.  

(c) A person may receive a diploma if the person is eligible for a diploma under Section 28.0251. In other cases, a student may graduate and receive a diploma only if:

    (1) the student successfully completes the curriculum requirements identified by the State Board of Education under Subsection (a) and complies with Sections 28.0256,                      28.0257, and 39.025; or 
. . . 


Last Amended: 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1137 (S.B. 568), Sec. 4, eff. June 20, 2025.
Entered: October 22, 2025

Texas Education Code § 39.025.  Secondary-Level Performance Require

(a)  The commissioner shall adopt rules requiring a student in the foundation high school program under Section 28.025 to be administered an end-of-course assessment
       instrument listed in Section 39.023(c) only for a course in which the student is enrolled and for which an end-of-course assessment instrument is administered.  A 
       student is required to achieve a scale score that indicates satisfactory performance, as determined by the commissioner under Section 39.0241(a), on each 
       end-of-course assessment instrument administered to the student.  For each scale score required under this subsection that is not based on a 100-point scale scoring 
       system, the commissioner shall provide for conversion, in accordance with commissioner rule, of the scale score to an equivalent score based on a 100-point scale 
       scoring system. A student may not receive a high school diploma until the student has performed satisfactorily on end-of-course assessment instruments in the 
      manner provided under this subsection.  This subsection does not require a student to demonstrate readiness to enroll in an institution of higher education.
(a-1)  Repealed by Acts 2025, 89th Leg., 2nd C.S., Ch. 6 (H.B. 8), Sec. 1.012(2), eff. December 4, 2025.
(a-2)  The commissioner shall determine a method by which a student's satisfactory performance on an advanced placement test, an international baccalaureate 
          examination, the SAT, the ACT, an assessment instrument designated by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board under Section 51.334, or any nationally 
          recognized norm-referenced assessment instrument used by institutions of higher education to award course credit based on satisfactory performance on the 
          assessment instrument shall be used to satisfy the requirements concerning an end-of-course assessment instrument in an equivalent course as prescribed by 
          Subsection (a).  To the extent authorized by federal law, a student may take a test or other assessment instrument authorized under this subsection in lieu of the 
          appropriate end-of-course assessment instrument.  The commissioner shall determine a method by which a student's satisfactory performance on the PSAT or the
          PreACT shall be used to satisfy the requirements concerning an end-of-course assessment instrument in an equivalent course as prescribed by Subsection (a). 
          A student who fails to perform satisfactorily on a test or other assessment instrument authorized under this subsection, other than the PSAT or the PreACT, may 
          retake that test or other assessment instrument for purposes of this subsection or may take the appropriate end-of-course assessment instrument.  A student who
          fails to perform satisfactorily on the PSAT or the PreACT must take the appropriate end-of-course assessment instrument.  The commissioner shall adopt rules as 
          necessary for the administration of this subsection.
(a-3)  Repealed by Acts 2025, 89th Leg., 2nd C.S., Ch. 6 (H.B. 8), Sec. 1.012(2), eff. December 4, 2025.
(a-4)  The admission, review, and dismissal committee of a student in a special education program under Subchapter A, Chapter 29, shall determine whether, to receive
          a high school diploma, the student is required to achieve satisfactory performance on end-of-course assessment instruments.
(a-5)  Notwithstanding Subsection (a), a student who has failed to perform satisfactorily on end-of-course assessment instruments in the manner provided under this 
          section may receive a high school diploma if the student has qualified for graduation under Section 28.0258.
(b)  Each time an end-of-course assessment instrument adopted or developed under Section 39.023(c) is administered, a student who failed to achieve a score 
       requirement under Subsection (a) may retake the assessment instrument.  A student is not required to retake a course as a condition of retaking an end-of-course
       assessment instrument.
(b-1)  A school district shall provide each student who fails to perform satisfactorily as determined by the commissioner under Section 39.0241(a) on an end-of-course
          assessment instrument with accelerated instruction under Section 28.0211 in the subject assessed by the assessment instrument.
(b-2)  Repealed by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 934 , Sec. 5(3), eff. June 18, 2015.
(c)  A student who has been denied a high school diploma under this section and who subsequently performs at the level necessary to comply with the requirements of 
      this section shall be issued a high school diploma.
(c-1)  A school district may not administer an assessment instrument required for graduation administered under this section as this section existed:
      (1)  before September 1, 1999; or
      (2)  before amendment by Chapter 1312 (S.B. 1031), Acts of the 80th Legislature, Regular Session, 2007.
(c-2)  A school district may administer to a student who failed to perform satisfactorily on an assessment instrument described by Subsection (c-1) an alternate 
         assessment instrument designated by the commissioner.  The commissioner shall determine the level of performance considered to be satisfactory on an alternate
         assessment instrument.  The district may not administer to the student an assessment instrument or a part of an assessment instrument that assesses a subject
         that was not assessed in an assessment instrument applicable to the student described by Subsection (c-1).  The commissioner shall make available to districts 
         information necessary to administer the alternate assessment instrument authorized by this subsection.  The commissioner's determination regarding designation
         of an appropriate alternate assessment instrument under this subsection and the performance required on the assessment instrument is final and may not be 
         appealed.
(d)  Notwithstanding Subsection (a), the commissioner by rule shall adopt one or more alternative nationally recognized norm referenced assessment instruments under
       this section to administer to a student to qualify for a high school diploma if the student enrolls after January 1 of the school year in which the student is otherwise 
       eligible to graduate:
    (1)  for the first time in a public school in this state; or
    (2)  after an absence of at least four years from any public school in this state.
(e)  The commissioner shall establish a required performance level for an assessment instrument adopted under Subsection (d) that is at least as rigorous as the 
       performance level required to be met under Subsection (a).
(e-1)  Nothing in this section has the effect of prohibiting the administration of an end-of-course assessment instrument listed in Section 39.023(c) to a student enrolled 
          below the high school level who is enrolled in the course for which the assessment instrument is adopted or developed.  The commissioner shall adopt rules
          necessary to ensure that the student's performance on the assessment instrument is considered in the same manner for purposes of this section as the 
          performance of a student enrolled at the high school level.
(f)  The commissioner shall by rule adopt a transition plan to implement the amendments made by Chapter 1312 (S.B. No. 1031), Acts of the 80th Legislature, Regular
      Session, 2007, replacing general subject assessment instruments administered at the high school level with end-of-course assessment instruments.  The rules must
      provide for the end-of-course assessment instruments adopted or developed under Section 39.023(c) to be administered beginning with students enrolled in the
      ninth grade for the first time during the 2011-2012 school year.  During the period under which the transition to end-of-course assessment instruments is made:
        (1)  for students entering a grade above the ninth grade during the 2011-2012 school year or students repeating ninth grade during the 2011-2012 school year, the
              commissioner shall retain, administer, and use for purposes of accreditation and other campus and district accountability measures under this chapter the 
              assessment instruments required by Section 39.023(a) or (c), as that section existed before amendment by Chapter 1312 (S.B. No. 1031), Acts of the 80th 
              Legislature, Regular Session, 2007; and
        (2)  a student subject to Subdivision (1) may not receive a high school diploma unless the student has performed satisfactorily on the SAT, the ACT, the Texas Success
              Initiative (TSI) diagnostic assessment, or the current assessment instrument or instruments administered for graduation purposes as provided by Subsection (f-1)
              or on each required assessment instrument administered under Section 39.023(c), as that section existed before amendment by Chapter 1312 (S.B. No. 1031), 
              Acts of the 80th Legislature, Regular Session, 2007.
(f-1)  The commissioner shall establish satisfactory performance levels for the SAT, the ACT, the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) diagnostic assessment, and the current 
         assessment instrument or instruments administered for graduation purposes that are equivalent in rigor to the performance level required to be met under 
         Subsection (a), as that subsection existed before amendment by Chapter 1312 (S.B. No. 1031), Acts of the 80th Legislature, Regular Session, 2007, that qualify a 
         student subject to Subsection (f)(1) to receive a high school diploma.  Notwithstanding Subsection (f), the commissioner is not required after September 1, 2017, 
         to maintain and administer assessment instruments administered under Section 39.023(c), as that section existed before amendment by Chapter 1312
         (S.B. No. 1031), Acts of the 80th Legislature, Regular Session, 2007.
(f-2)  A school district shall determine which assessment or assessments described by Subsection (f-1) qualify a student subject to Subsection (f)(1) to receive a high
          school diploma from the district.

(g)  Rules adopted under Subsection (f) must require that each student who will be subject to the requirements of Subsection (a) is entitled to notice of the specific 
       requirements applicable to the student.  Notice under this subsection must be provided not later than the date the student enters the eighth grade.

Last Amended: 89th Leg., 2nd C.S., Ch. 6 (H.B. 8, Sec. 4.012, eff. December 4, 2025.
Entered: February 9, 2026

19 Texas Administrative Code § 89.1070. Graduation Requirements.

. . .
(b) A student who receives special education services may graduate and be awarded a diploma if the student meets one of the following conditions.
. . .
   (3) The student has satisfactorily completed credit requirements for graduation under the Foundation High School Program specified in §74.12 of this title through courses, one or more of which contain modified curriculum that is aligned to the standards applicable to students in general education; demonstrated mastery of the required state standards (or district standards if greater) in Chapters 110-117, 126-128, and 130 of this title in accordance with modified content and curriculum expectations established in the student's individualized education program (IEP); and demonstrated satisfactory performance on the required end-of-course assessment instruments, unless the student's ARD committee has determined that satisfactory performance on the required end-of-course assessment instruments is not required for graduation. The student must also successfully complete the student's IEP and meet one of the following conditions:

      (A) consistent with the IEP, the student has obtained full-time employment, based on the  student's abilities and local employment opportunities, in addition to mastering sufficient  self-help skills to enable the student to maintain the employment without direct and ongoing educational support of the local school district; 

      (B) consistent with the IEP, the student has demonstrated mastery of specific employability  skills and self-help skills that do not require direct ongoing educational support of the local school district; or 

      (C) the student has access to services or other supports that are not within the legal  responsibility of public education, including employment or postsecondary education  established through transition planning. 

  . . .

19 Texas Administrative Code § 89.1070. Graduation Requirements.

. . .
(b) A student who receives special education services may graduate and be awarded a diploma if the student meets one of the following conditions.
. . .
   (3) The student has satisfactorily completed credit requirements for graduation under the Foundation High School Program specified in §74.12 of this title through courses, one or more of which contain modified curriculum that is aligned to the standards applicable to students in general education; demonstrated mastery of the required state standards (or district standards if greater) in Chapters 110-117, 126-128, and 130 of this title in accordance with modified content and curriculum expectations established in the student's individualized education program (IEP); and demonstrated satisfactory performance on the required end-of-course assessment instruments, unless the student's ARD committee has determined that satisfactory performance on the required end-of-course assessment instruments is not required for graduation. The student must also successfully complete the student's IEP and meet one of the following conditions:

      (A) consistent with the IEP, the student has obtained full-time employment, based on the  student's abilities and local employment opportunities, in addition to mastering sufficient  self-help skills to enable the student to maintain the employment without direct and ongoing educational support of the local school district; 

      (B) consistent with the IEP, the student has demonstrated mastery of specific employability  skills and self-help skills that do not require direct ongoing educational support of the local school district; or 

      (C) the student has access to services or other supports that are not within the legal  responsibility of public education, including employment or postsecondary education  established through transition planning. 

  . . .

19 Texas Administrative Code § 74.1025. Individual Graduation Committee Review.

. . . 
(n)  A student receiving special education services is not subject to the individual graduation committee requirements in the TEC, §28.0258, or the provisions of this section. As provided in §89.1070 of this title (relating to Graduation Requirements) and §101.3023 of this title (relating to Participation and Graduation Assessment Requirements for Students Receiving Special Education Services), a student's admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) committee determines whether a student is required to achieve satisfactory performance on an EOC assessment to graduate.


