University Park Academy

(a) Graduates of each high school are awarded the same type of diploma. The transcript or academic achievement record (AAR) [(transcript)] , rather than the diploma, records individual accomplishments, achievements, and courses completed and displays appropriate graduation seals.

(b) All credit for graduation must be earned no later than Grade 12.

(c) Except as provided in subsections (d) and (e) of this section, a [A] student entering Grade 9 in the 2007-2008 school year and thereafter shall enroll in the courses necessary to complete the curriculum requirements for the recommended high school program specified in §74.63 of this title (relating to Recommended High School Program) or the advanced program specified in §74.64 of this title (relating to Distinguished Achievement High School Program--Advanced High School Program) unless the student, the student's parent or other person [persons] standing in parental relation to the student, and a school counselor or school administrator agree in writing signed by each party that the student should be permitted to take courses under the minimum high school program specified in §74.62 of this title (relating to Minimum High School Program) and the student: [. High school courses successfully completed prior to Grade 9 and the 2007-2008 school year shall count toward graduation in the manner established in this chapter for credit in the year the course is successfully completed.]

(g) [(d)] To receive a high school diploma, a student entering Grade 9 in the 2007-2008 school year and thereafter must complete the following:

(1) in accordance with subsection (c) of this section, requirements of the minimum high school program specified in §74.62 of this title , the recommended high school program specified in §74.63 of this title , or the distinguished achievement high school [advanced] program specified in §74.64 of this title; and

(2) testing requirements for graduation as specified in Chapter 101 of this title (relating to Assessment).

(h) [(e)] A maximum of three credits of reading (selected from Reading I, II, or III) may be offered by districts for state graduation elective credit for identified students under the following conditions.

(1) The school district board of trustees shall adopt policies to identify students in need of additional reading instruction.

(2) District procedures shall include assessment of individual student needs, ongoing evaluation of each student's progress, and monitoring of instructional activities to ensure that student needs are addressed.

(i) [(f)] An out-of-state or out-of-country transfer student (including foreign exchange students) or a transfer student from a Texas nonpublic school is eligible to receive a Texas diploma, but must complete all requirements of this section to satisfy state graduation requirements. Any course credit required in this section that is not completed by the student before he or she enrolls in a Texas school district may be satisfied through the provisions of §74.23 of this title (relating to Correspondence Courses and Distance Learning) and §74.24 of this title (relating to Credit by Examination) or by completing the course or courses according to the provisions of §74.26 of this title (relating to Award of Credit).

(j) [(g)] Elective credits in all three graduation programs may be selected from the following:

[(1) the list of courses approved by the State Board of Education (SBOE) for Grades 9-12 as specified in §74.1 of this title (relating to Essential Knowledge and Skills);]

(2) state-approved innovative courses as specified in §74.27 of this title [chapter] (relating to Innovative Courses and Programs);

(3) Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC)--one to four credits; or

(4) Driver Education--one-half credit.

(k) [(h)] College Board advanced placement and International Baccalaureate courses may be substituted for courses required in appropriate areas in all three high school graduation programs. College Board advanced placement and International Baccalaureate courses may be used as electives in all three high school graduation programs.

required in the foundation curriculum and for languages other than English in all three high school graduation programs.

(m) Transition for physical education and science requirements.

(1) Science and physical education graduation requirements successfully completed prior to the 2010-2011 school year shall count toward graduation in the manner established at the time the credit was earned.

(2) Physical education graduation requirements successfully completed through a two- or three-credit career and technical education work-based training course prior to the 2011-2012 school year shall count toward graduation.

[(m) High school graduation requirements successfully completed prior to the 2010-2011 school year shall count toward graduation in the manner established at the time the credit was earned.]

(a) Credits. A student must earn at least 22 credits to complete the Minimum High School Program.

(b) Core Courses. A student must demonstrate proficiency in the following.

