Student Handbook | Texas Tech K-12 | TTU

Dear Students:

Welcome and thank you for choosing Texas Tech K-12 for your educational needs. You are now a part of a long-standing tradition: Texas Tech University has been offering distance-learning courses for over 70 years. Please read this handbook and refer to it often for information regarding course processes at Texas Tech K-12 for your individualized program, whether it is a supplemental course, a Credit by Exam (CBE), or a full-time program.

We commend your desire to learn and your motivation to complete your education. Your attitude and effort will have a direct correlation to your degree of success in our program.

We extend our very best wishes to you as you strive for academic and personal success!

History

Texas Tech K-12 was established by legislative and state board action in 1993 as Texas Tech University High School. In 1998, the program expanded to serve students in kindergarten through 12th grade.

Texas Tech K-12 began as a tuition-based program. In 2019, the Texas Legislature included a provision in House Bill 3 allowing Texas Tech K-12 to receive state funding for eligible full-time Texas resident students. In 2020, the State Board of Education established Texas Administrative Code §61.101 governing special purpose school districts operated by major universities. Texas Tech K-12 began receiving state funding for eligible full-time Texas resident students in August 2021.

Accreditation and Quality Assurance

Texas Tech K-12 is accredited by Cognia, a nonprofit organization that provides quality assurance for educational institutions and is approved by the Texas Education Agency (TEA).

Texas Tech K-12 courses and Credit by Exams (CBEs) are aligned with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), the state curriculum standards established by the Texas State Board of Education.

Texas Tech K-12 high school courses are approved by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), supporting college-bound student athletes in meeting applicable academic eligibility requirements.

Texas Tech K-12 Mission and Vision Statements

Mission: Empower students through a premier, online education built on flexibility, innovation and engagement.

Vision: Transform online K-12 education, rooted in the Texas Tech spirit of excellence, to deliver world-class learning opportunities anytime, anywhere.

Nondiscrimination Statement

Texas Tech K-12 values and respects all students and staff as part of its academic and social community. Texas Tech K-12 recognizes the inherent worth and dignity of every person; fosters tolerance, sensitivity, understanding, and mutual respect among its members; and encourages each individual to strive to reach his or her own potential.

Texas Tech K-12 prohibits discrimination against any member of our community on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, genetic information, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, or status as a veteran. Any such discrimination will not be tolerated.

If you experience any issue or situation in which you feel excluded, intimidated, or bullied, please contact any of our administrators or advisors. Texas Tech K-12 will promptly investigate such conduct in accordance with applicable federal and state laws. Texas Tech K-12 will address your concerns in a respectful manner and will maintain your confidentiality to the greatest extent possible permitted by applicable law.

Contact Information

• Texas Tech K-12
• Texas Tech Plaza
• 1901 University Ave.
• Lubbock, TX 79401

• Phone: (806) 615-2115
• Administrative Support Hours:
• Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time
• Saturday-Sunday: Closed
• Current students should use the Texas Tech K-12 Student Services portal for support.

Texas Tech K-12 Teachers

Texas Tech K-12 teachers are Texas-certified and available to support students throughout their courses. Students should communicate directly with their teachers through the messaging tools within Canvas, the Texas Tech K-12 learning management system (LMS). Teacher and course-specific contact information is available within each Canvas course.

Texas Tech K-12 teachers follow the Texas Tech University calendar for university holidays and scheduled closures.

Texas Tech K-12 Support

Texas Tech K-12 provides support to students and families throughout the enrollment and learning experiences.

Current students should use the Texas Tech K-12 Student Services portal for assistance with enrollment, account, academic or technical questions.

Phone support is available at (806) 615-2115 during regular administrative business hours, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time.

Students Served by Texas Tech K-12

Texas Tech K-12 serves students in the state of Texas, the United States and internationally. We serve several types of students:

1. Tuition-Free Full-Time Texas-Resident students who attend at no cost.
2. Tuition-Paid Full-Time out-of-state students, or Texas students desiring a more flexible program, who participate in a tuition-based program.
3. Supplemental students who are enrolled full-time at another school and are taking courses or CBEs for school credit. These courses are tuition-based.
4. International students seeking a concurrent diploma (a diploma from Texas and a diploma from their home country) or a single Texas diploma.
5. Students interested in earning course credit through Credit by Exam options purchased through your current school.