Last Amended:  February 10, 2020, 45 TexReg 893.
Entered: March 19, 2020

19 Texas Administrative Code § 89.1070. Graduation Requirements.

. . .
(b) A student who receives special education services may graduate and be awarded a diploma if the student meets one of the following conditions.
. . .
   (3) The student has satisfactorily completed credit requirements for graduation under the Foundation High School Program specified in §74.12 of this title through courses, one or more of which contain modified curriculum that is aligned to the standards applicable to students in general education; demonstrated mastery of the required state standards (or district standards if greater) in Chapters 110-117, 126-128, and 130 of this title in accordance with modified content and curriculum expectations established in the student's individualized education program (IEP); and demonstrated satisfactory performance on the required end-of-course assessment instruments, unless the student's ARD committee has determined that satisfactory performance on the required end-of-course assessment instruments is not required for graduation. The student must also successfully complete the student's IEP and meet one of the following conditions:

      (A) consistent with the IEP, the student has obtained full-time employment, based on the  student's abilities and local employment opportunities, in addition to mastering sufficient  self-help skills to enable the student to maintain the employment without direct and ongoing educational support of the local school district; 

      (B) consistent with the IEP, the student has demonstrated mastery of specific employability  skills and self-help skills that do not require direct ongoing educational support of the local school district; or 

      (C) the student has access to services or other supports that are not within the legal  responsibility of public education, including employment or postsecondary education  established through transition planning. 

  . . .

19 Texas Administrative Code § 101.3023. Participation and Graduation Assessment Requirements for Students Receiving Special Education Services.

(a) As stipulated by §89.1070 of this title (relating to Graduation Requirements), a student receiving special education services under the Texas Education Code (TEC), Chapter 29, Subchapter A, who successfully completes the requirements of his or her individualized education program (IEP), including performance on a state assessment required for graduation, shall receive a Texas high school diploma. A student's admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) committee shall determine if the student will be required to meet satisfactory performance on an assessment for purposes of graduation.
. . . 


Last Amended:  March 25, 2014, 39 TexReg 2077  
Entered:  Sept. 21, 2015

Texas Education Code § 39.025.  Secondary-Level Performance Required.   

(a-4) The admission, review, and dismissal committee of a student in a special education program under Subchapter A, Chapter 29, shall determine whether, to receive a high school diploma, the student is required to achieve satisfactory performance on end-of-course assessment instruments.
. . . 

                                                                                    

Last Amended: 89th Leg., 2nd C.S., Ch. 6 (H.B. 8), Sec. 4.012, eff. December 4, 2025.

Entered: February 9, 2026

19 Texas Administrative Code § 89.1070. Graduation Requirements.

. . .
(b) A student who receives special education services may graduate and be awarded a diploma if the student meets one of the following conditions.
. . .
   (3) The student has satisfactorily completed credit requirements for graduation under the Foundation High School Program specified in §74.12 of this title through courses, one or more of which contain modified curriculum that is aligned to the standards applicable to students in general education; demonstrated mastery of the required state standards (or district standards if greater) in Chapters 110-117, 126-128, and 130 of this title in accordance with modified content and curriculum expectations established in the student's individualized education program (IEP); and demonstrated satisfactory performance on the required end-of-course assessment instruments, unless the student's ARD committee has determined that satisfactory performance on the required end-of-course assessment instruments is not required for graduation. The student must also successfully complete the student's IEP and meet one of the following conditions:

      (A) consistent with the IEP, the student has obtained full-time employment, based on the  student's abilities and local employment opportunities, in addition to mastering sufficient  self-help skills to enable the student to maintain the employment without direct and ongoing educational support of the local school district; 

      (B) consistent with the IEP, the student has demonstrated mastery of specific employability  skills and self-help skills that do not require direct ongoing educational support of the local school district; or 

      (C) the student has access to services or other supports that are not within the legal  responsibility of public education, including employment or postsecondary education  established through transition planning. 

  . . .

19 Texas Administrative Code § 89.1070. Graduation Requirements.

. . .
(b) A student who receives special education services may graduate and be awarded a diploma if the student meets one of the following conditions.
. . .
   (3) The student has satisfactorily completed credit requirements for graduation under the Foundation High School Program specified in §74.12 of this title through courses, one or more of which contain modified curriculum that is aligned to the standards applicable to students in general education; demonstrated mastery of the required state standards (or district standards if greater) in Chapters 110-117, 126-128, and 130 of this title in accordance with modified content and curriculum expectations established in the student's individualized education program (IEP); and demonstrated satisfactory performance on the required end-of-course assessment instruments, unless the student's ARD committee has determined that satisfactory performance on the required end-of-course assessment instruments is not required for graduation. The student must also successfully complete the student's IEP and meet one of the following conditions:

      (A) consistent with the IEP, the student has obtained full-time employment, based on the  student's abilities and local employment opportunities, in addition to mastering sufficient  self-help skills to enable the student to maintain the employment without direct and ongoing educational support of the local school district; 

      (B) consistent with the IEP, the student has demonstrated mastery of specific employability  skills and self-help skills that do not require direct ongoing educational support of the local school district; or 

      (C) the student has access to services or other supports that are not within the legal  responsibility of public education, including employment or postsecondary education  established through transition planning. 

  . . .

19 Texas Administrative Code § 89.1070. Graduation Requirements. 

...

(b) A student who receives special education services may graduate and be awarded a diploma if the student meets one of the following conditions.

...

   (3) The student has satisfactorily completed credit requirements for graduation under the Foundation High School Program specified in §74.12 of this title through courses, one or more of which contain modified curriculum that is aligned to the standards applicable to students in general education; demonstrated mastery of the required state standards (or district standards if greater) in Chapters 110-117, 126-128, and 130 of this title in accordance with modified content and curriculum expectations established in the student's individualized education program (IEP); and demonstrated satisfactory performance on the required end-of-course assessment instruments, unless the student's ARD committee has determined that satisfactory performance on the required end-of-course assessment instruments is not required for graduation. The student must also successfully complete the student's IEP and meet one of the following conditions:

      (A) consistent with the IEP, the student has obtained full-time employment, based on the student's abilities and local employment opportunities, in addition to mastering sufficient self-help skills to enable the student to maintain the employment without direct and ongoing educational support of the local school district;

...

Last amended: November 7, 2024, 49 TexReg 8712

Entered: May 27, 2025

19 Texas Administrative Code § 89.1070. Graduation Requirements. 

...

(b) A student who receives special education services may graduate and be awarded a diploma if the student meets one of the following conditions.

...

   (3) The student has satisfactorily completed credit requirements for graduation under the Foundation High School Program specified in §74.12 of this title through courses, one or more of which contain modified curriculum that is aligned to the standards applicable to students in general education; demonstrated mastery of the required state standards (or district standards if greater) in Chapters 110-117, 126-128, and 130 of this title in accordance with modified content and curriculum expectations established in the student's individualized education program (IEP); and demonstrated satisfactory performance on the required end-of-course assessment instruments, unless the student's ARD committee has determined that satisfactory performance on the required end-of-course assessment instruments is not required for graduation. The student must also successfully complete the student's IEP and meet one of the following conditions:

...

      (B) consistent with the IEP, the student has demonstrated mastery of specific employability skills and self-help skills that do not require direct ongoing educational support of the local school district; or

...

Last amended: November 7, 2024, 49 TexReg 8712

Entered: May 27, 2025

19 Texas Administrative Code § 89.1070. Graduation Requirements. 

...

(b) A student who receives special education services may graduate and be awarded a diploma if the student meets one of the following conditions.

...

   (3) The student has satisfactorily completed credit requirements for graduation under the Foundation High School Program specified in §74.12 of this title through courses, one or more of which contain modified curriculum that is aligned to the standards applicable to students in general education; demonstrated mastery of the required state standards (or district standards if greater) in Chapters 110-117, 126-128, and 130 of this title in accordance with modified content and curriculum expectations established in the student's individualized education program (IEP); and demonstrated satisfactory performance on the required end-of-course assessment instruments, unless the student's ARD committee has determined that satisfactory performance on the required end-of-course assessment instruments is not required for graduation. The student must also successfully complete the student's IEP and meet one of the following conditions:

...

      (C) the student has access to services or other supports that are not within the legal responsibility of public education, including employment or postsecondary education established through transition planning.

...

Last amended: November 7, 2024, 49 TexReg 8712

Entered: May 27, 2025

19 Texas Administrative Code § 89.1070. Graduation Requirements. 

. . . 
(i) Employability and self-help skills referenced under subsection (b)(3) of this section are those skills directly related to the preparation of students for employment, including general skills necessary to obtain or retain employment.
. . . 

19 Texas Administrative Code § 89.1070. Graduation Requirements. 

. . . 
(k)  For purposes of this section, modified curriculum and modified content refer to any reduction of the amount or complexity of the required knowledge and skills in Chapters 110-117, 126-128, and 130 of this title. Substitutions that are specifically authorized in statute or rule must not be considered modified curriculum or modified content. 

19 Texas Administrative Code § 89.1070. Graduation Requirements. 

. . . 
(k)  For purposes of this section, modified curriculum and modified content refer to any reduction of the amount or complexity of the required knowledge and skills in Chapters 110-117, 126-128, and 130 of this title. Substitutions that are specifically authorized in statute or rule must not be considered modified curriculum or modified content. 

19 Texas Administrative Code § 89.1070. Graduation Requirements. 

. . . 
(h) Students who meet graduation requirements under subsection (b)(2) or (b)(3)(A), (B), or (C) of this section and who will continue enrollment in public school to receive special education services aligned to their transition plan will be provided the summary of performance described in subsections (f) and (g) of this section upon exit from the public school system. These students are entitled to participate in commencement ceremonies and receive a certificate of attendance after completing four years of high school, as specified by TEC, §28.025(f).
. . .

19 Texas Administrative Code § 89.1070. Graduation Requirements. 

. . . 
(j) For students who graduate and receive a diploma according to subsections (b)(2) or (b)(3)(A), (B), or (C) of this section, the ARD committee must determine needed special education services upon the request of the student or parent to resume services, as long as the student meets the age eligibility requirements.
. . . 

19 Texas Administrative Code § 89.1070. Graduation Requirements. 

. . . 
(h) Students who meet graduation requirements under subsection (b)(2) or (b)(3)(A), (B), or (C) of this section and who will continue enrollment in public school to receive special education services aligned to their transition plan will be provided the summary of performance described in subsections (f) and (g) of this section upon exit from the public school system. These students are entitled to participate in commencement ceremonies and receive a certificate of attendance after completing four years of high school, as specified by TEC, §28.025(f).
. . .

19 Texas Administrative Code § 89.1070. Graduation Requirements. 

. . . 
(j) For students who graduate and receive a diploma according to subsections (b)(2) or (b)(3)(A), (B), or (C) of this section, the ARD committee must determine needed special education services upon the request of the student or parent to resume services, as long as the student meets the age eligibility requirements.
. . . 

19 Texas Administrative Code § 89.1070. Graduation Requirements. 

. . . 
(f) A summary of academic achievement and functional performance must be provided prior to exit from public school for students who meet one of the following conditions:
. . . 
   (2) a student who has met requirements for graduation specified in subsection (b)(2) or (b)(3)(A), (B), or (C) of this section. Additionally, a student meeting this condition is entitled to an evaluation as described in 34 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), §300.305(e)(1).
. . . 

19 Texas Administrative Code § 89.1070. Graduation Requirements. 

. . . 
(f) A summary of academic achievement and functional performance must be provided prior to exit from public school for students who meet one of the following conditions:
. . . 
   (2) a student who has met requirements for graduation specified in subsection (b)(2) or (b)(3)(A), (B), or (C) of this section. Additionally, a student meeting this condition is entitled to an evaluation as described in 34 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), §300.305(e)(1).
. . . 

