Texas First Early High School Completion Program
| Date: | February 1, 2024 |
|---|---|
| Subject: | Texas First Early High School Completion Program |
| Category: | Informational/Legislative requirements |
| Next Steps: | Ensure campus principals and counselors are aware of school district requirements |
Overview
Senate Bill 1888, 87th Texas Legislature, Regular Session, 2021, added Texas Education Code §28.0253, which establishes the Texas First Early High School Completion Program to allow public high school students who demonstrate early readiness for college to graduate early from high school.
The purpose of the Texas First Early High School Completion Program, in conjunction with the Texas First Scholarship Program (Texas Education Code, Chapter 56, Subchapter K-1), is to promote efficiency in the state public education system and incentivize the enrollment of high-performing students at eligible institutions within the state of Texas.
Statutory Update and School District Requirement
House Bill 8, 88th Texas Legislature, Regular Session, 2023, establishes that a school district is required, rather than permitted, to issue a high school diploma under the Texas First Early High School Completion Program if the student demonstrates mastery of and early readiness for college in accordance with Texas Higher Education Coordinating (THECB) board rules.
Additional Updates
In addition to existing options and beginning February 10, 2024, high school students interested in early graduation through the Texas First Early High School Completion Program will be able to demonstrate mastery in languages other than English (LOTE) using the Foreign Language Achievement Testing Service (FLATS), an online test administered through Brigham Young University. Detailed information about the FLATS assessment, can be accessed on the FLATS Testing website.
Effective September 1, 2023, the list of institutions that can award the Texas First Scholarship was expanded to include all Texas public institutions of higher education. Students who graduate with the Texas First Diploma may now use the Texas First Scholarship award at any Texas public college or university to which they have been admitted.
For More Information
More information regarding the Texas First Early High School Completion Program is available on the Texas Education Agency’s Texas First Early High School Completion Program page and on THECB’s The Texas First Program page.
For additional information, please contact the THECB at studentsuccess@highered.texas.gov.