Student Expectations: Time Management

As a Texas Tech K-12 student, you will need to develop personal time management plans to maintain steady progress toward course completion. By setting aside specific hours each day for your coursework, setting your own deadlines, and staying in contact with your teachers via course messaging, you will create an environment that enhances your learning experience. Ask your parents and tutors to teach and guide you regarding time management and study skills, including:

• keeping an academic calendar to be aware of upcoming assignments and exams and complete them in a timely manner;
• reading and following instructions on the assignments;
• maintaining contact with your teachers; and
• maintaining satisfactory progress in all courses.

Carefully read all course materials before beginning coursework, particularly each course syllabus. The course syllabus will contain information and expectations to assist you in obtaining academic success.

You will spend approximately 90-100 hours per course enrollment. Because Texas Tech K-12 courses are asynchronous, the amount of actual time you spend on a course will depend on your previous knowledge and skills in the course content area.

After you have successfully enrolled in one or more courses, you should:

• log in to the Texas Tech K-12 Portal within the first two days of enrolling;
• read and print the course syllabus;
• become familiar with the Canvas Learning Management System;
• read all material titled Introduction and Course Navigation;
• follow sections of the course content in order;
• work in courses on a regular basis by participating:
• in discussion boards and forums;
• in graded instructional items, quizzes, and assignments; and
• through follow-up on feedback posted to assignment submissions.

Attendance Requirements and Truancy Prevention

Conduct

You are responsible for your personal conduct and behavior. A distance education course, whether online or in print, carries the same expectations as a course in a traditional classroom. The teacher monitors and evaluates student conduct and behavior, and you will be held accountable for your words and actions.

Behavior or language not appropriate for a traditional classroom is likewise not appropriate in a Texas Tech K-12 course. This includes, but is not limited to, the use of profanity and the refusal to complete assignments. Behaving in this manner may result in being dropped from your course(s). By enrolling in a course or CBE, you have entered into an agreement with Texas Tech K-12 to refrain from the use of profanity in both written and oral communication and to behave in an appropriate and respectful manner at all times.

For further information regarding student conduct in a Texas Tech K-12 course, please read the Texas Tech K-12 Policies

Student Conduct

Texas Tech K-12 fosters a spirit of complete honesty and a high standard of integrity. An attempt to present any work you have not honestly performed as your own is regarded by Texas Tech K-12 as a serious offense leading to serious consequences.

As a part of Texas Tech University, the Texas Tech K-12 student conduct policy aligns with the university’s student policy regarding academic integrity:

“Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating, plagiarism, collusion, falsifying academic records, misrepresenting facts, and any act designed to give an unfair academic advantage to the student (such as, but not limited to, submission of essentially the same written assignment for two courses).”

For a full description of each of the examples above, please read Section I, Part B.1, Academic Dishonesty in the TTU Student Conduct Policy.

Academic Integrity and Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence Use

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools may be used to support student learning when their use is appropriate for the assignment or activity. AI should support, not replace, a student's own learning, critical thinking and communication.

Appropriate uses of AI may include brainstorming, clarifying concepts, creating study materials, generating practice questions or receiving feedback when permitted by the teacher or course.

Students may not use AI to generate graded work and submit that work as their own unless the teacher or course instructions specifically permit the use of AI for that assignment.

Students are responsible for the work they submit and must be able to independently explain and demonstrate their understanding of submitted work.

When the authenticity of submitted work cannot reasonably be verified, the teacher may require the student to participate in a discussion-based assessment or other method of verification. Verification may include a live, camera-enabled session.

Work determined to be inauthentic may be subject to resubmission requirements and academic consequences in accordance with Texas Tech K-12 policy.

Course Enrollment

Texas Tech K-12 offers multiple enrollment options, and enrollment requirements vary by program.

Tuition-Free Full-Time Students

Tuition-free students enroll according to established application and enrollment periods and must meet applicable attendance, academic progress and program requirements.

Tuition-Paid and Supplemental Students

Tuition-paid and supplemental students may enroll in available courses according to the enrollment options and timelines established for those programs.

Students taking individual or supplemental courses should confirm with their home school or counselor that the course will meet their academic or graduation requirements before enrolling.

Students should refer to the current Texas Tech K-12 enrollment information for program-specific application dates, requirements and availability.

Textbooks and Course Materials

Most Texas Tech K-12 courses do not require students to purchase a separate textbook. Required course materials are provided within the course unless otherwise specified.

Some courses, including select Advanced Placement (AP) courses, may require a textbook or additional materials. If a textbook or supplemental material is required, students will be provided with specific information and instructions for obtaining the required materials.