19 Texas Administrative Code § 89.1070. Graduation Requirements. 

. . . 
(e) A student who has reached maximum age eligibility in accordance with §89.1035 of this title without meeting the credit, curriculum, and assessment requirements specified in subsection (b) of this section is not eligible to receive a diploma but may receive a certificate of attendance as described in TEC, §28.025(f).
. . . 

19 Texas Administrative Code § 89.1070. Graduation Requirements. 

. . . 
(h) Students who meet graduation requirements under subsection (b)(2) or (b)(3)(A), (B), or (C) of this section and who will continue enrollment in public school to receive special education services aligned to their transition plan will be provided the summary of performance described in subsections (f) and (g) of this section upon exit from the public school system. These students are entitled to participate in commencement ceremonies and receive a certificate of attendance after completing four years of high school, as specified by TEC, §28.025(f).
. . .

Texas Education Code § 28.025. High School Diploma and Certificate; Academic Achievement Record.  

(f)  A school district shall issue a certificate of attendance to a student who receives special education services under Subchapter A, Chapter 29, and who has completed four years of high school but has not completed the student's individualized education program. A school district shall allow a student who receives a certificate to participate in a graduation ceremony with students receiving high school diplomas. A student may participate in only one graduation ceremony under this subsection. This subsection does not preclude a student from receiving a diploma under Subsection (c)(2).
. . . 

19 Texas Administrative Code § 89.1070. Graduation Requirements. 

. . . 
(h) Students who meet graduation requirements under subsection (b)(2) or (b)(3)(A), (B), or (C) of this section and who will continue enrollment in public school to receive special education services aligned to their transition plan will be provided the summary of performance described in subsections (f) and (g) of this section upon exit from the public school system. These students are entitled to participate in commencement ceremonies and receive a certificate of attendance after completing four years of high school, as specified by TEC, §28.025(f).
. . .

Texas Education Code § 28.025. High School Diploma and Certificate; Academic Achievement Record.  

(f)  A school district shall issue a certificate of attendance to a student who receives special education services under Subchapter A, Chapter 29, and who has completed four years of high school but has not completed the student's individualized education program. A school district shall allow a student who receives a certificate to participate in a graduation ceremony with students receiving high school diplomas. A student may participate in only one graduation ceremony under this subsection. This subsection does not preclude a student from receiving a diploma under Subsection (c)(2).
. . . 

Texas Education Code § 28.025. High School Diploma and Certificate; Academic Achievement Record.  

(f)  A school district shall issue a certificate of attendance to a student who receives special education services under Subchapter A, Chapter 29, and who has completed four years of high school but has not completed the student's individualized education program. A school district shall allow a student who receives a certificate to participate in a graduation ceremony with students receiving high school diplomas. A student may participate in only one graduation ceremony under this subsection. This subsection does not preclude a student from receiving a diploma under Subsection (c)(2).
. . . 

Texas Education Code § 28.025. High School Diploma and Certificate; Academic Achievement Record.  

(f)  A school district shall issue a certificate of attendance to a student who receives special education services under Subchapter A, Chapter 29, and who has completed four years of high school but has not completed the student's individualized education program. A school district shall allow a student who receives a certificate to participate in a graduation ceremony with students receiving high school diplomas. A student may participate in only one graduation ceremony under this subsection. This subsection does not preclude a student from receiving a diploma under Subsection (c)(2).
. . . 

19 Texas Administrative Code § 74.12. Foundation High School Program. 

. . . 
(b)  Core courses. A student must demonstrate proficiency in the following.
. . . 
   (5)  Languages other than English (LOTE)--two credits.
. . . 
      (D)  The determination regarding a student's ability to complete the second credit of LOTE must be agreed to by:
         (i)  the teacher of the first LOTE credit course or another LOTE teacher designated by the school district, the principal or designee, and the student's parent or person standing in parental relation;
. . . 


Last Amended:    August 1, 2025, 50 TexReg 3569.
Entered:  Dec 11, 2025

Texas Education Code § 28.025. High School Diploma and Certificate; Academic Achievement Record.  

(b-14) In adopting rules under Subsection (b-1), the State Board of Education shall allow a student who, due to disability, is unable to complete two courses in the same language in a language other than English, as provided under Subsection (b-1)(5), to substitute for those credits two credits in English language arts, mathematics, science, or social studies or two credits in career and technology education, technology applications, or other academic electives. A credit allowed to be substituted under this subsection may not also be used by the student to satisfy a graduation credit requirement other than credit for completion of a language other than English. The rules must provide that the determination regarding a student's ability to participate in language-other-than-English courses will be made by:

      (1) if the student receives special education services under Subchapter A, Chapter 29, the student's admission, review, and dismissal committee; or
. . . 


Last Amended: 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1137 (S.B.568), Sec. 4, eff. June 20, 2025.
Entered: October 22, 2025

19 Texas Administrative Code § 74.12. Foundation High School Program. 

. . . 
(b)  Core courses. A student must demonstrate proficiency in the following.
. . . 

   (6)  Physical education--one credit.

. . . 
      (G)  A student who is unable to participate in physical activity due to disability or illness may substitute an academic elective credit (English language arts, mathematics, science, or social studies) or a course that is offered for credit as provided by the TEC, §28.002(g-1), for the physical education credit requirement. The determination regarding a student's ability to participate in physical activity will be made by:
         (i)  the student's ARD committee if the student receives special education services under the TEC, Chapter 29, Subchapter A;
. . . 


Last Amended: August 1, 2025, 50 TexReg 3569 
Entered:  Dec 11, 2025

Texas Education Code § 28.025. High School Diploma and Certificate; Academic Achievement Record.  

(b-11)  In adopting rules under Subsection (b-1), the State Board of Education shall allow a student who is unable to participate in physical activity due to disability or illness
to substitute one credit in English language arts, mathematics, science, or social studies, one credit in a course that is offered for credit as provided by Section 28.002(g-1), 
or one academic elective credit for the physical education credit required under Subsection (b-1)(8).  A credit allowed to be substituted under this subsection may not also be
 used by the student to satisfy a graduation requirement other than completion of the physical education credit.  The rules must provide that the determination regarding 
a student's ability to participate in physical activity will be made by:
      (1)  if the student receives special education services under Subchapter A, Chapter 29, the student's admission, review, and dismissal committee;
      (2)  if the student does not receive special education services under Subchapter A, Chapter 29, but is covered by Section 504, Rehabilitation Act of 1973 
             (29 U.S.C. Section 794), the committee established for the student under that Act; or
      (3)  if each of the committees described by Subdivisions (1) and (2) is inapplicable, a committee established by the school district of persons with appropriate knowledge 
            regarding the student.

. . . 

Texas Education Code § 28.025. High School Diploma and Certificate; Academic Achievement Record.  

(b-11)  In adopting rules under Subsection (b-1), the State Board of Education shall allow a student who is unable to participate in physical activity due to disability or illness
to substitute one credit in English language arts, mathematics, science, or social studies, one credit in a course that is offered for credit as provided by Section 28.002(g-1), 
or one academic elective credit for the physical education credit required under Subsection (b-1)(8).  A credit allowed to be substituted under this subsection may not also be
 used by the student to satisfy a graduation requirement other than completion of the physical education credit.  The rules must provide that the determination regarding 
a student's ability to participate in physical activity will be made by:
      (1)  if the student receives special education services under Subchapter A, Chapter 29, the student's admission, review, and dismissal committee;
      (2)  if the student does not receive special education services under Subchapter A, Chapter 29, but is covered by Section 504, Rehabilitation Act of 1973 
             (29 U.S.C. Section 794), the committee established for the student under that Act; or
      (3)  if each of the committees described by Subdivisions (1) and (2) is inapplicable, a committee established by the school district of persons with appropriate knowledge 
            regarding the student.

. . . 

Texas Education Code § 28.025. High School Diploma and Certificate; Academic Achievement Record.  

(b-14) In adopting rules under Subsection (b-1), the State Board of Education shall allow a student who, due to disability, is unable to complete two courses in the same language in a language other than English, as provided under Subsection (b-1)(5), to substitute for those credits two credits in English language arts, mathematics, science, or social studies or two credits in career and technology education, technology applications, or other academic electives. A credit allowed to be substituted under this subsection may not also be used by the student to satisfy a graduation credit requirement other than credit for completion of a language other than English. The rules must provide that the determination regarding a student's ability to participate in language-other-than-English courses will be made by:
      (1) if the student receives special education services under Subchapter A, Chapter 29, the student's admission, review, and dismissal committee; or
      (2) if the student does not receive special education services under Subchapter A, Chapter 29, but is covered by Section 504, Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. Section               794), the committee established for the student under that Act.
. . . 


Last Amended: 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1137 (S.B. 568), Sec. 4, eff. June 20, 2025.
Entered: October 22, 2025

19 Texas Administrative Code § 74.12. Foundation High School Program.

(a) Credits. A student must earn at least 22 credits to complete the Foundation High School Program.

(b) Core courses. A student must demonstrate proficiency in the following.

(1) English language arts--four credits. Two of the credits must consist of English I and II. (Students with limited English proficiency who are at the beginning or intermediate level of English language proficiency, as defined by §74.4(d) of this title (relating to English Language Proficiency Standards), may satisfy the English I and English II graduation requirements by successfully completing English I for Speakers of Other Languages and English II for Speakers of Other Languages.) A third credit must consist of English III, a comparable Advanced Placement (AP) English language arts course that does not count toward another credit required for graduation, or a comparable International Baccalaureate (IB) English language arts course that meets all the requirements in §110.33 of this title (relating to English Language Arts and Reading, English III (One Credit), Beginning with School Year 2009-2010). A fourth credit may be selected from one full credit or a combination of two half credits from two different courses, subject to prerequisite requirements, from the following courses:

(A) English IV;

(B) Independent Study in English;

(C) Literary Genres;

(D) Creative Writing;

(E) Research and Technical Writing;

(F) Humanities;

(G) Public Speaking III;

(H) Communication Applications, which must be combined with another half credit from the other courses listed in subparagraphs (A)-(G) and (I)-(S) of this paragraph;

(I) Oral Interpretation III;

(J) Debate III;

(K) Independent Study in Speech;

(L) Independent Study in Journalism;

(M) Advanced Broadcast Journalism III;

(N) Advanced Journalism: Newspaper III;

(O) Advanced Journalism: Yearbook III;

(P) a comparable Advanced Placement (AP) English language arts course that does not count toward another credit required for graduation;

(Q) a comparable International Baccalaureate (IB) English language arts course that meets all the requirements in §110.34 of this title (relating to English Language Arts and Reading, English IV (One Credit), Beginning with School Year 2009-2010);

(R) after the successful completion of English I, II, and III, a locally developed English language arts course or other activity, including an apprenticeship or training hours needed to obtain an industry-recognized credential or certificate that is developed pursuant to the Texas Education Code (TEC), §28.002(g-1);

(S) Business English; and

(T) a college preparatory English language arts course that is developed pursuant to the TEC, §28.014.

(2) Mathematics--three credits. Two of the credits must consist of Algebra I and Geometry.

(A) The additional credit may be selected from one full credit or a combination of two half credits from two different courses, subject to prerequisite requirements, from the following courses or a credit selected from the courses listed in subparagraph (B) of this paragraph:

(i) Mathematical Models with Applications;

(ii) Mathematical Applications in Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources;

(iii) Digital Electronics;

(iv) Financial Mathematics;

(v) Applied Mathematics for Technical Professionals;

(vi) Accounting II;

(vii) Manufacturing Engineering Technology II; and

(viii) Robotics II.

