The State of Texas has specified three programs a student may choose for graduation: the
Minimum, Recommended, and Distinguished Achievement Programs. Texarkana ISD requires a minimum of 26
credits for graduation in each program. All students are encouraged to pursue either the Recommended or the
Distinguished Achievement program, and students entering grade 9 in 2002-03 and thereafter are required to
complete either the Recommended or the Distinguished Achievement Plan. Students are encouraged to discuss
with advisors and parents the choices available.
The Texas High Program of Studies and Course Description Guide has been prepared to explain in depth the degree
plans and requirements for graduation. This information has been developed to help students make a successful
transition from high school to post-secondary education, training, and/or a career. Students should take advantage
of the information available in this guide to investigate career options, to choose a degree plan, to develop a fouryear
plan, and to choose courses of study. Academic advisors are available to students and to parents to assist in
planning and in answering questions.
A course weighting system has been established in TISD to encourage and recognize
academic achievement. The weighting system is used to determine the valedictorian, salutatorian, and cum laude
graduates and to designate the top ten percent of the graduating class. Students graduating in the top ten percent
are eligible for automatic admission into a four-year Texas college. (See academic advisor for more information.)
Class rank will be calculated by averaging semester grades earned in grades 9-12 and any high school level course
taken in eighth grade. The numeric semester average will earn grade points according to the District weighted
grade point scale. All courses completed at OPTIONS, DAEP, or the Hazel Street campus will receive weighted
ranking points of 1.1. A complete list of courses and weights can be found in the Texas High Program of Studies
and Course Description Guide.
TISD recognizes at graduation those students with weighted GPAs at or above specific
benchmarks. Benchmarks may require occasional adjustments as changes in curriculum dictate. Currently,
graduates are recognized as follows:
Valedictorian
Highest weighted GPA
Salutatorian
Second highest weighted GPA
Summa Cum Laude
Weighted average of exactly 155.0 or higher
Magna Cum Laude
Weighted average of exactly 150.0 or higher
Cum Laude
Weighted average of exactly 143.0 or higher
Students should refer to the class rank policies in effect for Texas High School as presented in the Texas High
Program of Studies and Course Description Guide.
Students completing the Texarkana Independent School District and State of Texas
requirements for graduation will be granted a high school diploma. TISD annually sponsors five graduation
ceremonies for students who have completed requirements established by both the District and the State.
Ordering graduation cap and gown, announcements, or other senior memorabilia does not guarantee a student’s
participation in graduation ceremonies. Graduation announcements are not invitations to the graduation
ceremony.
At graduation practice, a limited number of tickets are
distributed to graduating seniors for their family members. The following requirements are in place for students
who wish to participate in the Texas High School graduation ceremony.
The student must have successfully completed all local graduation credit requirements.
The student must have successfully completed all state graduation credit requirements.
The student must have passed all exit-level, state-approved tests (TAKS).
Students identified and served under provisions of IDEA shall graduate in accordance with their Individualized Education Program (IEP).
If a student has been expelled from all services in the District during the spring semester of the
senior year or is continuing an expulsion during the spring semester of the senior year, the
student is ineligible to participate in the THS graduation ceremony.
If a student has been assigned to a DAEP after the last day of the first semester of the senior year
or is continuing a DAEP assignment during the spring semester of the senior year, the student is
ineligible to participate in the THS graduation ceremony.
If a senior student transfers to the OPTIONS program, the student is ineligible to participate in
the THS graduation ceremony.
If a student does not attend and does not participate in the graduation ceremony practice, the
student is ineligible to participate in the THS graduation ceremony.
Students who have completed the graduation requirements under the
following programs are eligible to participate in one of three graduation ceremonies sponsored by the OPTIONS
campus:
OPTIONS
TISD Summer School
July TAKS Administration
The student must have successfully completed all local graduation credit requirements.
The student must have successfully completed all state graduation credit requirements.
The student must have passed all exit-level, state-approved tests (TAKS).
Students identified and served under provisions of IDEA shall graduate in accordance with their Individualized Education Program (IEP).
OPTIONS students wishing to participate in the graduation ceremony must contact Marsha
Burris, Principal, at 903-793-5632, extension 1740.
If a student has been expelled from all services in the District during the spring semester of the
senior year or is continuing an expulsion during the spring semester of the senior year, the
student is ineligible to participate in the OPTIONS graduation ceremony.
If a student has been assigned to a DAEP after the last day of the first semester of the senior year
or is continuing a DAEP assignment during the spring semester of the senior year, the student is
ineligible to participate in the OPTIONS graduation ceremony.
Adult Education students wishing to participate in the summer
graduation ceremony must contact Dean Ransdell, Director of Adult Education, at 903-793-5632, extension 1710
or 1711.
