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Graduation and Endorsements

Graduation and Endorsements

  • There are two high school graduation plans. The 26 credit Foundation with Endorsement Plan and the 22 credit Foundation Plan with no endorsement. Students may also be distinguished by taking Algebra II while earning an endorsement. Students must also pass five STAAR EOC exams in Algebra I, Biology, English I, English II, and US History.


    Foundation with Endorsement

    • 4 English Credits – English II, English III and one advanced English credit
    • 4 Math Credits – Algebra I, Geometry and 2 advanced Math credits
    • 4 Science Credits – Biology; a lab science from IPC, Chemistry, or Physics; and other advanced Science credits
    • 3 Social Studies Credits – World Geography or World History; US History and Government/Economics
    • 2 Foreign Language Credits
    • 1 Physical Education Credit
    • 1 Fine Arts Credit
    • 1 BIM Credit (district requirement)
    • 6 Elective Credits 


    Foundation Only

    • 4 English Credits – English II, English III and one advanced English credit
    • 3 Math Credits – Algebra I, Geometry and 2 advanced Math credits
    • 3 Science Credits – Biology; a lab science from IPC, Chemistry, or Physics; and other advanced Science credits
    • 3 Social Studies Credits – World Geography or World History; US History and Government/Economics
    • 2 Foreign Language Credits
    • 1 Physical Education Credit
    • 1 Fine Arts Credit
    • 1 BIM Credit (district requirement)
    • 4 Elective Credits

  • Graduating with Distinguished means you have completed Algebra II in the Foundation High School Program with an Endorsement.   Distinguished Level of Achievement must be earned to be admitted under automatic admission.  Being distinguished makes you a more competitive applicant at the most selective colleges and universities and may give you an advantage to receiving a TEXAS Grant.  

  • Endorsements are the focus of your electives. Endorsements consist of a related series of courses that are grouped together by interest or skill set. They provide students with in-depth knowledge of a subject area. Endorsements can help students prepare for their future career or career training needs. The five endorsements are

    Graphic showing five academic endorsements: STEM, Business & Industry, Public Service, Arts & Humanities, and Multi-Disciplinary Studies.

    • STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering, Math
    • Business & Industry – Agriculture, Construction, Business/Finance, Information Technology, Manufacturing, Auto Tech, Journalism
    • Arts & Humanities – Art, Band, Choir, Theatre, Languages, Social Studies
    • Multidisciplinary – 4 “advanced” credits (not principles or intro) combined from any endorsement

  • Complete the credits above for the Foundation with Endorsement plan including 4 credits in an endorsement area. See Elective Pathways above.

  • Earning an Endorsement better prepares you for college and the workforce, gives you more options after graduation, allows you to compete for automatic admissions, makes you more competitive for college admissions and scholarships, and gives you a stronger educational foundation. 

    • Students can earn more than one endorsement.
    • Colleges are not concerned with your endorsement, but they do consider what classes you take and how well you do in them.
    • Students can change their endorsement choice. Changes are made when selecting classes for the next school year.
    • Students and their parents can opt out of earning an endorsement and switch to the Foundation Plan, but they must wait until AFTER their sophomore year AND they must meet with a counselor in order to do so.

  • A Performance Acknowledgment is a recognition of an outstanding achievement that shows you are in a better position for college or the workforce.  It is noted on your transcript (your official high school record that you will provide to college or an employer).

    • Dual Credit – 12 hours with a 3.0
    • Bilingualism – 3 LOTE credits with an 80 in English classes
    • PSAT/ACT/SAT high score
    • AP score of 3 or more
    • Business/Industry Certification
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  • A Business or Industry Certification is a state or national credential showing that you have gained knowledge and skills for a particular profession.  Some allow you to get a job directly after high school.  Canyon High offers these certifications. 

    Business

    • Dell Certified Technician (iConnect)
    • Entrepreneurship and Small Business (Entrepreneurship)
    • Inuit QuickBooks Certified User (Accounting 1)
    • MOS (Excel Specialist/Expert, Word Specialist/Expert, Microsoft Master)

    Industry

    • ASE Certifications (auto tech)
    • AWS D1.1 Structural Steel (Welding)
    • AWS D9.1 Sheet Metal (Welding)
    • Cosmetology Operator
    • Educational Aid 1 (Instructions Practices)
    • EMT (Emergency Medical Tech)
    • Floral Design Knowledge and Level 1
    • Fund. of Animal Science (Livestock Productions)
    • NCCER CORE Certification (Construction Tech 1)
    • OSHA 10 General Safety (Welding)
    • PCT (Patient Care Tech)
    • ServSafe Manager (Culinary Arts)
    • Veterinary Medical Applications (Vet Med)
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  • Graduation Toolkit from TEA