(1) English language arts--four credits. Three of the [The] credits must consist of English I, II, and III (Students with limited English proficiency who are at the beginning or intermediate level of English language proficiency, as defined by §74.4(d) of this title (relating to English Language Proficiency Standards), may satisfy the English I and English II graduation requirements by successfully completing English I for Speakers of Other Languages and English II for Speakers of Other Languages). The final credit may be selected from the following courses:

[ (A) English I, II, and III (English I for Speakers of Other Languages and English II for Speakers of Other Languages may be substituted for English I and II only for immigrant students with limited English proficiency); and]

(A) [(B)] [Fourth credit of English, which may be satisfied by] English IV ; [, Research/Technical Writing, Creative/Imaginative Writing, Practical Writing Skills, Literary Genres, Business Communication, Journalism, or concurrent enrollment in a college English course.]

(2) Mathematics--three credits . Two of the credits must consist of [to include] Algebra I and Geometry. The final credit may be selected from the following courses:

(3) Science--two credits. The credits must consist of Biology and Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC). A student may substitute Chemistry or Physics for IPC and then must use the second of these two courses as the academic elective credit identified in subsection (b)(6) of this section.

(4) Social studies--two and one-half credits. One and one-half of the credits must consist of [The credits must consist of World History Studies (one credit) or World Geography Studies (one credit),] United States History Studies Since Reconstruction (one credit) [,] and United States Government (one-half credit). The final credit may be selected from the following courses:

(5) Economics, with emphasis on the free enterprise system and its benefits--one-half credit. The credit must consist of Economics with Emphasis on the Free Enterprise System and Its Benefits.

(6) Academic elective--one credit. The credit must be selected from World History Studies, World Geography Studies, or any science course approved by the State Board of Education (SBOE) for science credit as found in Chapter 112 of this title (relating to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Science). If a student elects to replace IPC with either Chemistry or Physics as described in subsection (b)(3) of this section, the academic elective must be the other of these two science courses.

(7) Physical education--one credit [and one-half credits to include Foundations of Personal Fitness (one-half credit)] .

(A) The required credit may be [selected] from any [a] combination of [two of] the following one-half to one credit courses:

(i) Foundations of Personal Fitness [, including JROTC, Dance I-IV, Drill Team, Cheerleading, Marching Band, and private or commercially-sponsored physical activity programs conducted on or off campus] ;

(ii) Adventure/Outdoor Education [, including private or commercially-sponsored physical activity programs conducted on or off campus] ; [and]

(iii) Aerobic Activities; and [, including JROTC, Dance I-IV, Drill Team, Cheerleading, Marching Band, and private or commercially-sponsored physical activity programs conducted on or off campus.]

(iv) Team or Individual Sports.

(B) In accordance with local district policy, credit for any of the courses listed in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph may be earned through participation in the following activities:

(i) Athletics;

(ii) JROTC; and

(iii) appropriate private or commercially-sponsored physical activity programs conducted on or off campus. The district must apply to the commissioner of education for approval of such programs, which may be substituted for state graduation credit in physical education. Such approval may be granted under the following conditions.

(I) Olympic-level participation and/or competition includes a minimum of 15 hours per week of highly intensive, professional, supervised training. The training facility, instructors, and the activities involved in the program must be certified by the superintendent to be of exceptional quality. Students qualifying and participating at this level may be dismissed from school one hour per day. Students dismissed may not miss any class other than physical education.

(II) Private or commercially-sponsored physical activities include those certified by the superintendent to be of high quality and well supervised by appropriately trained instructors. Student participation of at least five hours per week must be required. Students certified to participate at this level may not be dismissed from any part of the regular school day.

(C) In accordance with local district policy, up to one credit for any one of the courses listed in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph may be earned through participation in any of the following activities:

(i) Drill Team;

(ii) Marching Band; and

(iii) Cheerleading.

(D) All substitution activities allowed in subparagraphs (B) and (C) of this paragraph must include at least 100 minutes per five-day school week of moderate to vigorous physical activity.

(E) Credit may not be earned for any course identified in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph more than once. No more than four substitution credits may be earned through any combination of substitutions allowed in subparagraphs (B) and (C) of this paragraph.

[(B) The credit may be selected from Athletics I-IV.]

[(A) A student may not earn more than two credits in physical education toward state graduation requirements.]