(B) The additional credit may be selected from one full credit or a combination of two half credits from two different courses, subject to prerequisite requirements, from the following courses:

(i) Algebra II;

(ii) Precalculus;

(iii) Advanced Quantitative Reasoning;

(iv) Independent Study in Mathematics;

(v) Discrete Mathematics for Problem Solving;

(vi) Algebraic Reasoning;

(vii) Statistics;

(viii) a comparable AP mathematics course that does not count toward another credit required for graduation;

(ix) AP Computer Science A;

(x) IB Computer Science Higher Level;

(xi) Engineering Mathematics;

(xii) Statistics and Business Decision Making;

(xiii) Mathematics for Medical Professionals;

(xiv) Discrete Mathematics for Computer Science;

(xv) pursuant to the TEC, §28.025(b-5), after the successful completion of Algebra II, a mathematics course endorsed by an institution of higher education as a course for which the institution would award course credit or as a prerequisite for a course for which the institution would award course credit. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) shall maintain a current list of courses offered under this clause; and

(xvi) after the successful completion of Algebra I and Geometry, a locally developed mathematics course or other activity, including an apprenticeship or training hours needed to obtain an industry-recognized credential or certificate that is developed pursuant to the TEC, §28.002(g-1).

(C) One credit of a two-credit IB mathematics course selected from Chapter 111 of this title (relating to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Mathematics) may satisfy the additional mathematics credit.

(3) Science--three credits. One credit must consist of Biology or a comparable AP or IB biology course.

(A) One credit must be selected from the following laboratory-based courses:

(i) Integrated Physics and Chemistry;

(ii) Chemistry;

(iii) Physics;

(iv) Physics for Engineering; and

(v) a comparable AP or IB chemistry or physics course that does not count toward another credit required for graduation.

(B) The additional credit may be selected from one full credit or a combination of two half credits from two different courses, subject to prerequisite requirements, from the following laboratory-based courses:

(i) Chemistry;

(ii) Physics;

(iii) Aquatic Science;

(iv) Astronomy;

(v) Earth Systems Science;

(vi) Environmental Systems;

(vii) Specialized Topics in Science;

(viii) a comparable AP science course that does not count toward another credit required for graduation;

(ix) Advanced Animal Science;

(x) Advanced Plant and Soil Science;

(xi) Anatomy and Physiology;

(xii) Medical Microbiology;

(xiii) Pathophysiology;

(xiv) Food Science;

(xv) Forensic Science;

(xvi) Biotechnology I;

(xvii) Biotechnology II;

(xviii) Physics for Engineering;

(xix) Scientific Research and Design;

(xx) Engineering Design and Problem Solving;

(xxi) Engineering Science;

(xxii) pursuant to the TEC, §28.025(b-5), after the successful completion of physics, a science course endorsed by an institution of higher education as a course for which the institution would award course credit or as a prerequisite for a course for which the institution would award course credit. The TEA shall maintain a current list of courses offered under this clause;

(xxiii) a locally developed science course or other activity, including an apprenticeship or training hours needed to obtain an industry-recognized credential or certificate that is developed pursuant to the TEC, §28.002(g-1); and

(xxiv) one credit of a two-credit IB science course selected from Chapter 112 of this title (relating to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Science).

(C) Credit may not be earned for both physics and Physics for Engineering to satisfy science credit requirements.

(4) Social studies--three credits.

(A) One credit must consist of United States History Studies Since 1877.

(B) One-half credit must consist of United States Government.

(C) One-half credit must be selected from the following:

(i) Economics with Emphasis on the Free Enterprise System and Its Benefits; or

(ii) Personal Financial Literacy/Economics.

(D) One credit must be selected from the following:

(i) World History Studies;

(ii) World Geography Studies; or

(iii) a comparable AP or IB world history or world geography course that does not count toward another credit required for graduation.

(5) Languages other than English (LOTE)--two credits.

(A) The credits may be selected from the following:

(i) any two levels in the same language, including comparable AP or IB language courses that do not count toward another credit required for graduation; or

(ii) two credits in computer programming languages, including computer coding, to be selected from Computer Science I, II, and III, AP Computer Science Principles, AP Computer Science A, IB Computer Science Standard Level, and IB Computer Science Higher Level.

(B) A single two-credit IB LOTE course may only satisfy one LOTE requirement.

(C) If a student, in completing the first credit of LOTE, demonstrates that the student is unlikely to be able to complete the second credit, the student may substitute another appropriate course as follows:

(i) Special Topics in Language and Culture;

(ii) World History Studies or World Geography Studies for a student who is not required to complete both by the local district;

(iii) another credit selected from Chapter 114 of this title (relating to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Languages Other Than English); or

(iv) computer programming languages, including computer coding.

(D) The determination regarding a student's ability to complete the second credit of LOTE must be agreed to by:

(i) the teacher of the first LOTE credit course or another LOTE teacher designated by the school district, the principal or designee, and the student's parent or person standing in parental relation;

(ii) the student's admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) committee if the student receives special education services under the TEC, Chapter 29, Subchapter A; or

(iii) the committee established for the student under Section 504, Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 United States Code, Section 794) if the student does not receive special education services under the TEC, Chapter 29, Subchapter A, but is covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

(E) A student, who due to a disability, is unable to complete two credits in the same language in a language other than English, may substitute a combination of two credits that are not being used to satisfy another specific graduation requirement selected from English language arts, mathematics, science, or social studies or two credits in career and technical education for the LOTE credit requirements. The determination regarding a student's ability to complete the LOTE credit requirements will be made by:

(i) the student's ARD committee if the student receives special education services under the TEC, Chapter 29, Subchapter A; or

(ii) the committee established for the student under Section 504, Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 United States Code, Section 794) if the student does not receive special education services under the TEC, Chapter 29, Subchapter A, but is covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

(F) A student who successfully completes a dual language immersion/two-way or dual language immersion/one-way program in accordance with §89.1210(d)(3) and (4) of this title (relating to Program Content and Design), §89.1227 of this title (relating to Minimum Requirements for Dual Language Immersion Program Model), and §89.1228 of this title (relating to Two-Way Dual Language Immersion Program Model Implementation) at an elementary school may satisfy one credit of the two credits required in a language other than English.

(i) To successfully complete a dual language immersion program, a student must:

(I) have participated in a dual language immersion program for at least five consecutive school years;

(II) achieve high levels of academic competence as demonstrated by performance of meets or masters grade level on both the mathematics and reading State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR®) in English or Spanish, as applicable, in at least one grade level; and

(III) achieve proficiency in both English and a language other than English as demonstrated by scores of proficient or higher in the reading and speaking domains on language proficiency or achievement tests in both languages.

(ii) The second credit of a language other than English must be in the same language as the successfully completed dual language immersion program.

(G) A student who successfully completes a course in American Sign Language while in elementary school may satisfy one credit of the two credits required in a language other than English.

(6) Physical education--one credit.

(A) The required credit may be selected from one full credit or a combination of two half credits from two different courses from the following courses:

(i) Lifetime Fitness and Wellness Pursuits;

(ii) Lifetime Recreation and Outdoor Pursuits; and

(iii) Skill-Based Lifetime Activities.

(B) In accordance with local district policy, the required credit may be earned through completion of any Texas essential knowledge and skills-based course that meets the requirement in subparagraph (E) of this paragraph for 100 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per five-day school week and that is not being used to satisfy another specific graduation requirement.

(C) In accordance with local district policy, credit for any of the courses listed in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph may be earned through participation in the following activities:

(i) Athletics;

(ii) Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC); and

(iii) appropriate private or commercially sponsored physical activity programs conducted on or off campus. The district must apply to the commissioner of education for approval of such programs, which may be substituted for state graduation credit in physical education. Such approval may be granted under the following conditions.

(I) Olympic-level participation and/or competition includes a minimum of 15 hours per week of highly intensive, professional, supervised training. The training facility, instructors, and the activities involved in the program must be certified by the superintendent to be of exceptional quality. Students qualifying and participating at this level may be dismissed from school one hour per day. Students dismissed may not miss any class other than physical education.

(II) Private or commercially sponsored physical activities include those certified by the superintendent to be of high quality and well supervised by appropriately trained instructors. Student participation of at least five hours per week must be required. Students certified to participate at this level may not be dismissed from any part of the regular school day.

(D) In accordance with local district policy, up to one credit for any one of the courses listed in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph may be earned through participation in any of the following activities:

(i) Drill Team;

(ii) Marching Band; and

(iii) Cheerleading.

(E) All substitution activities allowed in subparagraphs (B)-(D) of this paragraph must include at least 100 minutes per five-day school week of moderate to vigorous physical activity.

(F) Credit may not be earned more than once for the courses identified in subparagraph (A)(i) and (iii) of this paragraph. Credit may not be earned more than twice for the course identified in subparagraph (A)(ii) of this paragraph. No more than four substitution credits may be earned through any combination of substitutions allowed in subparagraphs (B)-(D) of this paragraph.

(G) A student who is unable to participate in physical activity due to disability or illness may substitute an academic elective credit (English language arts, mathematics, science, or social studies) or a course that is offered for credit as provided by the TEC, §28.002(g-1), for the physical education credit requirement. The determination regarding a student's ability to participate in physical activity will be made by:

(i) the student's ARD committee if the student receives special education services under the TEC, Chapter 29, Subchapter A;

(ii) the committee established for the student under Section 504, Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 United States Code, Section 794) if the student does not receive special education services under the TEC, Chapter 29, Subchapter A, but is covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; or

(iii) a committee established by the school district of persons with appropriate knowledge regarding the student if each of the committees described by clauses (i) and (ii) of this subparagraph is inapplicable. This committee shall follow the same procedures required of an ARD or a Section 504 committee.

(7) Fine arts--one credit.

(A) The credit may be selected from the following courses subject to prerequisite requirements:

(i) Art, Level I, II, III, or IV;

(ii) Dance, Level I, II, III, or IV;

(iii) Music, Level I, II, III, or IV;

(iv) Music Studies;

(v) Theatre, Level I, II, III, or IV;

(vi) Musical Theatre, Level I, II, III, or IV;

(vii) Technical Theatre, Level I, II, III, or IV;

(viii) IB Film Standard or Higher Level;

(ix) Floral Design;

(x) Digital Art and Animation; and

(xi) 3-D Modeling and Animation.

(B) In accordance with local district policy, credit may be earned through participation in a community-based fine arts program not provided by the school district in which the student is enrolled. The district must apply to the commissioner of education for approval of such programs, which may be substituted for state graduation credit in fine arts. Approval may be granted if the fine arts program provides instruction in the essential knowledge and skills identified for a fine arts course as defined by Chapter 117, Subchapter C, of this title (relating to High School, Adopted 2013).

(c) Elective courses--five credits. The credits must be selected from the list of courses specified in §74.11(g) or (h) of this title (relating to High School Graduation Requirements) or from a locally developed course or activity developed pursuant to the TEC, §28.002(g-1), for which a student may receive credit and that does not satisfy a specific course requirement.

(d) Substitutions. No substitutions are allowed in the Foundation High School Program, except as specified in this chapter.

Last Amended:   August 1, 2025, 50 TexReg 3569.
Entered:  October 22, 2025

19 Texas Administrative Code § 74.13. Endorsements.

(a) A student shall specify in writing an endorsement the student intends to earn upon entering Grade 9.

(b) A district shall permit a student to enroll in courses under more than one endorsement before the student's junior year and to choose, at any time, to earn an endorsement other than the endorsement the student previously indicated. This section does not entitle a student to remain enrolled to earn more than 26 credits.

(c) A student must earn at least 26 credits to earn an endorsement.

(d) A school district may define advanced courses and determine a coherent sequence of courses for an endorsement area, provided that prerequisites in Chapters 110-117, 127, and 130 of this title are followed.

(e) To earn an endorsement a student must demonstrate proficiency in the following.

(1) The curriculum requirements for the Foundation High School Program as defined by §74.12 of this title (relating to Foundation High School Program).

