Austin ISD approves 'Distinguished' graduation path as district default plan

"The thing about the Distinguished plan is that [for] every kid, we automatically know that they're doing everything that they need to do to get into college, and it's not that way with some of the other options," he said.

The Distinguished Level of Achievement requires students to complete not only the 26 credits required by the foundation plan plus at least one endorsement, but also advanced science and math courses, including algebra II.

Students would only be able to opt out of the default plan if a parent, counselor and the school's principal signed off on the change, according to Paul Cruz, AISD's chief of schools officer.

"We want to make sure people are being very thoughtful about it," Cruz said.

Some attendees during citizens communication said they support the district's new default plan. Drew Scheberle, senior vice president, education and talent development for the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce, said more AISD students are ready for college and career than ever before.

"[The Distinguished Level of Achievement plan] is really the same as the Recommended plan that you've been doing for the last 14 years, so this is a great opportunity to continue the progress," he said.

AISD trustee Ann Teich said parents throughout the district should be prepared for the changes that will take place in AISD as a result of implementing the state law in all its schools.

"It is going to take a village just to figure all of this out," she said.