Bushland ISD - Curriculum & Instruction Department

Angie Watson
Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, & Federal Programs
806-359-6683
angie.watson@bushlandisd.net

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Curriculum and Instruction Statement
Bushland ISD's curriculum is aligned with the mandated curriculum of the State of Texas, the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) as required by 19 TAC Chapter 74. BISD teachers use TEKS Resource System for curriculum management which is locally customized to meet the needs of the students we serve. Curriculum components center around content and cognitive student expectations found within the state standards. A variety of standards-based instructional strategies and resources are used to support instructional practices. For more information about the specific textbooks and online resources used at each campus, please contact your child's home campus.

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BISD and House Bill 5
House Bill 5 was signed into law in the summer of 2013 and one of its provisions was to change high school graduation plans for all students who enter high school during the 2014-2015 school year and thereafter. The bill provides more flexibility for high school students to pursue either higher education or career. Generally speaking, House Bill 5 established a single graduation plan, the Foundation High School Program (FHSP). Students will also have the opportunity to build on the FHSP by earning Endorsements, Performance Acknowledgments, and a Distinguished Level of Achievement. Students will need to declare their preferred endorsement area, in writing, by the end of their 9th-grade year. Students will be able to change their endorsement at any time. An endorsement is basically an opportunity for students to select a "major" during their high school career. An endorsement can be earned by taking additional courses in Career and Technical Education (CTE) or by taking additional non-CTE courses specified within the endorsement requirements. The endorsement areas are:

* Arts & Humanities
* Business & Industry
* Multidisciplinary
* Public Service
* Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM) NOTE: To earn the STEM
endorsement students MUST take Algebra II, Chemistry & Physics, in concert
with other Foundation + Endorsement Program requirements.

BISD offers courses to meet endorsements in all areas. There are specific course requirements in the foundation curriculum based on the Endorsement selected.