SECTION 74.5. Academic Achievement Record (Transcript)

(a) The commissioner of education shall develop and distribute to each school district and institution of higher education the state guidelines for a common academic achievement record and coding system for courses and instructions for recording information on the academic achievement record. Each school district must use the coding system provided by the commissioner.

(b) Following guidelines developed by the commissioner, each school district must use an academic achievement record (transcript) form that includes the following:

(1) student demographics;

(2) school data;

(3) student data; and

(4) the record of courses and credits earned.

(c) The academic achievement record shall serve as the academic record for each student and must be maintained permanently by the district. Each district must ensure that copies of the record are made available for a student transferring from one district to another. To ensure appropriate placement of a transfer student, a district must respond promptly to each request for student records from a receiving school district.

(d) Any credit earned by a student must be recorded on the academic achievement record, regardless of when the credit was earned.

(e) A student who completes high school graduation requirements shall have attached to the academic achievement record a seal approved by the State Board of Education.

(f) A student who completes the requirements for an endorsement shall have the endorsement clearly indicated on the academic achievement record.

(g) A student who earns a performance acknowledgment shall have the performance acknowledgment clearly indicated on the academic achievement record.

(h) A student who earns the distinguished level of achievement shall have the distinguished level of achievement clearly indicated on the academic achievement record.

(i) A student who demonstrates proficiency in speech as specified in §74.11(a)(3) of this title (relating to High School Graduation Requirements) shall have completion of the speech requirement clearly indicated on the academic achievement record.

(j) A student who completes the required instruction in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) as specified in §74.38 of this title (relating to Requirements for Instruction in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)) in Grade 9, 10, 11, or 12 shall have completion of the CPR instruction clearly indicated on the academic achievement record.

(k) A student who completes the required instruction on proper interaction with peace officers shall have completion of the instruction clearly indicated on the academic achievement record.

(l) A student who completes and submits a free application for federal student aid (FAFSA) or a Texas application for state financial aid (TASFA) or submits the Texas Education Agency-approved opt-out form shall have the completion of the financial aid application requirement clearly indicated on the academic achievement record.

(m) A student who satisfies a languages other than English graduation credit requirement by successfully completing a dual language immersion program at an elementary school in accordance with §74.12(b)(5)(F) of this title (relating to Foundation High School Program) shall have the credit clearly indicated on the academic achievement record.

(n) A student who earns a high school diploma by satisfying the requirements of the Texas First Early High School Completion Program in accordance with Chapter 21, Subchapter D, of this title (relating to the Texas First Early High School Completion Program) shall have completion of the program and the distinguished level of achievement clearly indicated on the academic achievement record.

(o) A student who completes all graduation requirements except for required end-of-course assessment instruments may be issued a certificate of coursework completion. The academic achievement record will include a notation of the date such a certificate was issued to the student.

Source Note: The provisions of this §74.5 adopted to be effective June 18, 2014, 39 TexReg 4652; amended to be effective May 24, 2016, 41 TexReg 3689; amended to be effective August 27, 2018, 43 TexReg 4188; amended to be effective July 1, 2021, 46 TexReg 3873; amended to be effective June 15, 2023, 48 TexReg 2940