[(B) The school district board of trustees may allow a student to substitute certain physical activities for the required credits in physical education, including the Foundations of Personal Fitness. The substitutions must be based on the physical activity involved in drill team, marching band, and cheerleading during the fall semester; Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC); athletics; Dance I-IV; two- or three-credit career and technology work-based training courses, and off-campus physical education.]

[(C) In accordance with local district policy, a school district may award credit] [up to two credits] [for physical education for appropriate private or commercially-sponsored physical activity programs conducted on or off campus. The district must apply to the commissioner of education for approval of such programs] [, which may be substituted for state graduation credit in physical education] [. Such approval may be granted under the following conditions:]

[(i) Olympic-level participation and/or competition includes a minimum of 15 hours per week of highly intensive, professional, supervised training. The training facility, instructors, and the activities involved in the program must be certified by the superintendent to be of exceptional quality. Students qualifying and participating at this level may be dismissed from school one hour per day. Students dismissed may not miss any class other than physical education.]

[(ii) Private or commercially-sponsored physical activities include those certified by the superintendent to be of high quality and well supervised by appropriately trained instructors. Student participation of at least five hours per week must be required. Students certified to participate at this level may not be dismissed from any part of the regular school day.]

[(8) Health education--one-half credit, which may be satisfied by Health 1 or Advanced Health, or Health Science Technology--one credit, which may be satisfied by Introduction to Health Science Technology, Health Science Technology I, or Health Science Technology II.]

(8) [(9)] Speech--one-half credit. The credit may be selected from the following courses: [must consist of Communication Applications.]

[(10) Technology applications--one credit, which may be satisfied by:]

[(A) the following courses in Chapter 126 of this title (relating to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Technology Applications): Computer Science I, Computer Science II, Desktop Publishing, Digital Graphics/Animation, Multimedia, Video Technology, Web Mastering, or Independent Study in Technology Applications;]

[(B) the following courses in Chapter 120 of this title (relating to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Business Education): Business Computer Information Systems I or II, Business Computer Programming, Telecommunications and Networking, or Business Image Management and Multimedia; or]

[(C) the following courses in Chapter 123 of this title (relating to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Technology Education/Industrial Technology Education): Computer Applications, Technology Systems (modular computer laboratory-based), Communications Graphics (modular computer laboratory-based), or Computer Multimedia and Animation Technology.]

(c) Elective Courses-- seven [five] and one-half credits. The credits must be selected from the list of courses specified in §74.61(j) [§74.61(g)] of this title (relating to High School Graduation Requirements).

(a) Credits. A student must earn at least 26 credits to complete the Recommended High School Program.

(b) Core Courses. A student must demonstrate proficiency in the following:

(1) English language arts--four credits. The credits must consist of English I, II, III, and IV ( Students with limited English proficiency who are at the beginning or intermediate level of English language proficiency, as defined by §74.4(d) of this title (relating to English Language Proficiency Standards), may satisfy the English I and English II graduation requirements by successfully completing English I for Speakers of Other Languages and English II for Speakers of Other Languages [may be substituted for English I and II only for immigrant students with limited English proficiency] ).

(2) Mathematics--four credits. Three of the credits must consist of Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry.

(B) [(A)] The fourth credit may be selected from the following courses after [credits must consist of Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry. After] successful completion of Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II [, a student may select the fourth required credit from any of the following courses, except as provided in subparagraph (B) of this paragraph] :

(i) Precalculus;

(ii) Independent Study in Mathematics;

(iii) Advanced Placement (AP) Statistics;

(iv) AP Calculus AB;

(v) AP Calculus BC;

(vi) AP Computer Science;

(vii) International Baccalaureate (IB) Mathematical Studies Standard [Subsidiary] Level;

(viii) IB Mathematics Standard [Mathematical Methods Subsidiary] Level;

(ix) IB Mathematics Higher Level;

(x) IB Further [Advanced] Mathematics Standard [Subsidiary] Level;

[(xi) concurrent enrollment in college mathematics courses; and]

[(xii) Mathematical Models with Applications.]

[(B) If selected, Mathematical Models with Applications must be taken prior to Algebra II.]

[(C) The SBOE may designate additional courses that meet the requirements of this paragraph.]