Assignment Resubmission

Students may be allowed one resubmission per eligible assignment, for a maximum of two attempts. A resubmission must be completed within 48 hours of receiving teacher feedback and must demonstrate a meaningful effort to address the feedback provided.

Teachers may decline a resubmission that does not appropriately address the feedback from the original submission. If a resubmission does not meet these expectations, no additional attempt will be provided.

Resubmissions are not permitted after the final exam has been completed.

Student Attire During Video-Based Activities

Students participating in Texas Tech K-12 activities that require live video should dress in a manner appropriate for a traditional K-12 school environment.

This expectation applies to activities including proctored examinations, discussion-based assessments, tutoring, virtual meetings and other live instructional activities.

If a student's attire does not meet school expectations, the student may be asked to temporarily turn off the camera while instructions are provided, leave and return appropriately dressed or reschedule the activity when appropriate.

When continuous camera monitoring is required for an assessment, the assessment may be stopped or restarted if the student is unable to meet the video-participation requirements.

Course Credit

The course grade will be calculated as follows:

• 50% coursework average
• 50% summative assessment average, including the final exam
• (Designated summative assessments will be defined in the course syllabus.)
• A passing course grade is 70 or higher.
• Students must attempt all assignments in the course. The final exam will not be available until all assignments have been accepted and graded by the teacher.
• Students who score below 70% for the first final exam attempt will be eligible to retake the final one time.

Final Exams

You may take a final exam once you have completed all course work, including checkpoints. Each assignment requires two business days for grading and processing; therefore, this time will factor into coursework completion.

If you require a final course grade in order to meet a specific deadline, allow five days for the final grade to post after you complete the final exam.

Online Proctoring Requirements

Texas Tech K-12 uses Proctorio for online proctored assessments.

Students completing a Proctorio assessment must use a supported desktop or laptop computer with:

• Google Chrome
• The Proctorio Chrome extension
• A working webcam
• A working microphone
• A dual-core processor or better
• At least 2 GB of available RAM
• At least 250 MB of available disk space
• A stable internet connection

Before beginning an exam, students should:

• Run the Proctorio system check.
• Close unnecessary programs and browser tabs.
• Restart the computer.
• Use a wired internet connection whenever possible.

Depending on the settings used for the assessment, Proctorio may record webcam video, audio, screen activity and browser activity during the exam.

Assignment Grades

Teachers have two business days to grade assignments. Plan ahead to ensure your schedule allows for this grading time. Communicate with your Texas Tech K-12 advisor (full-time students) or your local campus counselor (supplemental students) for us to work with you and help you meet deadlines for graduation, employment, and college.

Allow five business days for the course grade to be recorded before requesting a grade report. Only completed courses are officially reported and recorded. There is no academic penalty for failure to complete a course.

Final Grade Disputes: Grade Appeals Process

Students and their parents may have their grade appeals addressed by Texas Tech K-12. The appeal must be in writing and follow the policies listed in Texas Tech K-12 Policies for student and parent grievances.

A student or parent may initiate the formal process by submitting the Grievance/Grade Appeal Form listed in the Focus portal. The appeal must be within 30 days after completion of the course.

• Only final course grades can be formally appealed.
• Texas Tech K-12’s grade appeals policy is available online in our Texas Tech K-12 Policies.

CBEs evaluate mastery of a given subject or discipline as defined by the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). With the exception of some elementary courses, each CBE covers one semester of course credit.

CBE enrollments are non-refundable and non-transferable.

For a full listing of CBEs offered by Texas Tech K-12, visit the Texas Tech K-12 Course Catalog.

You must obtain prior approval from your school counselor to ensure credit upon completion. See the Texas Tech K-12 Policies for Texas Administrative Code (TAC) details regarding the number of CBEs allowed per year and other provisions.

Preparation

CBE Reviews are available online at Texas Tech K-12 CBE Review Sheets.

CBE Grades

Grades for all CBEs will be recorded as the numerical percentage earned on the CBE. A score report will be mailed to your home address and school. Each school district will determine if credit will be granted based on district policies and practices.

There are no grade appeals for CBEs: grades are final, and you will not receive any feedback. If you do not successfully pass a CBE, you may take one alternative version of the CBE. You must obtain approval from your school counselor before enrolling in a second CBE to ensure credit upon successful completion.

Proctoring Requirements

Online proctoring requirements for CBEs are the same as those for final course exams.