(2) A fourth credit in mathematics that may be selected from one full credit or a combination of two half credits from two different courses, subject to prerequisite requirements, from the following courses:

(A) Algebra II;

(B) Precalculus;

(C) Advanced Quantitative Reasoning;

(D) Independent Study in Mathematics;

(E) Discrete Mathematics for Problem Solving;

(F) Algebraic Reasoning;

(G) Statistics;

(H) a comparable Advanced Placement (AP) mathematics course that does not count toward another credit required for graduation;

(I) AP Computer Science A;

(J) International Baccalaureate (IB) Computer Science Higher Level;

(K) Engineering Mathematics;

(L) Statistics and Business Decision Making;

(M) Mathematics for Medical Professionals;

(N) Discrete Mathematics for Computer Science;

(O) pursuant to the Texas Education Code (TEC), §28.025(b-5), after the successful completion of Algebra II, a mathematics course endorsed by an institution of higher education as a course for which the institution would award course credit or as a prerequisite for a course for which the institution would award course credit. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) shall maintain a current list of courses offered under this subparagraph; and

(P) after the successful completion of Algebra I and Geometry, a locally developed mathematics course or other activity, including an apprenticeship or training hours needed to obtain an industry-recognized credential or certificate that is developed pursuant to the TEC, §28.002(g-1).

(3) A student may complete a course listed in paragraph (2) of this subsection before or after completing a course listed in §74.12(b)(2)(A) of this title.

(4) The fourth mathematics credit may be a college preparatory mathematics course that is developed and offered pursuant to the TEC, §28.014.

(5) The fourth mathematics credit may be satisfied with one credit of a two-credit IB mathematics course selected from Chapter 111 of this title (relating to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Mathematics) that does not count toward another credit required for graduation.

(6) An additional credit in science that may be selected from one full credit or a combination of two half credits from two different courses, subject to prerequisite requirements, from the following courses:

(A) Chemistry;

(B) Physics;

(C) Aquatic Science;

(D) Astronomy;

(E) Earth Systems Science;

(F) Environmental Systems;

(G) Specialized Topics in Science;

(H) a comparable AP science course that does not count toward another credit required for graduation;

(I) Advanced Animal Science;

(J) Advanced Plant and Soil Science;

(K) Anatomy and Physiology;

(L) Medical Microbiology;

(M) Pathophysiology;

(N) Food Science;

(O) Forensic Science;

(P) Biotechnology I;

(Q) Biotechnology II;

(R) Physics for Engineering;

(S) Scientific Research and Design;

(T) Engineering Design and Problem Solving;

(U) Engineering Science;

(V) pursuant to the TEC, §28.025(b-5), after the successful completion of physics, a science course endorsed by an institution of higher education as a course for which the institution would award course credit or as a prerequisite for a course for which the institution would award course credit. The TEA shall maintain a current list of courses offered under this subparagraph;

(W) a locally developed science course or other activity, including an apprenticeship or training hours needed to obtain an industry-recognized credential or certificate that is developed pursuant to the TEC, §28.002(g-1);

(X) pursuant to the TEC, §28.025(c-3), a student pursuing an arts and humanities endorsement who has the written permission of the student's parent or a person standing in parental relation to the student may substitute a course that is not being used to satisfy another specific graduation requirement selected from:

(i) Chapter 110 of this title (relating to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for English Language Arts and Reading);

(ii) Chapter 113 of this title (relating to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Social Studies);

(iii) Chapter 114 of this title (relating to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Languages Other Than English); or

(iv) Chapter 117 of this title (relating to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Fine Arts); and

(Y) credit may not be earned for both physics and Physics for Engineering to satisfy science credit requirements.

(Z) The fourth science credit may be satisfied with one credit of a two-credit IB science course selected from Chapter 112 of this title (relating to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Science) that does not count toward another credit required for graduation.

(7) Two additional elective credits that may be selected from the list of courses specified in §74.11(g) or (h) of this title (relating to High School Graduation Requirements).

(f) A student may earn any of the following endorsements.

(1) Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Students who entered high school prior to the 2022-2023 school year may earn a STEM endorsement by completing the requirements specified in subsection (e) of this section, including Algebra II, chemistry, and physics or Physics for Engineering and:

(A) a coherent sequence of courses for four or more credits in career and technical education (CTE) that consists of at least two courses in the same career cluster and at least one advanced CTE course. The courses may be selected from Chapter 127 of this title (relating to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Career Development and Career and Technical Education) or CTE innovative courses. The final course in the sequence must be selected from Chapter 127, Subchapter O, of this title (relating to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) as it existed prior to August 1, 2025, or Career Preparation I or II (Career Preparation General or Career Preparation for Programs of Study) and Project-Based Research (Career and Technical Education Project-Based Capstone) in Chapter 127, Subchapter B, of this title (relating to High School), if the course addresses a STEM-related field;

(B) courses required to complete a TEA-designated program of study related to STEM;

(C) three credits in mathematics by successfully completing Algebra II and two additional mathematics courses for which Algebra II is a prerequisite by selecting courses from subsection (e)(2) of this section;

(D) four credits in science by successfully completing chemistry, physics, and two additional science courses by selecting courses from subsection (e)(6) of this section; or

(E) in addition to Algebra II, chemistry, and physics, a coherent sequence of three additional credits from no more than two of the categories or disciplines represented by subparagraphs (A), (B), (C), and (D) of this paragraph.

(2) Business and industry. Students who entered high school prior to the 2022-2023 school year may earn a business and industry endorsement by completing the requirements specified in subsection (e) of this section and:

(A) a coherent sequence of courses for four or more credits in CTE that consists of at least two courses in the same career cluster and at least one advanced CTE course. The courses may be selected from Chapter 127 of this title or CTE innovative courses. The final course in the sequence must be selected from one of the following:

(i) Chapter 127, Subchapter C, of this title (related to Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources);

(ii) Chapter 127, Subchapter D, of this title (relating to Architecture and Construction;

(iii) Chapter 127, Subchapter E, of this title (relating to Arts, Audio/Video Technology, and Communications);

(iv) Chapter 127, Subchapter F, of this title (relating to Business, Marketing, and Finance);

(v) Chapter 127, Subchapter H, of this title (relating to Energy);

(vi) Chapter 127, Subchapter K, of this title (relating to Hospitality and Tourism);

(vii) Chapter 127, Subchapter M, of this title (relating to Information Technology);

(viii) Chapter 127, Subchapter O, of this title (relating to Manufacturing);

(ix) Chapter 127, Subchapter P, of this title (relating to Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics); or

(x) Career Preparation I or II (Career Preparation General or Career Preparation for Programs of Study) and Project-Based Research (Career and Technical Education Project-Based Capstone) in Chapter 127, Subchapter B, of this title if the course addresses a career from a field listed in clauses (i)-(ix) of this subparagraph;

(B) courses required to complete a TEA-designated program of study related to business and industry;

(C) four English credits by selecting courses from Chapter 110 of this title to include three levels in one of the following areas:

(i) public speaking;

(ii) debate;

(iii) advanced broadcast journalism;

(iv) advanced journalism: newspaper;

(v) advanced journalism: yearbook; or

(vi) advanced journalism: literary magazine; or

(D) a coherent sequence of four credits from subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) of this paragraph.

(3) Public services. Students who entered high school prior to the 2022-2023 school year may earn a public services endorsement by completing the requirements specified in subsection (e) of this section and:

(A) a coherent sequence of courses for four or more credits in CTE that consists of at least two courses in the same career cluster and at least one advanced CTE course. The courses may be selected from Chapter 127 of this title or CTE innovative courses. The final course in the sequence must be selected from one of the following:

(i) Chapter 127, Subchapter G, of this title (relating to Education and Training);

(ii) Chapter 127, Subchapter J, of this title (relating to Health Science);

(iii) Chapter 127, Subchapter L, of this title (relating to Human Services);

(iv) Chapter 127, Subchapter N, of this title (relating to Law and Public Service); or

(v) Career Preparation I or II (Career Preparation General or Career Preparation for Programs of Study) and Project-Based Research (Career and Technical Education Project-Based Capstone) in Chapter 127, Subchapter B, of this title if the course addresses a field from a cluster listed in clauses (i)-(iv) of this subparagraph;

(B) courses required to complete a TEA-designated program of study related to public services; or

(C) four courses in Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC).

(4) Arts and humanities. A student may earn an arts and humanities endorsement by completing the requirements specified in subsection (e) of this section and:

(A) five social studies credits by selecting courses from Chapter 113 of this title; or

(B) four levels of the same language in a language other than English by selecting courses in accordance with Chapter 114 of this title, which may include Advanced Language for Career Applications; or

(C) two levels of the same language in a language other than English and two levels of a different language in a language other than English by selecting courses in accordance with Chapter 114 of this title; or

(D) four levels of American sign language by selecting courses in accordance with Chapter 114 of this title; or

(E) a coherent sequence of four credits by selecting courses from one or two categories or disciplines in fine arts from Chapter 117 of this title or innovative courses approved by the commissioner; or

(F) four English credits by selecting from the following:

(i) English IV; or

(ii) Independent Study in English; or

(iii) Literary Genres; or

(iv) Creative Writing; or

(v) Research and Technical Writing; or

(vi) Humanities; or

(vii) Communication Applications; or

(viii) AP English Literature and Composition; or

(ix) AP English Language and Composition; or

(x) IB Language Studies A: Language and Literature Standard Level; or

(xi) IB Language Studies A: Language and Literature Higher Level; or

(xii) IB Language Studies A: Literature Standard Level; or

(xiii) IB Language Studies A: Literature Higher Level; or

(xiv) IB Literature and Performance Standard Level.

(5) Multidisciplinary studies. A student may earn a multidisciplinary studies endorsement by completing the requirements specified in subsection (e) of this section and:

(A) four advanced courses that prepare a student to enter the workforce successfully or postsecondary education without remediation from within one endorsement area or among endorsement areas that are not in a coherent sequence; or

(B) four credits in each of the four foundation subject areas to include chemistry and/or physics and English IV or a comparable AP or IB English course; or

(C) four credits in Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, or dual credit selected from English, mathematics, science, social studies, economics, languages other than English, or fine arts.

(6) STEM. Students who entered high school in the 2022-2023 school year or later may earn a STEM endorsement by completing the requirements specified in subsection (e) of this section, including Algebra II, chemistry, and physics or Physics for Engineering and:

(A) courses required to be designated a CTE completer in one of the following TEA-approved programs of study related to STEM:

(i) biomedical sciences;

(ii) civil engineering;

(iii) cybersecurity;

(iv) electrical engineering;

(v) engineering foundations;

(vi) geospatial engineering and land surveying;

(vii) mechanical and aerospace engineering;

(viii) networking systems;

(ix) nursing science;

(x) programming and software development;

(xi) renewable energy;

(xii) robotics and automation technology; or

(xiii) web development;

(B) three credits in mathematics by successfully completing Algebra II and two additional mathematics courses for which Algebra II is a prerequisite by selecting courses from subsection (e)(2) of this section;

(C) four credits in science by successfully completing chemistry, physics, and two additional science courses by selecting courses from subsection (e)(6) of this section; or

(D) in addition to chemistry, physics, and Algebra II, one additional mathematics course listed in subsection (e)(2) of this section for which Algebra II is a prerequisite and one additional science course listed in subsection (e)(6) of this section.

