'Distinguished' is the new default plan: Trustees approve graduation changes

Students can earn a Distinguished Level of Achievement by participating in advanced courses. AISD's HB 5 policy planning committee for graduation plans advised choosing the Distinguished plan after seeking feedback from parents, principals and campus advisory councils.

Trustee Robert Schneider said that under the Distinguished plan, students will be doing everything that they need to do to get into college.

The plan requires students to complete advanced science and math courses, including algebra II.

Students will be able to opt out of the default plan and choose a different plan only if a parent, counselor and the school principal sign off on the change, said Paul Cruz, AISD chief of schools officer.

Vivian Ballard, chairwoman of the district School Health Advisory Council, asked trustees to include health and physical education credit hours in the plan.

"We feel it is tremendously important for the health and well-being of the students to have those credit hours maintained," she said during citizens communication. "P.E. is critical because it's not just about physical activity; it's about physical education [and] teaching them what they need to be healthy members of society as they go out as adults."

Parent Casie Wenmohs said AISD should prioritize existing strengths at its campuses as well as the needs of the local workforce as it implements the legislation.

More AISD students are ready for college and career than ever before, said Drew Scheberle, senior vice president of education and talent development for the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce.

"[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 to implement the law in its schools.

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