Ten community sessions will introduce families to new requirements, resources
Houston ISD will launch a series of 10 community “Plan Your Path: House Bill 5 and You” meetings Monday, March 10, to introduce eighth-graders and their families to major changes in high school planning that will blend academics with higher education and careers.
One session is set for each trustee’s district, with one at the HISD headquarters at the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center. Families may attend any of the meetings, and all HISD students and parents are invited to get a first look at this new model for learning.
In its last session, the Texas Legislature passed a package of new requirements for school districts that changed STAAR end-of-course requirements, established tight attendance guidelines, and set forth criteria for personal graduation planning that includes a career component. The regulations do allow some latitude for school districts – and whenever possible, HISD has opted for a rigorous academic pathway as a minimum requirement for students and has chosen to offer the maximum number of career options.
The planning requirements start with this year’s eighth-graders – the class of 2018 — who will commit to and start their personal pathways next school year.
“Some districts have viewed HB 5 with trepidation,” said Lupita Hinojosa, school services officer. “HISD sees this as an opportunity to help our students understand and plan how everything they’re learning will fit in to their goals for higher education and careers.”
Among the topics that will be discussed at each session:
- Requirements at all grade levels – attendance, STAAR tests, promotion standards
- HISD’s 26-credit graduation plan
- Endorsements – classes and subjects you’re interested in and good at that could lead to a rewarding and in-demand career
- Performance acknowledgments – ways to “supersize” your diploma
- How to qualify for automatic admission to Texas colleges and universities
Meetings will take place from 6-7:30 p.m. at each location:
Monday, March 10
- Reagan High School, 413 E. 13th St., 77008
- Washington High School, 119 E. 39th St., 77018
Tuesday, March 25
- Milby High School, 1601 Broadway St. 77012
- Yates High School, 3703 Sampson St. 77004
Thursday, March 27
- Bellaire High School, 5100 Maple St., Bellaire 77401
- Sharpstown High School, 7504 Bissonnet St., 77074
Monday, April 7
- Lamar High School, 3325 Westheimer Road 77098
- Austin High School, 1700 Dumble St., 77023
Tuesday, April 8
- Worthing High School, 9215 Scott St. 77051
- Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center, 4400 W. 18th St., 77092
>HISD has created “Plan Your Path” online at houstonisd.org/planyourpath, to provide updated information on new requirements, STAAR testing, and to provide a place to ask questions and read FAQs.