(7) Business and industry. Students who entered high school in the 2022-2023 school year or later may earn a business and industry endorsement by completing the requirements specified in subsection (e) of this section and:

(A) courses required to be designated a CTE completer in one of the following TEA-approved programs of study related to business and industry:

(i) accounting and financial services;

(ii) agriculture business, leadership, and communications;

(iii) agricultural technology and mechanical systems;

(iv) animal science;

(v) architectural drafting and design;

(vi) automotive and collision repair;

(vii) aviation maintenance;

(viii) aviation pilots;

(ix) business management;

(x) carpentry;

(xi) construction management and inspection;

(xii) cosmetology;

(xiii) culinary arts;

(xiv) diesel and heavy equipment maintenance and commercial drivers;

(xv) digital communications;

(xvi) distribution, logistics, and warehousing;

(xvii) drone (unmanned vehicle);

(xviii) electrical;

(xix) entrepreneurship;

(xx) environmental and natural resources;

(xxi) food science and technology;

(xxii) graphic design and interactive media;

(xxiii) HVAC and sheet metal;

(xxiv) industrial maintenance;

(xxv) information technology support and services;

(xxvi) lodging and resort management;

(xxvii) manufacturing technology;

(xxviii) maritime;

(xxix) marketing and sales;

(xxx) masonry;

(xxxi) oil and gas exploration and production;

(xxxii) plant science;

(xxxiii) plumbing and pipefitting;

(xxxiv) printing and imaging;

(xxxv) real estate;

(xxxvi) refining and chemical processes;

(xxxvii) retail management;

(xxxviii) travel, tourism, and attractions; or

(xxxix) welding;

(B) courses required to be designated a CTE completer in one of the following TEA-approved programs of study related to business and industry, if the mathematics and science requirements for the STEM endorsement are not met:

(i) civil engineering;

(ii) cybersecurity;

(iii) electrical engineering;

(iv) engineering foundations;

(v) geospatial engineering and land surveying;

(vi) mechanical and aerospace engineering;

(vii) networking systems;

(viii) programming and software development;

(ix) renewable energy;

(x) robotics and automation technology; or

(xi) web development; or

(C) four English credits by selecting courses from Chapter 110 of this title to include three levels in one of the following areas:

(i) public speaking;

(ii) debate;

(iii) advanced broadcast journalism;

(iv) advanced journalism: newspaper;

(v) advanced journalism: yearbook; or

(vi) advanced journalism: literary magazine.

(8) Public services. Students who entered high school in the 2022-2023 school year or later may earn a public services endorsement by completing the requirements specified in subsection (e) of this section and:

(A) courses required to be designated a CTE completer in one of the following TEA-approved programs of study related to public services:

(i) biomedical science, if the mathematics and science requirements for the STEM are not met;

(ii) diagnostic and therapeutic services;

(iii) early learning;

(iv) exercise science, wellness, and restoration;

(v) family and community services;

(vi) fire science;

(vii) government and public administration;

(viii) health and wellness;

(ix) health informatics;

(x) law enforcement;

(xi) legal studies;

(xii) nursing science, if the mathematics and science requirements for the STEM are not met; or

(xiii) teaching and training; or

(B) four courses in Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC).

(g) A course completed as part of the set of four courses needed to satisfy an endorsement requirement may also satisfy a requirement under §74.12(b) and (c) of this title and subsection (e)(2), (4), (5), and (6) of this section, including an elective requirement. The same course may count as part of the set of four courses for more than one endorsement.

Last Amended:  August 1, 2025, 50 TexReg 3569.

Entered:  October 22, 2025

 19 Texas Administrative Code § 89.1070. Graduation Requirements. 

. . . 

(c) A student receiving special education services may earn an endorsement under §74.13 of this title (relating to Endorsements) if the student:

   (1) satisfactorily completes the requirements for graduation under the Foundation High School Program specified in §74.12 of this title as well as the additional credit requirements in mathematics, science, and elective courses as specified in §74.13(e) of this title with or without modified curriculum;

   (2) satisfactorily completes the courses required for the endorsement under §74.13(f) of this title without any modified curriculum or with modification of the curriculum, provided that the curriculum, as modified, is sufficiently rigorous as determined by the student's ARD committee; and

   (3) performs satisfactorily as established in TEC, Chapter 39, on the required end-of-course assessment instruments unless the student's ARD committee determines that satisfactory performance is not required.

. . . 

Last amended: November 7, 2024, 49 TexReg 8712

Entered: April 8, 2025

 

Texas Education Code § 28.025. High School Diploma and Certificate; Academic Achievement Record.  

(c-7)  Subject to Subsection (c-8), a student who is enrolled in a special education program under Subchapter A, Chapter 29, may earn the distinguished level of achievement 
          under Subsection (b-15) or an endorsement on the student's transcript under Subsection (c-1) by:
      (1)  successfully completing, with or without modification of the curriculum:
          (A)  the curriculum requirements identified by the State Board of Education under Subsection (a);
          (B)  for the distinguished level of achievement, the additional curriculum requirements prescribed under Subsection (b-15); and
          (C)  for an endorsement, the additional curriculum requirements prescribed by the State Board of Education under Subsection (c-2); and
      (2)  successfully completing all curriculum requirements for the distinguished level of achievement or that endorsement adopted by the State Board of Education:
          (A)  without modification of the curriculum; or
          (B)  with modification of the curriculum, provided that the curriculum, as modified, is sufficiently rigorous as determined by the student's admission, review, and 
                 dismissal committee and documented in the student's individualized education program.

. . . 


Last Amended: 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1137 (S.B. 568), Sec. 4, eff. June 20, 2025.
Entered: October 22, 2025

19 Texas Administrative Code § 89.1070. Graduation Requirements.  

. . . 
. . . 

Texas Education Code § 28.025. High School Diploma and Certificate; Academic Achievement Record.  

(c-7)  Subject to Subsection (c-8), a student who is enrolled in a special education program under Subchapter A, Chapter 29, may earn the distinguished level of achievement 
          under Subsection (b-15) or an endorsement on the student's transcript under Subsection (c-1) by:
      (1)  successfully completing, with or without modification of the curriculum:
          (A)  the curriculum requirements identified by the State Board of Education under Subsection (a);
          (B)  for the distinguished level of achievement, the additional curriculum requirements prescribed under Subsection (b-15); and
          (C)  for an endorsement, the additional curriculum requirements prescribed by the State Board of Education under Subsection (c-2); and

. . . 


Last Amended: 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1137 (S.B. 568), Sec. 4, eff. June 20, 2025.
Entered: October 22, 2025

19 Texas Administrative Code § 89.1070. Graduation Requirements.  

. . . 
. . . 

Texas Education Code § 28.025. High School Diploma and Certificate; Academic Achievement Record.  

(a) The State Board of Education by rule shall determine curriculum requirements for the foundation high school program that are consistent with the required curriculum under Section 28.002. The State Board of Education shall designate the specific courses in the foundation curriculum under Section 28.002(a)(1) required under the foundation high school program. Except as provided by this section, the State Board of Education may not designate a specific course or a specific number of credits in the enrichment curriculum as requirements for the program.
. . . 

Texas Education Code § 28.025. High School Diploma and Certificate; Academic Achievement Record.  

           (A)  the curriculum requirements identified by the State Board of Education under Subsection (a);

. . . 

Last Amended: 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1137 (S.B. 568), Sec. 4, eff. June 20, 2025.
Entered: October 22, 2025

19 Texas Administrative Code § 74.13. Endorsements.

...

(e) To earn an endorsement a student must demonstrate proficiency in the following.

(1) The curriculum requirements for the Foundation High School Program as defined by §74.12 of this title (relating to Foundation High School Program).

(2) A fourth credit in mathematics that may be selected from one full credit or a combination of two half credits from two different courses, subject to prerequisite requirements, from the following courses:

(A) Algebra II;

(B) Precalculus;

(C) Advanced Quantitative Reasoning;

(D) Independent Study in Mathematics;

(E) Discrete Mathematics for Problem Solving;

(F) Algebraic Reasoning;

(G) Statistics;

(H) a comparable Advanced Placement (AP) mathematics course that does not count toward another credit required for graduation;

(I) AP Computer Science A;

(J) International Baccalaureate (IB) Computer Science Higher Level;

(K) Engineering Mathematics;

(L) Statistics and Business Decision Making;

(M) Mathematics for Medical Professionals;

(N) Discrete Mathematics for Computer Science;

(O) pursuant to the Texas Education Code (TEC), §28.025(b-5), after the successful completion of Algebra II, a mathematics course endorsed by an institution of higher education as a course for which the institution would award course credit or as a prerequisite for a course for which the institution would award course credit. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) shall maintain a current list of courses offered under this subparagraph; and

(P) after the successful completion of Algebra I and Geometry, a locally developed mathematics course or other activity, including an apprenticeship or training hours needed to obtain an industry-recognized credential or certificate that is developed pursuant to the TEC, §28.002(g-1).

(3) A student may complete a course listed in paragraph (2) of this subsection before or after completing a course listed in §74.12(b)(2)(A) of this title.

(4) The fourth mathematics credit may be a college preparatory mathematics course that is developed and offered pursuant to the TEC, §28.014.

(5) The fourth mathematics credit may be satisfied with one credit of a two-credit IB mathematics course selected from Chapter 111 of this title (relating to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Mathematics) that does not count toward another credit required for graduation.

(6) An additional credit in science that may be selected from one full credit or a combination of two half credits from two different courses, subject to prerequisite requirements, from the following courses:

(A) Chemistry;

(B) Physics;

(C) Aquatic Science;

(D) Astronomy;

(E) Earth Systems Science;

(F) Environmental Systems;

(G) Specialized Topics in Science;

(H) a comparable AP science course that does not count toward another credit required for graduation;

(I) Advanced Animal Science;

(J) Advanced Plant and Soil Science;

(K) Anatomy and Physiology;

(L) Medical Microbiology;

(M) Pathophysiology;

(N) Food Science;

(O) Forensic Science;

(P) Biotechnology I;

(Q) Biotechnology II;

(R) Principles of Technology;

(S) Scientific Research and Design;

(T) Engineering Design and Problem Solving;

(U) Engineering Science;

(V) pursuant to the TEC, §28.025(b-5), after the successful completion of physics, a science course endorsed by an institution of higher education as a course for which the institution would award course credit or as a prerequisite for a course for which the institution would award course credit. The TEA shall maintain a current list of courses offered under this subparagraph;

(W) a locally developed science course or other activity, including an apprenticeship or training hours needed to obtain an industry-recognized credential or certificate that is developed pursuant to the TEC, §28.002(g-1);

(X) pursuant to the TEC, §28.025(c-3), a student pursuing an arts and humanities endorsement who has the written permission of the student's parent or a person standing in parental relation to the student may substitute a course that is not being used to satisfy another specific graduation requirement selected from:

(i) Chapter 110 of this title (relating to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for English Language Arts and Reading);

(ii) Chapter 113 of this title (relating to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Social Studies);

(iii) Chapter 114 of this title (relating to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Languages Other Than English); or

(iv) Chapter 117 of this title (relating to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Fine Arts); and

(Y) credit may not be earned for both physics and Principles of Technology to satisfy science credit requirements.

(Z) The fourth science credit may be satisfied with one credit of a two-credit IB science course selected from Chapter 112 of this title (relating to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Science) that does not count toward another credit required for graduation.

(7) Two additional elective credits that may be selected from the list of courses specified in §74.11(g) or (h) of this title (relating to High School Graduation Requirements).

...

Last amended: August 1, 2025, 50 TexReg 3569.

Entered: Dec 11, 2025

19 Texas Administrative Code § 89.1070. Graduation Requirements.  

. . . 
. . . 

Texas Education Code § 28.025. High School Diploma and Certificate; Academic Achievement Record.  

(c-2) In adopting rules under Subsection (c-1), the State Board of Education shall:
      (1) require a student in order to earn any endorsement to successfully complete:
          (A) four credits in mathematics, which must include:
             (i) the courses described by Subsection (b-1)(2); and
             (ii) an additional advanced mathematics course authorized under Subsection (b-2) or an advanced career and technology course designated by the State Board of Education;
         (B) four credits in science, which must include:
             (i) the courses described by Subsection (b-1)(3); and
             (ii) an additional advanced science course authorized under Subsection (b-2) or an advanced career and technology course designated by the State Board of Education; and
         (C) two elective credits in addition to the elective credits required under Subsection (b-1)(6); and
            (2) develop additional curriculum requirements for each endorsement with the direct participation of educators and business, labor, and industry representatives, and shall require each school district to report to the agency the categories of endorsements under Subsection (c-1) for which the district offers all courses for curriculum requirements, as determined by board rule.
. . . 


