Dallas ISD eighth-graders will soon be faced with the important decision of picking the career pathways that will guide their high school coursework, and ultimately help direct them to higher education and career options. In early December, all middle schools will transport their eighth-graders to the district’s Exploring High School fair, where students will have the opportunity to visit high school booths and ask questions about the five high school diploma endorsements ̶ STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), Business and Industry, Public Services, Arts and Humanities and Multidisciplinary Studies. The fair will be conducted during the school day at Ellis Davis Field House.
In 2013, the Texas Legislature passed House Bill 5, which changed graduation plans and requirements for incoming high school freshmen. The bill requires students to choose one of the endorsements as a step toward preparing them for higher education or a career.
Parents should talk with their eighth-grade students about their career interests and help them select an endorsement from the wide range of programs offered across Dallas ISD. The goal is to help students create and follow a plan that connects their high school education experience to their future career and college goals. While the event is strictly for students, parents will have an opportunity to visit the same booths for information at the Magnet School Fair Dec. 6.
Both students and parents are encouraged to attend the Magnet Fair from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, 2014, at the Ellis Davis Field House, 9191 S. Polk St., to learn more about the school choices that are available in high school. From magnet schools to early college high schools to career and academy pathways, Dallas ISD is committed to providing schools of choice for its students.
