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Reach for the Stars!
Be a Texas Scholar!
As you prepare to enter high school, you may be wondering what the future holds for you. What will the classes you take in high school have to do with the jobs you will hold as an adult?
The answer?
PLENTY!
As technology enters the 21st century, the information and skills learned from math, science, and similarly challenging subjects will better prepare you to be a valued employee in the future. Hardly a career exists that hasn't been affected by the advances in technology. Everything from art and music to auto mechanics and fast food restaurants has become more and more efficient through the use of computers.
Reaching for the stars and becoming a Texas Scholar means stretching beyond the safety of classes that you are required to take or in which you know that you will do well. It means taking risks by choosing harder courses, but in return you get:
| Money | Texas Scholars have the skills that better prepare them to enter the work force and find a good job. They won't have to settle for minimum wage or unstable employment. |
| Respect | Texas Scholars are recognized by local employers as having a high quality education. As one businessman put it, he is more likely to hire a student who took Algebra II and earned a "C" than a student who took Basketweaving and earned an "A." The "C" represents more work, dedication, and initiative than that "easy A." That student is the kind of employee he wants on his team. |
| Options | Texas Scholars have an education that will enable them to choose their own destiny - whether that is enrolling in college or going directly into the job market. |
Texas Scholars are high school students in the Garland Independent School District who have made the commitment to themselves to complete a challenging curriculum plan. Why? It's because they know that they will be gaining a high level of skills and after graduation will be well-prepared to enter the job market or begin college.
During each school year, each high school campus hosts a special awards ceremony honoring graduating Texas Scholars. In addition, they receive a special designation on their diploma and recognition during commencement exercises.
The Texas Scholar program is sponsored by BEST - the Business Education Scholastic Team. BEST is a partnership between the local business community and the Garland ISD.
What kind of classes are required?
The requirements are as follows:
| English - 4 credits | |
| Math - 3 credits (including Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry) | |
| Science - 3 credits (from Integrated Physics & Chemistry, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics) | |
| Social Studies - 4 credits | |
| Other Languages - 2 credits (in same language) | |
| Health - 1/2 credit | |
| Fine Arts - 1 credit (not speech or debate) | |
| Physical Education - 1 1/2 credits | |
| Technology Applications - 1 credit | |
| Communications Applications - 1/2 credit | |
| Electives - 3 1/2 credits* | |
| *One of the electives must be chosen from the following courses: Precalculus, a 3rd year of other language, or any AP/IB course that is not used as a requirement above. | |
Last Updated: August 18, 2004
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