Students participating in Texas Tech K-12 online courses must have reliable internet access, basic computer skills and access to a computer that meets the requirements below.

Minimum Student Requirements

• Reliable internet access
• Webcam
• Microphone
• Speakers or headphones
• Computer with a minimum of 4 GB RAM; 8-16 GB is recommended

Supported Operating Systems

• Windows 10 or newer
• macOS 11 or newer
• ChromeOS 58 or newer

Supported Browsers

• Google Chrome
• Microsoft Edge
• Mozilla Firefox
• Safari on macOS

Internet Requirements

Students must have a stable broadband internet connection. A wired internet connection is recommended whenever possible, particularly for proctored assessments.

Browser Requirements

Students should ensure that:

• JavaScript is enabled.
• Cookies are enabled.
• Pop-ups are allowed when required.
• Ad blockers are disabled when they interfere with course functionality.
• A PDF reader is available.

Canvas

Canvas is the Texas Tech K-12 learning management system (LMS). For the best experience, students should access Canvas using a desktop or laptop computer. Mobile applications may be used for supplemental access but may not provide all functionality required to complete coursework.

Focus System Notifications

To ensure delivery of system notifications, school or district information technology departments may need to allow the following:

Email

• noreply@ttu.focus-sis.com
• ses.ttu.focus-sis.com

Domain

• ttu.focus-sis.com

IP Addresses

• 198.61.254.15
• 198.61.254.16
• 69.72.33.174
• 69.72.47.242

Part-time students who wish to enroll as full-time Texas Tech K-12 students: visit the Programs page on the Texas Tech K-12 website.

Note: Proof of Texas Residency must be provided upon application to the Tuition-Free Program.

Tuition-Free Program Requirements

Application and Enrollment

• An all-online program must be consistent with your academic needs.
• You must have access to computer hardware that meets minimum requirements, as well as reliable internet access.
• You must submit a birth certificate and proof of Texas residency.
• You must submit a Social Security Number (and card upload for verification), a State ID Number/SNumber (Not a Drivers License Number), or a Unique Texas ID Number.
• You are required to take the designated STAAR/EOC exams for your grade level.
• You will need a designated Learning Coach. Your parent/guardian, or another responsible adult, will work with your teachers to monitor progress, lesson mastery, and review student work.

Attendance/Progress Requirements

• In your all-online program, “attendance” will be defined as progress within each semester course.
• You will have six months to complete each semester course.
• You must maintain enrollment in a minimum of four semester courses.
• You must complete a minimum of 5% of course assignments in every seven-day period. For example, if your course has 20 assignments, you need to complete a minimum of one per week. If your course has 60 assignments, you must average a minimum of three per week.
• Please note:
  • Completing the minimum number of assignments does not guarantee you will complete within the 6-month time frame.
  • Completing the minimum number of assignments and courses may not maintain your appropriate grade level or anticipated graduation date.
  • If your progress is adequate, your parent may request “vacation” days. These must be requested and approved in advance.
• Extensions are not available, so you must schedule your weekly progress to complete the minimum of four courses during the 6-month period.
• Failure to meet minimum progress requirements may cause Texas Tech K-12 to implement truancy processes and may result in your removal from the program.
• More information about Tuition-Free Program Policies can be found in our Attendance and Truancy policy.

Required Live Participation

Tuition-free students are required to participate in mandatory live instructional or related-service sessions when assigned.

Required sessions may include:

• Special Education services
• Discussion-based assessments
• Assigned live tutoring
• Intervention
• Accelerated instruction
• Other required instructional or related-service sessions

Failure to attend a required session will be documented as an absence.

Students should provide notice when they are unable to attend a scheduled session whenever possible and should contact the appropriate teacher, provider or staff member regarding the absence.

Internal Hold Before Web Submission

Final excused/unexcused absence definitions, warning thresholds and withdrawal/non-enrollment consequences must be administratively approved before those details are added.

Part-time students who wish to enroll as full-time Texas Tech K-12 students: visit the Programs page on the Texas Tech K-12 website.

Identification Cards and Verification of Enrollment and Attendance (VOE)

As a full-time student, you are eligible to receive a Texas Tech K-12 student identification card and Verification of Enrollment and Attendance (VOE).

Verification of Attendance

If you are a full-time student who wishes to receive a VOE for any purpose, including a driver’s permit, Social Security benefits or child support, avoiding truancy in your local district, or legal documentation of enrollment in a Texas Tech K-12 full-time program, you MUST meet the full-time student eligibility requirements as outlined above.

