The incoming freshmen for the 2014-2015 school year will be affected by the implementation of House Bill 5. Graduation requirements have changed, opening slots for new classes throughout the state of Texas that will be more focused on future vocations such as criminology, construction and automotive technology.

Students can also earn endorsements in addition to their diplomas, if they choose. Some colleges accept these while others do not. This can be done by completing all classes for whichever program they choose to pursue such as sciences (STEM), business and industry or public services.

With the new bill, many high schools across the state will have to adjust their graduation requirements to fit the law rather than having individualized plans. Because current graduation requirements are so lenient by state law, most high schools – including Allen – have additional credits that must be earned for graduation.

Current minimum state graduation requirements:

• Four English credits

• Three math credits

• Two science credits

• Two and a half social studies credits

• One half economics credit

• One physical education credit

• One half speech credit

• One fine arts credit

• Seven and a half elective credits

Total: 22 credits

House Bill 5 minimum state Graduation Requirements:

• Four English credits

• Three math credits

• Three science credits

• Three social studies credits

• One physical education credit

• One fine arts credit

• Two credits in the same language other than English

• Five elective credits

Total: 22 credits