(3) Science--four credits. Three of the credits must consist of a biology credit (Biology, AP Biology, or IB Biology), a chemistry credit (Chemistry, AP Chemistry, or IB Chemistry), and a physics credit (Physics, Principles of Technology, AP Physics, or IB Physics).

(A) The additional credit may be Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC) and must be successfully completed prior to chemistry and physics.

[(A) One credit must be a biology credit (Biology, AP] [Advanced Placement (AP)] [Biology, or IB] [International Baccalaureate (IB)] [Biology). The next two credits must be selected] [Students must choose two credits] [from the following areas. Not more than one credit may be chosen from each of the areas to satisfy this requirement.]

[(i) Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC);]

[(ii) Chemistry, AP Chemistry, or IB Chemistry; and]

[(iii) Physics, Principles of Technology] [I] [, AP Physics, or IB Physics.]

[(B) IPC cannot be taken as the final or fourth year of science, but must be taken before the senior year of high school.] [The fourth year of science may be selected from the laboratory-based courses listed in Chapter 112 of this title (relating to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Science), with the addition of Engineering and Earth and Space Science.]

[(C) A student entering Grade 9 beginning with the 2012-2013 school year must take three science credits, at least one from each category, from the following areas:]

[(i) Biology, AP Biology, or IB Biology;]

[(ii) Chemistry, AP Chemistry, or IB Chemistry; and]

[(iii) Physics, Principles of Technology] [I] [, AP Physics, or IB Physics.]

(B) [(D)] The fourth credit may be selected from the following laboratory-based courses:

[(D) The fourth year of science may be selected from the laboratory-based courses listed in Chapter 112 of this title (relating to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Science), with the addition of Engineering and Earth and Space Science.]

[(E) The SBOE may designate additional courses that meet the requirements of this paragraph.]

(4) Social studies--three and one-half credits. The credits must consist of World History Studies (one credit), World Geography Studies (one credit), United States History Studies Since Reconstruction (one credit), and United States Government (one-half credit).

(5) Economics, with emphasis on the free enterprise system and its benefits--one-half credit. The credit must consist of Economics with Emphasis on the Free Enterprise System and Its Benefits.

(6) Languages other than English--two credits. The credits [earned] must consist of [be for] any two levels in the same language.

(7) Physical education--one credit [and one-half credits to include Foundations of Personal Fitness (one-half credit)] .

(A) The required credit may be [selected] from any [a] combination of [two of] the following one-half to one credit courses:

(i) Foundations of Personal Fitness [, including JROTC, Dance I-IV, Drill Team, Cheerleading, Marching Band, and private or commercially-sponsored physical activity programs conducted on or off campus] ;

(ii) Adventure/Outdoor Education [, including private or commercially-sponsored physical activity programs conducted on or off campus] ; [and]

(iii) Aerobic Activities; and [, including JROTC, Dance I-IV, Drill Team, Cheerleading, Marching Band, and private or commercially-sponsored physical activity programs conducted on or off campus.]

(iv) Team or Individual Sports.

(B) In accordance with local district policy, credit for any of the courses listed in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph may be earned through participation in the following activities:

(i) Athletics;

(ii) JROTC; and

(iii) appropriate private or commercially-sponsored physical activity programs conducted on or off campus. The district must apply to the commissioner of education for approval of such programs, which may be substituted for state graduation credit in physical education. Such approval may be granted under the following conditions.

(I) Olympic-level participation and/or competition includes a minimum of 15 hours per week of highly intensive, professional, supervised training. The training facility, instructors, and the activities involved in the program must be certified by the superintendent to be of exceptional quality. Students qualifying and participating at this level may be dismissed from school one hour per day. Students dismissed may not miss any class other than physical education.

(II) Private or commercially-sponsored physical activities include those certified by the superintendent to be of high quality and well supervised by appropriately trained instructors. Student participation of at least five hours per week must be required. Students certified to participate at this level may not be dismissed from any part of the regular school day.

(C) In accordance with local district policy, up to one credit for any one of the courses listed in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph may be earned through participation in any of the following activities:

(i) Drill Team;

(ii) Marching Band; and

(iii) Cheerleading.

