House Bill 5 Evaluation: Final Report

In June 2013, the 83rd Texas Legislature passed House Bill (HB) 5, which established a new high school program--the Foundation High School Program. The new high school graduation program was required for all entering Grade 9 students in all Texas public school districts in 2014-15. The Foundation High School Program was designed to give students the flexibility to take more classes focused on their interests. Under the Foundation High School Program, students are required to complete 22 credits, including four credits in English language arts (ELA) and three credits each in science, social studies, and mathematics. In addition, all students are now required to earn two credits in a language other than English. Students also must select one of five endorsements to pursue (i.e., arts and humanities; business and industry; public services; science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM); or multidisciplinary studies). Completing an endorsement requires students to earn 26 credits to graduate. The additional credits must include a fourth credit in mathematics and a fourth credit in science and two electives. However, unlike the previous graduation programs, students are not required to complete Algebra II to fulfill the mathematics requirement. Only students opting to earn a distinguished level of achievement or pursue the STEM endorsement continue to be required to complete Algebra II. As part of the legislation, HB 5 Section 83(a), the Texas Education Agency (TEA), in collaboration with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB), and the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), is required to conduct an evaluation that estimates the effects of these changes on several key outcomes. The final report on the evaluation of House Bill (HB) 5 provides (1) an update on changes made to the current policy for graduation, including coursework, testing, and accountability during the 84th and 85th Texas Legislative Sessions; (2) an update on the implementation of HB 5 by school districts since 2014-15; and (3) a preliminary look at the Foundation High School Program that students are pursuing, including the endorsements and distinguished level of achievement. This report also examines student outcomes for the Foundation High School Program cohorts. [For the 2015 report, "House Bill 5 Evaluation. Revised," see ED579005.]