You may request a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) VOE Form or an official letter verifying enrollment and attendance from your Texas Tech K-12 academic advisor. Texas Tech K-12 administration may deny VOE to any student who has not maintained adequate progress to stay on grade level. Request a VOE by emailing a request to your Texas Tech K-12 academic advisor. The advisor will require at least two working days for progress review.

If you are denied a VOE, your Texas Tech K-12 academic advisor will work with you to outline a progress intervention plan to meet the requirements necessary to receive a VOE in the future.

Student ID Cards

We recommend all students in Texas Tech K-12 full-time programs receive an ID card. The card provides student authentication for state and national testing, final exam proctoring services, and school attendance verification.

To receive an ID card, fill out an Identity Verification form.

Texas Tech Elementary School

Full-time Texas Tech K-12 elementary students must maintain academic progress in a minimum of four courses concurrently.

After successfully completing both the first (A) and second (B) semesters of the four core subject areas required for their grade level, students will receive a report card and may be promoted to the next grade level in accordance with Texas Tech K-12 grade-placement requirements.

Physical Education Requirements

Texas Tech K-12 requires all K–5 Tuition-Free students to enroll in the corresponding physical education course for their grade level. Tuition-paid students may enroll in physical education upon request.

Grade-Level Placement

Students transferring from an accredited public or private school will be placed in the appropriate grade level and semester courses based on the most recently completed semester as indicated on the student’s report card or other academic records from the previous school.

Texas Tech K-12 courses are designed for students to begin at the start of a semester whenever possible. Students are encouraged to complete the current semester at their previous school before withdrawing and enrolling with Texas Tech K-12.

Students who transfer before completing a semester may be assigned intervention coursework, required to repeat the previous semester or asked to complete placement assessments to assist with appropriate grade-level and course placement.

Course Assessment and Grading

Elementary courses may include required assessments in accordance with Texas Tech K-12 course requirements. Students and families should refer to the Online Proctoring Requirements and Grading Procedures sections of this handbook for applicable assessment, proctoring and grading requirements.

State and National Assessments

STAAR Assessments: Elementary School

Students enrolled in the Texas Tech K-12 Tuition-Free elementary program must participate in applicable State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) assessments. STAAR testing begins in grade 3. Current state assessment requirements include math and reading language arts (RLA) in grades 3 and 4, and math, RLA and science in grade 5.

Students and parents/guardians will receive information from Texas Tech K-12 regarding applicable testing requirements, administration dates, testing procedures and locations.

Additional information is available on the Texas Tech K-12 STAAR Testing webpage.

Accelerated Instruction

Under Texas law, students who do not achieve Approaches Grade Level or higher on an applicable STAAR assessment are required to receive accelerated instruction in the applicable subject area or areas.

Accelerated instruction may include supplemental instruction aligned with the student’s grade level and academic needs. Depending on student performance and applicable requirements, supplemental instruction may include 15 or 30 hours of additional instruction and may be required in up to two subject areas.

Students are expected to participate in scheduled accelerated instruction, whether offered synchronously or asynchronously, unless the requirement has been modified or removed in accordance with applicable state requirements and Texas Tech K-12 procedures.

A parent or guardian may submit a written request to modify or remove applicable accelerated instruction requirements when permitted under Texas law. The availability of that option depends on the student’s assessment circumstances and applicable state requirements.

When accelerated instruction is required and has not been modified or removed through the applicable process, participation is considered part of the student’s academic and attendance expectations. Continued non-participation may result in additional academic or attendance interventions.

Texas Tech Middle School

Full-time Texas Tech K-12 middle school students must maintain academic progress in a minimum of four courses concurrently.

Students enrolled in Texas Tech Middle School should complete the required subject areas for their grade level. Current course requirements include:

* Students must complete one semester of Career Exploration during seventh or eighth grade.

** Students must complete one fine arts course during seventh or eighth grade in accordance with applicable Texas requirements.

Physical Education Requirements

Texas Tech K-12 Tuition-Free students must complete two years of physical education. Enrollment in physical education courses should be discussed with the student’s advisor to ensure appropriate course planning and grade-level progression. Students enrolled in the Tuition-Paid program may enroll in physical education upon request.

Accelerated Mathematics

Texas Tech K-12 may offer accelerated mathematics placement for eligible sixth-grade students based on prior academic performance, demonstrated readiness and course availability. Placement in accelerated mathematics is intended to support appropriate academic progression and preparation for advanced mathematics coursework.