Last Amended: 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 711 (H.B. 165), Sec. 1, eff. June 10, 2019
86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 625 (S.B. 1374), Sec. 1, eff. June 10, 2019
86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 739 (H.B. 678), Sec. 1, eff. June 10, 2019
86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 943 (H.B. 3), Sec. 2.014, eff. June 12, 2019
86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 14 (S.B. 213), Sec. 2, eff. May 7, 2019
86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 597 (S.B. 668), Sec. 1.05, eff. June 10, 2019
87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 321 (H.B. 1603), Sec. 2, eff. June 7, 2021
87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 433 (S.B. 1063), Sec. 1, eff. June 8, 2021
Entered: October 22, 2021

Texas Education Code § 28.025. High School Diploma and Certificate; Academic Achievement Record.  

(c-7) Subject to Subsection (c-8), a student who is enrolled in a special education program under Subchapter A, Chapter 29, may earn the distinguished level of achievement under Subsection (b-15) or an endorsement on the student's transcript under Subsection (c-1) by:
      (1)  successfully completing, with or without modification of the curriculum:

...

           (B) for the distinguished level of achievement, the additional curriculum requirements prescribed under Subsection (b-15); and

. . . 


Last Amended: 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1137 (S.B. 568), Sec. 4, eff. June 20, 2025.
Entered: October 22, 2025

19 Texas Administrative Code § 74.13. Endorsements.

...

(e) To earn an endorsement a student must demonstrate proficiency in the following.

(1) The curriculum requirements for the Foundation High School Program as defined by §74.12 of this title (relating to Foundation High School Program).

(2) A fourth credit in mathematics that may be selected from one full credit or a combination of two half credits from two different courses, subject to prerequisite requirements, from the following courses:

(A) Algebra II;

(B) Precalculus;

(C) Advanced Quantitative Reasoning;

(D) Independent Study in Mathematics;

(E) Discrete Mathematics for Problem Solving;

(F) Algebraic Reasoning;

(G) Statistics;

(H) a comparable Advanced Placement (AP) mathematics course that does not count toward another credit required for graduation;

(I) AP Computer Science A;

(J) International Baccalaureate (IB) Computer Science Higher Level;

(K) Engineering Mathematics;

(L) Statistics and Business Decision Making;

(M) Mathematics for Medical Professionals;

(N) Discrete Mathematics for Computer Science;

(O) pursuant to the Texas Education Code (TEC), §28.025(b-5), after the successful completion of Algebra II, a mathematics course endorsed by an institution of higher education as a course for which the institution would award course credit or as a prerequisite for a course for which the institution would award course credit. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) shall maintain a current list of courses offered under this subparagraph; and

(P) after the successful completion of Algebra I and Geometry, a locally developed mathematics course or other activity, including an apprenticeship or training hours needed to obtain an industry-recognized credential or certificate that is developed pursuant to the TEC, §28.002(g-1).

(3) A student may complete a course listed in paragraph (2) of this subsection before or after completing a course listed in §74.12(b)(2)(A) of this title.

(4) The fourth mathematics credit may be a college preparatory mathematics course that is developed and offered pursuant to the TEC, §28.014.

(5) The fourth mathematics credit may be satisfied with one credit of a two-credit IB mathematics course selected from Chapter 111 of this title (relating to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Mathematics) that does not count toward another credit required for graduation.

(6) An additional credit in science that may be selected from one full credit or a combination of two half credits from two different courses, subject to prerequisite requirements, from the following courses:

(A) Chemistry;

(B) Physics;

(C) Aquatic Science;

(D) Astronomy;

(E) Earth Systems Science;

(F) Environmental Systems;

(G) Specialized Topics in Science;

(H) a comparable AP science course that does not count toward another credit required for graduation;

(I) Advanced Animal Science;

(J) Advanced Plant and Soil Science;

(K) Anatomy and Physiology;

(L) Medical Microbiology;

(M) Pathophysiology;

(N) Food Science;

(O) Forensic Science;

(P) Biotechnology I;

(Q) Biotechnology II;

(R) Principles of Technology;

(S) Scientific Research and Design;

(T) Engineering Design and Problem Solving;

(U) Engineering Science;

(V) pursuant to the TEC, §28.025(b-5), after the successful completion of physics, a science course endorsed by an institution of higher education as a course for which the institution would award course credit or as a prerequisite for a course for which the institution would award course credit. The TEA shall maintain a current list of courses offered under this subparagraph;

(W) a locally developed science course or other activity, including an apprenticeship or training hours needed to obtain an industry-recognized credential or certificate that is developed pursuant to the TEC, §28.002(g-1);

(X) pursuant to the TEC, §28.025(c-3), a student pursuing an arts and humanities endorsement who has the written permission of the student's parent or a person standing in parental relation to the student may substitute a course that is not being used to satisfy another specific graduation requirement selected from:

(i) Chapter 110 of this title (relating to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for English Language Arts and Reading);

(ii) Chapter 113 of this title (relating to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Social Studies);

(iii) Chapter 114 of this title (relating to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Languages Other Than English); or

(iv) Chapter 117 of this title (relating to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Fine Arts); and

(Y) credit may not be earned for both physics and Principles of Technology to satisfy science credit requirements.

(Z) The fourth science credit may be satisfied with one credit of a two-credit IB science course selected from Chapter 112 of this title (relating to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Science) that does not count toward another credit required for graduation.

(7) Two additional elective credits that may be selected from the list of courses specified in §74.11(g) or (h) of this title (relating to High School Graduation Requirements).

...

Last amended: August 1, 2025, 50 TexReg 3569.

Entered: Dec 11, 2025

19 Texas Administrative Code § 89.1070. Graduation Requirements.  

. . . 
. . . 

Texas Education Code § 28.025. High School Diploma and Certificate; Academic Achievement Record.  

(c-2) In adopting rules under Subsection (c-1), the State Board of Education shall:
      (1) require a student in order to earn any endorsement to successfully complete:
          (A) four credits in mathematics, which must include:
             (i) the courses described by Subsection (b-1)(2); and
             (ii) an additional advanced mathematics course authorized under Subsection (b-2) or an advanced career and technology course designated by the State Board of Education;
         (B) four credits in science, which must include:
             (i) the courses described by Subsection (b-1)(3); and
             (ii) an additional advanced science course authorized under Subsection (b-2) or an advanced career and technology course designated by the State Board of Education; and
         (C) two elective credits in addition to the elective credits required under Subsection (b-1)(6); and
            (2) develop additional curriculum requirements for each endorsement with the direct participation of educators and business, labor, and industry representatives, and shall require each school district to report to the agency the categories of endorsements under Subsection (c-1) for which the district offers all courses for curriculum requirements, as determined by board rule.
. . . 


Last Amended: 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 711 (H.B. 165), Sec. 1, eff. June 10, 2019
86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 625 (S.B. 1374), Sec. 1, eff. June 10, 2019
86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 739 (H.B. 678), Sec. 1, eff. June 10, 2019
86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 943 (H.B. 3), Sec. 2.014, eff. June 12, 2019
86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 14 (S.B. 213), Sec. 2, eff. May 7, 2019
86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 597 (S.B. 668), Sec. 1.05, eff. June 10, 2019
87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 321 (H.B. 1603), Sec. 2, eff. June 7, 2021
87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 433 (S.B. 1063), Sec. 1, eff. June 8, 2021
Entered: October 22, 2021

Texas Education Code § 28.025. High School Diploma and Certificate; Academic Achievement Record. 

. . .

(c-7)  Subject to Subsection (c-8), a student who is enrolled in a special education program under Subchapter A, Chapter 29, may earn the distinguished level of achievement under Subsection (b-15) or an endorsement on the student's transcript under Subsection (c-1) by:
(1)  successfully completing, with or without modification of the curriculum:

...

   (C) for an endorsement, the additional curriculum requirements prescribed by the State Board of Education under Subsection (c-2); and

...

Last amended: 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1137 (S.B.568),Sec. 4, eff. June 20, 2025.

Entered: September 9, 2025

19 Texas Administrative Code § 74.13. Endorsements.

...

(f) A student may earn any of the following endorsements.

(1) Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Students who entered high school prior to the 2022-2023 school year may earn a STEM endorsement by completing the requirements specified in subsection (e) of this section, including Algebra II, chemistry, and physics or Principles of Technology and:

(A) a coherent sequence of courses for four or more credits in career and technical education (CTE) that consists of at least two courses in the same career cluster and at least one advanced CTE course. The courses may be selected from Chapter 130 of this title (relating to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Career and Technical Education), Chapter 127 of this title (relating to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Career Development and Career and Technical Education), or CTE innovative courses. The final course in the sequence must be selected from Chapter 127, Subchapter O, of this title (relating to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) or Career Preparation I or II (Career Preparation General or Career Preparation for Programs of Study) and Project-Based Research (Career and Technical Education Project-Based Capstone) in Chapter 127, Subchapter B, of this title (relating to High School), if the course addresses a STEM-related field;

(B) courses required to complete a TEA-designated program of study related to STEM;

(C) three credits in mathematics by successfully completing Algebra II and two additional mathematics courses for which Algebra II is a prerequisite by selecting courses from subsection (e)(2) of this section;

(D) four credits in science by successfully completing chemistry, physics, and two additional science courses by selecting courses from subsection (e)(6) of this section; or

(E) in addition to Algebra II, chemistry, and physics, a coherent sequence of three additional credits from no more than two of the categories or disciplines represented by subparagraphs (A), (B), (C), and (D) of this paragraph.

(2) Business and industry. Students who entered high school prior to the 2022-2023 school year may earn a business and industry endorsement by completing the requirements specified in subsection (e) of this section and:

(A) a coherent sequence of courses for four or more credits in CTE that consists of at least two courses in the same career cluster and at least one advanced CTE course. The courses may be selected from Chapter 130 of this title, Chapter 127 of this title, or CTE innovative courses. The final course in the sequence must be selected from one of the following:

(i) Chapter 127, Subchapter C, of this title (related to Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources);

(ii) Chapter 130, Subchapter A, of this title (relating to Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources);

(iii) Chapter 130, Subchapter B, of this title (relating to Architecture and Construction);

(iv) Chapter 130, Subchapter C, of this title (relating to Arts, Audio/Video Technology, and Communications);

(v) Chapter 127, Subchapter F, of this title (relating to Business, Marketing, and Finance);

(vi) Chapter 130, Subchapter D, of this title (relating to Business Management and Administration);

(vii) Chapter 130, Subchapter F, of this title (relating to Finance);

(viii) Chapter 127, Subchapter J, of this title (relating to Hospitality and Tourism);

(ix) Chapter 130, Subchapter K, of this title (relating to Information Technology);

(x) Chapter 130, Subchapter M, of this title (relating to Manufacturing);

(xi) Chapter 130, Subchapter N, of this title (relating to Marketing);

(xii) Chapter 127, Subchapter P, of this title (relating to Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics);

(xiii) Chapter 130, Subchapter P, of this title (relating to Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics);

(xiv) Chapter 130, Subchapter Q, of this title (relating to Energy); or

(xv) Career Preparation I or II (Career Preparation General or Career Preparation for Programs of Study) and Project-Based Research (Career and Technical Education Project-Based Capstone) in Chapter 127, Subchapter B, of this title if the course addresses a career from a field listed in clauses (i)-(xiv) of this subparagraph;

(B) courses required to complete a TEA-designated program of study related to business and industry;

(C) four English credits by selecting courses from Chapter 110 of this title to include three levels in one of the following areas:

(i) public speaking;

(ii) debate;

(iii) advanced broadcast journalism;

(iv) advanced journalism: newspaper;

(v) advanced journalism: yearbook; or

(vi) advanced journalism: literary magazine; or

(D) a coherent sequence of four credits from subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) of this paragraph.

