· Requirements for a high school diploma

· GLOBE – Texas Scholars Program website

To receive a high school diploma from the district, a student must successfully complete the required number of credits and pass a statewide exit-level exam. The grade 11 exit-level test covers English Language Arts, mathematics, science, and social studies. A student who does not pass the exit-level assessment will have additional opportunities to take the test.

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Graduation Programs and Requirements

Graduation from Pine Tree High School signifies that students have met the course requirements of the Texas State Board of Education and the Pine Tree Board of Education. The counseling staff will make every effort to ensure that students are enrolled in courses necessary for student’s graduation; however, the ultimate responsibility belongs to the student and parents. Pine Tree High School encourages all students to be actively involved in choosing credits that reflect their personal career and educational goals.

Course Planning and Selection

Pine Tree High School encourages all students to give careful thought to their four-year high school program in terms of graduation requirements and individual goals. Students should consider courses which correlate with future career plans. Those who plan to attend college should select academic courses which relate to their future college major or career goals. Others should choose courses which will provide a broad academic background and the skills necessary to obtain career choices. All students are encouraged to take rigorous courses to better prepare them for future plans. The Course Descriptions included in this Academic Guide provide detail information about courses offered at PTHS.

State Graduation Plans

Students have several academic options when selecting classes. They are advised to take courses at a level where they will be challenged and yet will perform successfully. All students, as recommended by the Texas State Board of Education and the Pine Tree Board of Education, are encouraged to follow the Recommended High School Program (RHSP) or the Distinguished Achievement Program (DAP). Both the RHSP and DAP are college preparatory programs. Students should inquire at the college of their choice as to specific entrance requirements. Students are advised to select a graduation plan at a level where they will be challenged and yet will perform successfully. A State Minimum Graduation Plan is offered to students under certain circumstances. Advisement from school personnel is required before deferring to the Minimum Plan. PTHS counselors have more information about The State Minimum Graduation Plan.

Texas Globe Scholars

The Texas Scholars Award is presented annually to high school students upon successful completion of either the Recommended Program or the Distinguished Achievement Program. Texas Scholars are high school students who have completed specific courses that prepare them for a university, college, or trade school, as well as the skilled workforce. Emphasis is placed in the areas of mathematics, science, social studies, and language arts. The Texas Scholars’ philosophy is based on the belief that it is better to successfully complete the academically challenging courses than to take only the minimum required courses. For more information about The Texas Scholars’ Program go to www.texasscholars.org/programDescription.php

GLOBE – TEXAS SCHOLARS PROGRAM

Mission Statement: GLOBE sponsors the Texas Scholars Program in collaboration with business and education to improve the regional workforce by helping parents and students understand the maximum value of the K through 12 experience.

New GLOBE Focus:

v All high school graduates will be well prepared for employment and/or further educational opportunities.

v All high school graduates and parents/guardians will be educated about career and further educational opportunities (including four-year universities, community colleges, and/or technical institutes) with a special focus on the East Texas area.

v Replace the Scholars’ Ceremony with a GLOBE Career Fair where students will explore career possibilities and meet with representatives of area business and industry.

2007-2009 Eligibility requirements for GLOBE/Texas Scholars:

v Recommended High School Program graduate

OR

v Distinguished Achievement Program graduate

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New Requirements for the Texas Scholars Program from the Texas Business and Education Coalition (TBEC)

2010-beyond Eligibility requirements for GLOBE/Texas Scholars

To become a Texas Scholar, a student must meet the following criteria:

v Graduate from high school having completed the Recommended High School Program or the Distinguished Achievement Program

v Achieve Texas Ready on at least one standardized test

v Develop and carry out an individual plan for the high school years and transition to college, the workplace, the military, or other endeavor.

For more information on the Texas Scholars Program, go to www.texasscholars.org