Students placed in an accelerated mathematics course are expected to meet all course requirements and maintain satisfactory academic progress. Texas Tech K-12 may adjust a student’s placement when necessary to support successful course completion and continued academic growth.

Grade-Level Placement for Transfer Students

Students transferring to Texas Tech Middle School from an accredited public or private school will generally be placed at the grade level indicated by their previous school. An official transcript, report card or other required academic record must be provided to verify previous enrollment, completed coursework and grade-level placement.

Texas Tech K-12 courses are designed for students to begin at the start of a semester whenever possible. Students are encouraged to complete their current semester before withdrawing from their previous school.

Students who transfer before completing a semester may be required to complete additional coursework, intervention or placement assessments to determine appropriate course and grade-level placement.

Students transferring from a homeschool program or non-accredited school or program must provide available academic documentation, such as transcripts, grade reports or records of completed coursework. Texas Tech K-12 will review the student’s academic history and may require placement assessments or other academic evaluation to determine appropriate grade-level and course placement.

Texas Tech K-12 reserves the right to make the final determination regarding grade-level and course placement.

STAAR Assessments: Middle School

Students enrolled in the Texas Tech K-12 Tuition-Free middle school program are required to participate in applicable State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) assessments. Students and parents/guardians will receive information from Texas Tech K-12 regarding applicable testing requirements, administration dates and testing procedures.

Additional information is available on the Texas Tech K-12 STAAR Testing webpage

Accelerated Instruction

Under Texas law, students who do not achieve Approaches Grade Level or higher on an applicable STAAR assessment are required to receive accelerated instruction in the applicable subject area or areas.

Accelerated instruction may include supplemental instruction aligned with the student’s grade level and academic needs. Depending on the student’s performance and applicable state requirements, supplemental instruction may include 15 or 30 hours of additional instruction and may be required in up to two subject areas.

Students are expected to participate in scheduled accelerated instruction, whether offered synchronously or asynchronously, unless the requirement has been modified or removed in accordance with applicable state requirements and Texas Tech K-12 procedures.

A parent or guardian may submit a written request to modify or remove applicable accelerated instruction requirements when permitted under Texas law. Texas Tech K-12 will provide families with information regarding the applicable process and requirements.

When accelerated instruction is required and has not been modified or removed through the applicable process, participation is considered part of the student’s academic and attendance expectations. Continued nonparticipation may result in additional academic or attendance interventions.

High School Credit Courses

Middle school students who are approved to enroll in courses for high school credit must meet applicable Texas Tech K-12 course and state assessment requirements.

Students enrolled in courses associated with a required STAAR End-of-Course (EOC) assessment must participate in the applicable EOC assessment in accordance with state requirements.

Students and families should refer to current Texas Tech K-12 testing information for specific testing requirements, administration procedures and testing locations.

Texas Tech High School

Full-time Texas Tech K-12 high school students must maintain academic progress in a minimum of four courses concurrently. Students may need to complete more than the minimum number of courses each year to remain on grade level and meet their anticipated graduation date.

Students must work with their Texas Tech K-12 academic advisor to ensure they are enrolled in the courses necessary to meet their individual graduation requirements. Students are responsible for completing applicable course-credit and state assessment requirements for graduation.

Dual Credit

Students must receive approval from their Texas Tech K-12 academic advisor before enrolling in dual credit coursework.

Dual credit coursework may apply toward both high school and college requirements when applicable. Students are responsible for meeting all eligibility, enrollment and academic requirements associated with their approved dual credit courses.

Final Grade Point Average Calculation for Graduation

Texas Tech K-12 calculates a student’s final GPA using eligible coursework that applies toward high school graduation.

All accredited Texas Tech K-12 courses that apply toward graduation are included in the GPA calculation, except approved physical education substitution credits and local-credit courses. Grades transferred from accredited schools are also included in the final GPA unless the course is designated as local credit or graded on a pass/fail basis.

Texas Tech K-12 uses the following grade-point scale:

A failing grade earned in a Texas Tech K-12 course or Credit by Examination (CBE) may be replaced by successfully repeating the applicable course or examination in accordance with Texas Tech K-12 requirements.

Weighted Coursework

Eligible Advanced Placement (AP), Honors, International Baccalaureate (IB) and Dual Credit/Concurrent Credit courses receive additional GPA weight in accordance with Texas Tech K-12 policy.

