Graduation Plans, Endorsements & Program of Studies

College and Career Programs of Study Endorsement Guide

The Endorsement Guide is designed to provide you with information about the new Texas Foundation Endorsement Graduation Plan. The purpose of the State's change to the new graduation plan is to provide students greater flexibility and choice in the selection of courses that will best prepare them for their individual postsecondary goals. Employers and leaders in the Texas workforce have encouraged career oriented training and certification at the high school level to help meet their growing demands. 

Starting in the spring of 2014, all 8th graders will be required to choose one of five endorsements as outlined in the new graduation plan. The five endorsement areas are: Science, Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM); Business and Industry; Public Services; Arts and Humanities; and Multidisciplinary Studies. The earned Endorsement will be reflected on the student's official transcript at the completion of their high school career. 

In the guide above, you will see recommended Pathways (or coherent sequences of courses) organized by career clusters within each of the Endorsements. A career cluster is a grouping of occupations and broad industries based on commonalities. These career clusters are based on the idea that the education of the 21st century should combine rigorous academics with relevant career education. When schools integrate academic and technical education, students can see the "relevance" of what they are learning. The Pathways allow students to study a particular field in depth and help facilitate a seamless transition from secondary to postsecondary opportunities. 

Student who complete a Program of Study in High School (earning 4+ credits in area) will earn a cord at graduation to wear over their gown.