(3) Public services. Students who entered high school prior to the 2022-2023 school year may earn a public services endorsement by completing the requirements specified in subsection (e) of this section and:

(A) a coherent sequence of courses for four or more credits in CTE that consists of at least two courses in the same career cluster and at least one advanced CTE course. The courses may be selected from Chapter 130 of this title, Chapter 127 of this title, or CTE innovative courses. The final course in the sequence must be selected from one of the following:

(i) Chapter 127, Subchapter G, of this title (relating to Education and Training);

(ii) Chapter 127, Subchapter I, of this title (relating to Health Science);

(iii) Chapter 130, Subchapter J, of this title (relating to Human Services);

(iv) Chapter 127, Subchapter M, of this title (relating to Law and Public Service); or

(v) Career Preparation I or II (Career Preparation General or Career Preparation for Programs of Study) and Project-Based Research (Career and Technical Education Project-Based Capstone) in Chapter 127, Subchapter B, of this title if the course addresses a field from a cluster listed in clauses (i)-(v) of this subparagraph;

(B) courses required to complete a TEA-designated program of study related to public services; or

(C) four courses in Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC).

(4) Arts and humanities. A student may earn an arts and humanities endorsement by completing the requirements specified in subsection (e) of this section and:

(A) five social studies credits by selecting courses from Chapter 113 of this title; or

(B) four levels of the same language in a language other than English by selecting courses in accordance with Chapter 114 of this title, which may include Advanced Language for Career Applications; or

(C) two levels of the same language in a language other than English and two levels of a different language in a language other than English by selecting courses in accordance with Chapter 114 of this title; or

(D) four levels of American sign language by selecting courses in accordance with Chapter 114 of this title; or

(E) a coherent sequence of four credits by selecting courses from one or two categories or disciplines in fine arts from Chapter 117 of this title or innovative courses approved by the commissioner; or

(F) four English credits by selecting from the following:

(i) English IV; or

(ii) Independent Study in English; or

(iii) Literary Genres; or

(iv) Creative Writing; or

(v) Research and Technical Writing; or

(vi) Humanities; or

(vii) Communication Applications; or

(viii) AP English Literature and Composition; or

(ix) AP English Language and Composition; or

(x) IB Language Studies A: Language and Literature Standard Level; or

(xi) IB Language Studies A: Language and Literature Higher Level; or

(xii) IB Language Studies A: Literature Standard Level; or

(xiii) IB Language Studies A: Literature Higher Level; or

(xiv) IB Literature and Performance Standard Level.

(5) Multidisciplinary studies. A student may earn a multidisciplinary studies endorsement by completing the requirements specified in subsection (e) of this section and:

(A) four advanced courses that prepare a student to enter the workforce successfully or postsecondary education without remediation from within one endorsement area or among endorsement areas that are not in a coherent sequence; or

(B) four credits in each of the four foundation subject areas to include chemistry and/or physics and English IV or a comparable AP or IB English course; or

(C) four credits in Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, or dual credit selected from English, mathematics, science, social studies, economics, languages other than English, or fine arts.

(6) STEM. Students who entered high school in the 2022-2023 school year or later may earn a STEM endorsement by completing the requirements specified in subsection (e) of this section, including Algebra II, chemistry, and physics or Principles of Technology and:

(A) courses required to be designated a CTE completer in one of the following TEA-approved programs of study related to STEM:

(i) biomedical sciences;

(ii) civil engineering;

(iii) cybersecurity;

(iv) electrical engineering;

(v) engineering foundations;

(vi) geospatial engineering and land surveying;

(vii) mechanical and aerospace engineering;

(viii) networking systems;

(ix) nursing science;

(x) programming and software development;

(xi) renewable energy;

(xii) robotics and automation technology; or

(xiii) web development;

(B) three credits in mathematics by successfully completing Algebra II and two additional mathematics courses for which Algebra II is a prerequisite by selecting courses from subsection (e)(2) of this section;

(C) four credits in science by successfully completing chemistry, physics, and two additional science courses by selecting courses from subsection (e)(6) of this section; or

(D) in addition to chemistry, physics, and Algebra II, one additional mathematics course listed in subsection (e)(2) of this section for which Algebra II is a prerequisite and one additional science course listed in subsection (e)(6) of this section.

(7) Business and industry. Students who entered high school in the 2022-2023 school year or later may earn a business and industry endorsement by completing the requirements specified in subsection (e) of this section and:

(A) courses required to be designated a CTE completer in one of the following TEA-approved programs of study related to business and industry:

(i) accounting and financial services;

(ii) agriculture business, leadership, and communications;

(iii) agricultural technology and mechanical systems;

(iv) animal science;

(v) architectural drafting and design;

(vi) automotive and collision repair;

(vii) aviation maintenance;

(viii) aviation pilots;

(ix) business management;

(x) carpentry;

(xi) construction management and inspection;

(xii) cosmetology;

(xiii) culinary arts;

(xiv) diesel and heavy equipment maintenance and commercial drivers;

(xv) digital communications;

(xvi) distribution, logistics, and warehousing;

(xvii) drone (unmanned vehicle);

(xviii) electrical;

(xix) entrepreneurship;

(xx) environmental and natural resources;

(xxi) food science and technology;

(xxii) graphic design and interactive media;

(xxiii) HVAC and sheet metal;

(xxiv) industrial maintenance;

(xxv) information technology support and services;

(xxvi) lodging and resort management;

(xxvii) manufacturing technology;

(xxviii) maritime;

(xxix) marketing and sales;

(xxx) masonry;

(xxxi) oil and gas exploration and production;

(xxxii) plant science;

(xxxiii) plumbing and pipefitting;

(xxxiv) printing and imaging;

(xxxv) real estate;

(xxxvi) refining and chemical processes;

(xxxvii) retail management;

(xxxviii) travel, tourism, and attractions; or

(xxxix) welding;

(B) courses required to be designated a CTE completer in one of the following TEA-approved programs of study related to business and industry, if the mathematics and science requirements for the STEM endorsement are not met:

(i) civil engineering;

(ii) cybersecurity;

(iii) electrical engineering;

(iv) engineering foundations;

(v) geospatial engineering and land surveying;

(vi) mechanical and aerospace engineering;

(vii) networking systems;

(viii) programming and software development;

(ix) renewable energy;

(x) robotics and automation technology; or

(xi) web development; or

(C) four English credits by selecting courses from Chapter 110 of this title to include three levels in one of the following areas:

(i) public speaking;

(ii) debate;

(iii) advanced broadcast journalism;

(iv) advanced journalism: newspaper;

(v) advanced journalism: yearbook; or

(vi) advanced journalism: literary magazine.

(8) Public services. Students who entered high school in the 2022-2023 school year or later may earn a public services endorsement by completing the requirements specified in subsection (e) of this section and:

(A) courses required to be designated a CTE completer in one of the following TEA-approved programs of study related to public services:

(i) biomedical science, if the mathematics and science requirements for the STEM are not met;

(ii) diagnostic and therapeutic services;

(iii) early learning;

(iv) exercise science, wellness, and restoration;

(v) family and community services;

(vi) fire science;

(vii) government and public administration;

(viii) health and wellness;

(ix) health informatics;

(x) law enforcement;

(xi) legal studies;

(xii) nursing science, if the mathematics and science requirements for the STEM are not met; or

(xiii) teaching and training; or

(B) four courses in Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC).

...

Last amended:  August 1, 2025, 50 TexReg 3569.

Entered: Dec 11, 2025

19 Texas Administrative Code § 89.1070. Graduation Requirements. 

. . . 
(c)  A student receiving special education services may earn an endorsement under §74.13 of this title (relating to Endorsements) if the student: 
. . . 
   (2)  satisfactorily completes the courses required for the endorsement under §74.13(f) of this title without any modified curriculum or with modification of the curriculum, provided that the curriculum, as modified, is sufficiently rigorous as determined by the student's ARD committee; and
. . . 

Texas Education Code § 28.025. High School Diploma and Certificate; Academic Achievement Record.  

(c-7) Subject to Subsection (c-8), a student who is enrolled in a special education program under Subchapter A, Chapter 29, may earn the distinguished level of achievement under Subsection (b-15) or an endorsement on the student's transcript under Subsection (c-1) by:
     . . .  
      (2) successfully completing all curriculum requirements for the distinguished level of achievement or that endorsement adopted by the State Board of Education:

    (A)  without modification of the curriculum; or
    (B)  with modification of the curriculum, provided that the curriculum, as modified, is sufficiently rigorous as determined by the student's admission, review, and
       dismissal committee and documented in the student's individualized education program

. . . 

Last Amended: 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1137 (S.B. 568), Sec. 4, eff. June 20, 2025
Entered: October 22, 2025

19 Texas Administrative Code § 89.1070. Graduation Requirements. 

. . . 
(c)  A student receiving special education services may earn an endorsement under §74.13 of this title (relating to Endorsements) if the student: 
. . . 
   (2)  satisfactorily completes the courses required for the endorsement under §74.13(f) of this title without any modified curriculum or with modification of the curriculum, provided that the curriculum, as modified, is sufficiently rigorous as determined by the student's ARD committee; and
. . . 

Texas Education Code § 28.025. High School Diploma and Certificate; Academic Achievement Record.  

. . . 

(c-7) Subject to Subsection (c-8), a student who is enrolled in a special education program under Subchapter A, Chapter 29, may earn the distinguished level of achievement under Subsection (b-15) or an endorsement on the student's transcript under Subsection (c-1) by:
. . .  

(2)  successfully completing all curriculum requirements for the distinguished level of achievement or that endorsement adopted by the State Board of Education:
    (A)  without modification of the curriculum; or

. . . 


Last Amended: 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1137 (S.B. 568), Sec. 4, eff. June 20, 2025.
Entered: October 22, 2025

19 Texas Administrative Code § 89.1070. Graduation Requirements. 

. . . 
(c)  A student receiving special education services may earn an endorsement under §74.13 of this title (relating to Endorsements) if the student: 
. . . 
   (2)  satisfactorily completes the courses required for the endorsement under §74.13(f) of this title without any modified curriculum or with modification of the curriculum, provided that the curriculum, as modified, is sufficiently rigorous as determined by the student's ARD committee; and
. . . 

Texas Education Code § 28.025. High School Diploma and Certificate; Academic Achievement Record.  

(c-7) Subject to Subsection (c-8), a student who is enrolled in a special education program under Subchapter A, Chapter 29 , may earn the distinguished level of achievement             under Subsection (b-15) or an endorsement on the student's transcript under Subsection (c-1) by:

. . .  

      (2) successfully completing all curriculum requirements for the distinguished level of achievement or that endorsement adopted by the State Board of Education:
. . . 
          (B) with modification of the curriculum, provided that the curriculum, as modified, is sufficiently rigorous as determined by the student's admission, review, and                                dismissal committee and documented in the student's individualized education program.
. . .


Last Amended: 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1137 (S.B. 568), Sec. 4, eff. June 20, 2025.
Entered: October 22, 2025

19 Texas Administrative Code § 89.1070. Graduation Requirements. 

. . . 
(c)  A student receiving special education services may earn an endorsement under §74.13 of this title (relating to Endorsements) if the student: 
. . . 
   (3) performs satisfactorily as established in the TEC, Chapter 39, on the required end-of-course assessment instruments unless the student's ARD committee determines that satisfactory performance is not required.
. . . 

Texas Education Code § 28.025. High School Diploma and Certificate; Academic Achievement Record.  

(c-8) For purposes of Subsection (c-7), the admission, review, and dismissal committee of a student in a special education program under Subchapter A, Chapter 29, shall determine whether the student is required to achieve satisfactory performance on an end-of-course assessment instrument to earn the distinguished level of achievement or an endorsement on the student's transcript.
. . .