Eligible transferred coursework with an approved weighted-course designation may also receive the corresponding GPA weight when applied toward Texas Tech High School graduation requirements.

Transfer Grades & Credits

Students transferring to Texas Tech High School from an accredited public or private school must provide an official transcript, report card or other required academic records for evaluation.

Texas Tech K-12 will review eligible coursework to determine which credits may be applied toward the student’s Texas Tech High School graduation requirements. Transfer grades from accredited schools are included in the student’s GPA unless the course is designated as local credit or graded on a pass/fail basis.

Students transferring from a homeschool program or non-accredited school or program must provide appropriate academic documentation, such as transcripts or grade reports, for review. Grades from homeschool or non-accredited programs are not directly transferable for credit. Students may earn applicable credit by completing the appropriate CBE or by enrolling in the corresponding course.

Texas Tech K-12 reserves the right to make the final determination regarding the acceptance and application of transferred coursework toward Texas Tech High School graduation requirements.

Attendance Requirements and Truancy Prevention

Texas Tech K-12 students are expected to maintain required academic progress and participate in all required instructional activities.

Attendance expectations may include both asynchronous course participation and attendance at required live instructional or related-service sessions.

Required live sessions may include tutoring, intervention, discussion-based assessments, accelerated instruction, Special Education services and other scheduled instructional or related-service activities.

Missed required sessions may be documented as absences and may result in attendance intervention in accordance with Texas Tech K-12 policy.

Required Attendance at Texas Tech K-12

The following attendance requirements apply to all full-time students who are Texas residents and enrolled in the Tuition-Free program, unless a specific exemption has been granted by a school administrator.

Minimum Lesson/Unit Completion Requirements

Students demonstrate attendance in Texas Tech K-12 online school by regularly completing assignments. Attendance is directly tied to what the student accomplishes and/or produces over a given period. The assignments completed are evidence that a student has been in attendance. If no work is produced, the student is not considered to be in attendance.

Unless specifically stated otherwise, attendance is required a minimum of three days per week. A student must complete at least 5% of course assignments in a seven-day period and in every subsequent seven-day period until the course is completed.

Course completion is required to earn course credit. No partial course credit will be granted. Course credit is earned when the student has successfully demonstrated mastery of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for the course.

Students have six months from the date of enrollment to complete each course. To remain in the program, students must be concurrently enrolled in a minimum of four courses.

Failure to meet minimum progress or attendance requirements may result in attendance interventions and an administrative review of the student's enrollment status.

Annual Attendance Review

Texas Tech K-12 will conduct an annual review of student attendance and participation at the end of each school year.

Students who receive three or more attendance warnings during the school year will have their enrollment status reviewed by Texas Tech K-12 administration. The review will consider attendance and participation concerns documented throughout the year, including repeated absences from required instructional or related-service activities.

Based on the results of the review, students may be subject to additional intervention or withdrawal from the Texas Tech K-12 state-funded program.

STAAR Testing Policy

Participation in mandatory state testing is a condition of enrollment in the Tuition-Free program and is required by the Texas Education Agency for graduation under the Foundation High School Program.

Students who do not participate in required state testing will be moved to the Tuition-Paid program.

State and National Assessments

Texas Tech K-12 students participating in the tuition-free program are required to participate in applicable state testing. Testing requirements vary based on a student's grade level and courses.

Texas Tech K-12 provides students and families with current testing dates, locations, registration information and administration procedures through the Texas Tech K-12 Testing Resources.

Students and families are responsible for reviewing testing communications and completing applicable testing requirements.

STAAR End of Course (EOC) Exams

Students enrolled in Texas Tech High School must pass five STAAR EOC Exams to meet graduation requirements in the following subjects (exceptions may apply):

• Algebra I
• English I (Reading/Writing)
• English II (Reading/Writing)
• Biology
• U.S. History

Released test questions can be found on the TEA web site at this link: Test Questions.

PSAT

Students classified in the 10th and 11th grades may take the PSAT. If you have earned 6.0 high school credits, you may take the PSAT National Merit Qualifying Test for practice each October. To qualify as a National Merit Finalist with a possible scholarship, you must be classified as a junior with a minimum of 13 high school credits.

To participate in this test, contact the testing coordinator at ttuk12@ttu.edu for more information. It is recommended that you make contact in June, well in advance of the mid-October test date. More information regarding this process can be found at PSAT for Homeschool Students.

SAT and ACT

Students classified as juniors in the Texas Tech K-12 full-time diploma program should prepare to take the SAT and/or ACT.

