Graduation Requirements

  • Graduation requirements are those in effect the year a student enters high school as a freshman. They also vary by degree plan which include Core, Recommended, and Distinguished. As most Scarborough students will follow the Recommended Degree Plan, what follows is a summary of these requirements for students entering ninth grade in 2010-11 and those entering in 2007-08 to 2009-10. While this information will assist you in developing your four-year plan, your dean will advise you to ensure graduation requirements are satisfied. If you began your freshmen year prior to 2007, or after 2010, please see your dean for the applicable graduation requirements since changes have been made by TEA and the state legislature.

    English (I, II, III, IV)

    4.0 credits

    Speech (Communication Applications or Professional Communication)

    0.5 credits

    Math (Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II with 1 additional math) Math Models with Applications may be used as a math credit if completed before Algebra II. Three of the four credits must be earned in high school.

    4.0 credits

    Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics plus one additional Science credit) IPC can be a fourth science credit, but must be completed prior to Chemistry and Physics.

    4.0 credits

    Social Studies (World Geography or AP Human Geography, World History, U.S. History, US Government, and Economics )

    4.0 credits

    World Language (other than English) 2 credits in the same language

    2.0 credits

    Health Education

    0.5 credit

    Physical Education (Athletics, ROTC, *PE/Marching Band, and other traditional P.E. classes)
    *P.E./Marching Band is only available during the fall semester; PE-9591 & PE-9592 earn P.E. credit; Regular Marching Band does not earn PE credit. 1.0 credit
    Fine Arts (Theatre, Art, Music or Dance)

    1.0 credit

    Electives

    5.0 credits

    Total

    26.0 credits

     
    RECOMMENDED DEGREE PROGRAM: FOR NINTH GRADE STUDENTS ENTERING 2010-2011
     

    English (I, II, III, IV)

    4.0 credits

    Speech (Communication Applications or Professional Communication)

    0.5 credits

    Math (Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II with 1 additional math) Math Models with Applications may be used as a math credit if completed before Algebra II. Three of the four credits must be earned in high school.

    4.0 credits

    Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics plus one additional Science credit)

    4.0 credits

    Social Studies (World Geography or AP Human Geography, World History, U.S. History, US Government )

    3.5 credits

    Economics (12th Grade)

    0.5 credit

    World Language (other than English) 2 credits in the same language

    2.0 credits

    Health Education

    0.5 credit

    Physical Education (Athletics, ROTC, *PE/Marching Band, and other traditional P.E. classes)

    *P.E./Marching Band is only available during the fall semester; PE-9591 & PE-9592 earn P.E. credit; Regular Marching Band does not earn PE credit.

    1.0 credit

    Fine Arts (Theatre, Art, Music or Dance)

    1.0 credit

    Electives

    5.0 credits

    Total

    26.0 credits

    Students who have not tested Proficient on the Tech Literacy Assessment in Middle School
    will be required to complete one credit of Technology Applications to satisfy graduation
    requirements; this counts towards an Elective credit.

     

    NINTH GRADE STUDENTS ENTERING 2007-2008 to 2009-2010

    English (I, II, III, IV)

    4.0 credits

    Speech (Communication Applications)

    0.5 credits

    Math (Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II with 1 additional math)* Math Models with Applications may be used as a math credit if completed before Algebra II. Three of the four credits must be earned in high school.

    4.0 credits

    Science (IPC or Biology in 9th Grade plus 3 additional credits. If IPC is not taken, student must take both Chemistry and Physics. IPC may not be taken after Physics, nor may be taken during the senior year.)

    4.0 credits

    Social Studies (World Geography or AP Human Geography, World History, U.S. History, US Government)

    3.5 credits

    Economics

    0.5 credit

    Foreign Language (other than English) all in the same language

    2.0 credits

    Health Education

    0.5 credit

    Physical Education (Athletics, ROTC, *Marching Band and other traditional P.E. classes)

    *Fall of 2009 was the last time Marching Band earned P.E. credit

    1.5 credits

    Fine Arts (Theatre, Art, Music or Dance)

    1.0 credit

    Technology Applications (not all Technology courses satisfy this requirement; see your dean)

    1.0 credit

    Electives

    3.5 credits

    Total

    26.0 credits

     
    Distinguished Achievement Degree Program

    The Distinguished Degree Plan differs from the Recommended in that World Language requires 3 credits in the same language (instead of 2) but one less credit in Electives. In addition, four of the following advanced academic measures must be completed in any combination. These include (1) a score of 3 or higher on an Advanced Placement exam; (2) a college course; (3) an independent research project; and/or (4) Commended Scholar or higher (based on PSAT scores). There are specific requirements for some of these advanced measures; please discuss this with your dean.

    Core Degree Program

    The Core Degree Plan (minimum high school program) calls for 24 credits but is no longer widely used as the required credits do not satisfy most four-year colleges. This program is available by dean recommendation only with signed parental permission.