(D) All substitution activities allowed in subparagraphs (B) and (C) of this paragraph must include at least 100 minutes per five-day school week of moderate to vigorous physical activity.

(E) Credit may not be earned for any course identified in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph more than once. No more than four substitution credits may be earned through any combination of substitutions allowed in subparagraphs (B) and (C) of this paragraph.

(F) If a student is unable to comply with all of the requirements for a physical education course due to a physical limitation certified by a licensed medical practitioner, a modification to a physical education course does not prohibit the student from earning a Recommended High School Program diploma. A student with a physical limitation must still demonstrate proficiency in the relevant knowledge and skills in a physical education course that do not require physical activity.

[(B) The credit may be selected from Athletics I-IV.]

[(A) A student may not earn more than two credits in physical education toward state graduation requirements.]

[(B) The school district board of trustees may allow a student to substitute certain physical activities for the required credits in physical education, including the Foundations of Personal Fitness. The substitutions must be based on the physical activity involved in drill team, marching band, and cheerleading during the fall semester; Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC); athletics; Dance I-IV; and two- or three-credit career and technology work-based training courses.]

[(C) In accordance with local district policy, a school district may award credit] [up to two credits] [for physical education for appropriate private or commercially-sponsored physical activity programs conducted on or off campus. The district must apply to the commissioner of education for approval of such programs] [, which may be substituted [] [] peech-- ne-half cr di . he cre it [] [ ] [ ] [] [] [] (9 [ ] Fine rts--one cre it []

10) Technolog applications -on cre it, which ma be satisfied b :] [ A) the fol owing courses in hapter 26 of thi t tle (rela ing t Te as ssential nowledg a d Skill fo T chno ogy A plication ): Compu er Scienc I, Compu er cience II, Desktop Pu lishing, Digit l Graphi s/Anima io , Multim dia, Vi eo echnolo y, Web Mast ring, o Independent Study n Technolog Appl cations, or sta e-approved te hnology app icati ns innovative courses;] [

[(C) the following c ur es in Ch pter 23 of this tit e (relating t th Te as Essent al Know ed e and S ill f r Te hnolo y Educati n/ ndu trial Technolog Educatio ): ompute Ap lications, Technology Systems ( odular com uter labora ory-base ), Communicat ons Graphi s (modu ar compu er labor tory-based), or Co puter Multimed a and An mation T chnology or] [(D) the comp et on of th ee credits (fo students participati g in a c her nt sequenc o care r and t chno ogy cour es or who are en o led in a Tech Pre h gh sch ol lan of stu y) cons st ng f t o or mor s a e-ap rove car er and tech ol gy cou ses in Cha te s 1 9- 25 a d 127 of this itle. ist icts shall ensure ha career nd tech olo y c ur es, ncludi g innovat ve co rses, n a oheren se uence used to meet he techno ogy applic tions cr di re appro riate to coll ct vely tea h the know edge and ski ls fou d i any of the ap roved course list d i subparag aph (A), B), a d C) f his paragrap . Stude ts pur ui g the technol gy a plic tio s o ti n de cribed in his subp ragraph ust demonstrat proficiency in tec nology ap li atio s prior to t e be inning of G ade 11.

(c) Elective Courses-- five [three] and one-half credits. The credits may be selected from the list of courses specified in §74.61(j) [§74.61(g)] of this title (relating to High School Graduation Requirements). All students who wish to complete the Recommended High School Program are encouraged to study each of the four foundation curriculum areas (English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies) every year in high school.

(d) Substitutions. No substitutions are allowed in the Recommended High School Program, except as specified in this chapter.

(a) Credits. A student must earn at least 26 credits to complete the Distinguished Achievement High School Program.

(b) Core Courses. A student must demonstrate proficiency in the following:

(1) English language arts--four credits. The credits must consist of English I, II, III, and IV ( Students with limited English proficiency who are at the beginning or intermediate level of English language proficiency, as defined by §74.4(d) of this title (relating to English Language Proficiency Standards), may satisfy the English I and English II graduation requirements by successfully completing English I for Speakers of Other Languages and English II for Speakers of Other Languages [may be substituted for English I and II only for immigrant students with limited English proficiency] ).

