Beginning fall 2007, a state mandated plan, known as ‘4x4’ will be put in place that increases the number of math and science credits that students must earn in order to receive a high school diploma.
On November 17, 2006 the Texas State Board of Education approved a plan that requires four years of math and four years of science in addition to the four years of English and four years of social studies that students are currently required to pass to earn a diploma.
The new rules will only affect students entering high school as freshmen in the 2007-08 school year (Class of 2011). Current high school students will be able to earn their diploma under the existing system, which requires them to earn 27 credits, including three years of math and science.
All students must register for the recommended high school plan, unless a committee, including a parent or guardian, a campus administrator and a school counselor, agree that it is in the best interest of the student to complete the minimum high school plan. The minimum plan requires the same total number of credits (27) but the course requirements vary slightly.
“Mansfield ISD high school counselors have always encouraged students to take a fourth credit of math and science for better preparation,” says Andrea Hensley, Coordinator of Guidance and Counseling. “The state has validated this practice by implementing the 4x4 curriculum plan in all four of the core subject areas. The students will be the ultimate benefactors by having the extra math and science instruction. We now have the ability to require, instead of just encourage our students to go the extra mile academically.”
Students or parents who have questions about the new 4x4 requirements are encouraged to contact their campus counselor. Counselors will be working with individual students and parents to make sure each student is enrolled in appropriate classes for the upcoming school year.
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