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 four-year 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 diploma from Texas High School. TISD annually sponsors two 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 after the Wednesday following the distribution of first semester report cards, the student is ineligible to participate in the THS graduation ceremony.
If a senior student in the OPTIONS program does not complete all required coursework at least four school days prior to the graduation ceremony, the student is ineligible to participate in the THS graduation ceremony.
If an OPTIONS student who otherwise meets the requirements listed above but does not turn in a Declaration of Intent to Graduate form by May 1, 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.
A summer graduation ceremony will be held for students who do not qualify for participation in the THS spring graduation ceremony but who have completed the graduation requirements through any of the following programs:
OPTIONS
GED
TISD Summer School
July TAKS administration
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. OPTIONS students wishing to participate in the summer graduation ceremony must contact Marsha Burris, Principal of OPTIONS, at 903-793-5632, extension 1740.
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.