(2) Mathematics--four credits. Three of the [The] credits must consist of Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry . The fourth credit may be selected from the following courses after successful completion of Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry: [and an additional SBOE-approved mathematics course for which Algebra II is a prerequisite.]

course credit. The Texas Education Agency shall maintain a current list of courses approved under this subparagraph.

(3) Science--four credits. Three of the [The] credits must consist of a biology credit (Biology, AP [Advanced Placement (AP)] Biology, or IB [International Baccalaureate (IB)] Biology), a chemistry credit (Chemistry, AP Chemistry, or IB Chemistry), a physics credit (Physics, AP Physics, or IB Physics), and an additional approved laboratory-based science course. After successful completion of a biology course, a chemistry course, and a physics course, the fourth [a student may select the fourth required] credit may be selected from [any of] the following laboratory-based courses:

(C) [(A)] Earth and Space Science;

(D) [(B)] Environmental Systems;

[(C) Aquatic Science;]

[(D) Astronomy;]

[(E) Anatomy and Physiology of Human Systems;]

(E) [(F)]AP Biology;

(J) [(G)] IB Biology ;

[(H) AP Chemistry;]

(K) [(I)] IB Chemistry;

[(J) AP Physics;]

(L) [(K)] IB Physics;

[(L) AP Environmental Science;]

(M) IB Environmental Systems;

(N) Scientific Research and Design; [and]

(P) [(O)]Engineering Design and Problem Solving; [.]

(4) Social studies--three and one-half credits. The credits must consist of World History Studies (one credit), World Geography Studies (one credit), United States History Studies Since Reconstruction (one credit), and United States Government (one-half credit).

(5) Economics, with emphasis on the free enterprise system and its benefits--one-half credit. The credit must consist of Economics with Emphasis on the Free Enterprise System and Its Benefits.

(6) Languages other than English--three credits. The credits [earned] must consist of [be for] any three levels in the same language.

(7) Physical education--one credit [and one-half credits to include Foundations of Personal Fitness (one-half credit)] .

(A) The required credit may be [selected] from any [a] combination of [two of] the following one-half to one credit courses:

(i) Foundations of Personal Fitness [, including JROTC, Dance I-IV, Drill Team, Cheerleading, Marching Band, and private or commercially-sponsored physical activity programs conducted on or off campus] ;

(ii) Adventure/Outdoor Education [, including private or commercially-sponsored physical activity programs conducted on or off campus] ; [and]

(iii) Aerobic Activities; and [, including JROTC, Dance I-IV, Drill Team, Cheerleading, Marching Band, and private or commercially-sponsored physical activity programs conducted on or off campus.]

(iv) Team or Individual Sports.

(B) In accordance with local district policy, credit for any of the courses listed in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph may be earned through participation in the following activities:

(i) Athletics;

(ii) JROTC; and

(iii) appropriate private or commercially-sponsored physical activity programs conducted on or off campus. The district must apply to the commissioner of education for approval of such programs, which may be substituted for state graduation credit in physical education. Such approval may be granted under the following conditions.

(I) Olympic-level participation and/or competition includes a minimum of 15 hours per week of highly intensive, professional, supervised training. The training facility, instructors, and the activities involved in the program must be certified by the superintendent to be of exceptional quality. Students qualifying and participating at this level may be dismissed from school one hour per day. Students dismissed may not miss any class other than physical education.

(II) Private or commercially-sponsored physical activities include those certified by the superintendent to be of high quality and well supervised by appropriately trained instructors. Student participation of at least five hours per week must be required. Students certified to participate at this level may not be dismissed from any part of the regular school day.

(C) In accordance with local district policy, up to one credit for any one of the courses listed in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph may be earned through participation in any of the following activities:

(i) Drill Team;

(ii) Marching Band; and

(iii) Cheerleading.

(D) All substitution activities allowed in subparagraphs (B) and (C) of this paragraph must include at least 100 minutes per five-day school week of moderate to vigorous physical activity.