Texas Tech K-12 CEEB Code: 444-357

Students should use this code when registering for the SAT to ensure Texas Tech K-12 receives their scores for the student's academic record.

For current registration information, test dates and requirements, students should visit the College Board and ACT websites or refer to the Texas Tech K-12 Testing Resources page.

Accelerated Instruction

Students participating in the tuition-free program who do not perform satisfactorily on an applicable STAAR assessment or who are absent from a required state assessment may be assigned accelerated instruction in accordance with applicable state requirements.

Accelerated instruction may include 15-30 hours of remedial instruction in up to two applicable content areas.

Students are required to participate in scheduled accelerated instruction. Participation may include synchronous or asynchronous instructional activities and is part of Texas Tech K-12 attendance and enrollment requirements.

Failure to participate in required accelerated instruction may result in attendance interventions and may affect continued enrollment in the tuition-free program.

Graduation Requirements

Texas Tech K-12 high school students must complete all applicable course-credit and state assessment requirements to earn a Texas high school diploma.

Students should work with their Texas Tech K-12 academic advisor to ensure they are enrolled in the courses necessary to meet their individual graduation requirements and anticipated graduation date.

Students following the Foundation High School Program with an endorsement complete 26 credits, including required coursework in English language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, languages other than English, fine arts, physical education and electives.

Graduation requirements may vary based on a student's graduation plan, transfer credits and individual academic record. Students should refer to their Personal Graduation Plan and work with their academic advisor regarding specific requirements.

Foundation Graduation Plan plus Endorsements

If you enrolled in ninth grade during or after the 2014-15 school year, you will graduate under the rules of House Bill 5 (HB 5). HB 5 graduation plans consist of a Foundation Graduation Plan plus one of five endorsements from which students may choose.

Endorsements

Endorsements consist of a related series of courses that provide students with in-depth knowledge of a subject area. Read more information about endorsement choices at the Texas Education Agency Graduation Toolkit.

• In addition to the 22 credits earned on the Foundation Plan, college-bound students in Texas Tech High School will complete one advanced course credit in math and science and two credits of targeted electives.
• Each endorsement option offered by Texas Tech K-12 has one to four required electives to meet the endorsement: Currently, Texas Tech K-12 offers the endorsements in STEM, business and industry, arts and humanities, and multidisciplinary studies. Texas Tech K-12 academic advisors will guide you through the endorsement selection process and help you choose an endorsement that best fits your interests and existing credits. You may change your endorsement at any time prior to graduation; however, you should be aware that changes to your endorsement could result in additional required courses. See the Personal Graduation Plan Checklist for specific courses required for each endorsement.
• All ninth and 10th graders must select an endorsement. After 10th grade, you may opt for the Foundation Plan only with parental consent.

Please contact a Texas Tech K-12 senior academic advisor at ttuk12@ttu.edu for information on graduation plans. For additional graduation requirements, refer to the section on State and National Assessments.

Distinguished Level of Achievement

All students graduating from Texas Tech High School on the Foundation with Endorsement Graduation Plan will also earn the Distinguished Level of Achievement. This achievement allows you to compete for the top ten percent admissions at any Texas public university and positions you to be among those first in line for a TEXAS Grant, should you qualify financially.

• Students admitted to Texas Tech High School as ninth graders will automatically be scheduled in courses to meet the Distinguished Level of Achievement.
• More information on current Texas graduation requirements can be found on the Texas Education Agency (TEA) website.

Commencement

Texas Tech K-12 celebrates eligible graduates through an annual commencement ceremony.

Ceremony dates, location, participation information, deadlines and other graduation details are published on the Texas Tech K-12 Graduation & Scholarships webpage.

Students planning to participate should review the current graduation information and complete all required academic and participation steps by the published deadlines.

Graduates and Former Students

• High School Transcript Request
• Duplicate Diploma Request

General Student Resources

• Personal Graduation Plan Checklist
• Identity Verification
• National Honor Society Membership
• Attendance and Truancy (Tuition-Free Program Only)
• Grievance Policy
• Learning Coach Responsibilities
• Proof of Residency Evidence
• Student Code of Conduct
• Tuition and Fees
• Tuition-Free Program Requirements

Course-Related

• Grade Appeal
• Institutional Testing Services Enrollment

Additional Resources

• Course Descriptions & Syllabi
• CBE Review Sheets
• Students with Disabilities
• Texas Transition and Employment Guide
• TEA Updates on Special Education