(E) Credit may not be earned for any course identified in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph more than once. No more than four substitution credits may be earned through any combination of substitutions allowed in subparagraphs (B) and (C) of this paragraph.

(F) If a student is unable to comply with all of the requirements for a physical education course due to a physical limitation certified by a licensed medical practitioner, a modification to a physical education course does not prohibit the student from earning a Distinguished Achievement Program diploma. A student with a physical limitation must still demonstrate proficiency in the relevant knowledge and skills in a physical education course that do not require physical activity.

[(B) The credit may be selected from Athletics I-IV.]

[(A) A student may not earn more than two credits in physical education toward state graduation requirements.]

[(B) The school district board of trustees may allow a student to substitute certain physical activities for the required credits in physical education, including the Foundations of Personal Fitness. The substitutions must be based on the physical activity involved in drill team, marching band, and cheerleading during the fall semester; Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC); athletics; Dance I-IV; and two- or three-credit career and technology work-based training courses.]

[(C) In accordance with local district policy, a school district may award credit] [up to two credits] [for physical education for appropriate private or commercially-sponsored physical activity programs conducted on or off campus. The district must apply to the commissioner of education for approval of such programs] [, which may be substituted for state graduation credit in physical education] [. Such approval may be granted under the following conditions:]

[(i) Olympic-level participation and/or competition includes a minimum of 15 hours per week of highly intensive, professional, supervised training. The training facility, instructors, and the activities involved in the program must be certified by the superintendent to be of exceptional quality. Students qualifying and participating at this level may be dismissed from school one hour per day. Students dismissed may not miss any class other than physical education.]

[(ii) Private or commercially-sponsored physical activities include those certified by the superintendent to be of high quality and well supervised by appropriately trained instructors. Student participation of at least five hours per week must be required. Students certified to participate at this level may not be dismissed from any part of the regular school day.]

[(8) Health education--one-half credit, which may be satisfied by Health 1 or Advanced Health, or Health Science Technology--one credit, which may be satisfied by Introduction to Health Science Technology, Health Science Technology I, or Health Science Technology II.]

(8) [(9)] Speech--one-half credit. The credit may be selected from the following courses: [must consist of Communication Applications.]

[(10) Technology applications--one credit, which may be satisfied by:]

[(A) the following courses in Chapter 126 of this title (relating to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Technology Applications): Computer Science I, Computer Science II, Desktop Publishing, Digital Graphics/Animation, Multimedia, Video Technology, Web Mastering, or Independent Study in Technology Applications, or state-approved technology applications innovative courses;]

[(B) the following courses in Chapter 120 of this title (relating to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Business Education): Business Computer Information Systems I or II, Business Computer Programming, Telecommunications and Networking, or Business Image Management and Multimedia;]

[(C) the following courses in Chapter 123 of this title (relating to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Technology Education/Industrial Technology Education): Computer Applications, Technology Systems (modular computer laboratory-based), Communications Graphics (modular computer laboratory-based), or Computer Multimedia and Animation Technology; or]

[(D) the completion of three credits (for students participating in a coherent sequence of career and technology courses or who are enrolled in a Tech Prep high school plan of study) consisting of two or more state-approved career and technology courses in Chapters 119-125 and 127 of this title. Districts shall ensure that career and technology courses, including innovative courses, in a coherent sequence used to meet the technology applications credit are appropriate to collectively teach the knowledge and skills found in any of the approved courses listed in subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) of this paragraph. Students pursuing the technology applications option described in this subparagraph must demonstrate proficiency in technology applications prior to the beginning of Grade 11.]

(9) [(11)] Fine arts--one credit . The credit may be selected from the following courses: [, which may be satisfied by any course in Chapter 117, Subchapter C, of this title (relating to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Fine Arts).]

(c) Elective Courses-- four [two] and one-half credits. The credits may be selected from the list of courses specified in §74.61(j) [§74.61(g)] of this title (relating to High School Graduation

(d) Advanced measures. A student also must achieve any combination of four of the following advanced measures. Original research/projects may not be used for more than two of the four advanced measures. The measures must focus on demonstrated student performance at the college or professional level. Student performance on advanced measures must be assessed through an external review process. The student may choose from the following options: