Understanding Performance Acknowledgements
Performance Acknowledgements are special recognitions that appear on your high school transcript and diploma. They show colleges and employers that you went above and beyond in specific areas.
What Are Performance Acknowledgements?
Performance Acknowledgements are official recognitions on your transcript and diploma. They highlight exceptional achievement in specific areas like testing, college courses, language skills, and career certifications.
Unlike endorsements (which focus on taking certain courses), acknowledgements celebrate what you've accomplished through exams and real-world credentials. You can earn as many as you qualify for!
On Your Transcript
Shows up officially on your high school transcript for colleges and employers to see.
College Ready
Proves you're prepared for college-level work and can succeed in challenging courses.
Career Skills
Industry certifications and bilingual skills are highly valued by today's employers.
5 Types of Performance Acknowledgements
Click each tab below to learn about requirements and how to earn that acknowledgement.
Outstanding Performance on STAAR EOC
Score at the highest level (Masters Grade Level) on any STAAR End-of-Course exam and you'll earn this acknowledgement.
How to Earn It
- ✓ Score Masters Grade Level on any STAAR EOC exam
- ✓ Available subjects: Algebra I, English I, English II, Biology, U.S. History
- ✓ You can earn this in multiple subjects
STAAR Performance Levels
Planning Tip: Start preparing early in each course. Use tutoring and practice tests your school offers.
Dual Credit Coursework
Take college classes while you're in high school and earn college credits that transfer to universities. This proves you can handle college-level work.
How to Earn It
- ✓ Complete at least 12 hours of college academic courses
- ✓ OR earn an associate degree while in high school
- ✓ Courses must be college-level (not developmental)
Types of Dual Credit Courses
Planning Tip: Meet with your counselor in 9th grade to discuss dual credit eligibility and TSI testing.
Bilingualism and Biliteracy
Being fluent in two or more languages is a huge advantage in college and careers. This acknowledgement recognizes your language skills.
How to Earn It
- ✓ Score 3+ on AP exam with significant language component
- ✓ OR complete 4 years of same language with 3.0+ GPA
- ✓ OR pass approved language proficiency test
3 Pathways to Earn This
Score 3+ on AP Spanish, French, German, or other language exams
Take same language all 4 years with 3.0 or higher GPA
Pass state-approved language proficiency assessment
Industry Certification
Earn a nationally recognized certification in your career field. These credentials are valued by employers and prove you have job-ready skills.
How to Earn It
- ✓ Earn a certification on the TEA-approved list
- ✓ Certification must be industry-recognized nationally
- ✓ Many are available through CTE courses at school
Popular Certifications
Planning Tip: Ask your CTE teacher what certifications you can earn in your program.
AP & IB Examinations
Score well on Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate exams to show you can handle college-level coursework. Many colleges give credit for high scores!
How to Earn It
- ✓ Score 3 or higher on an AP exam
- ✓ OR score 4 or higher on an IB exam
- ✓ Can earn this in multiple subjects
AP Score Distribution
⭐ Score of 3+ earns the acknowledgement
Your 4-Year Planning Guide
Click each grade level to see what you should focus on that year.
What to Do This Year
- → Meet with your counselor to talk about acknowledgements and endorsements
- → Start or continue your language sequence for bilingual acknowledgement
- → Check out CTE pathways that offer industry certifications
- → Build strong study habits to do well on EOC exams
EOC Exams This Year
- • Algebra I (if enrolled)
- • English I
- • Biology (if enrolled)
Aim for Masters on each one!
What to Do This Year
- → Take the TSI test to see if you qualify for dual credit
- → Continue your language (Year 2)
- → Keep progressing in your CTE pathway
- → Think about taking your first AP course if you're ready
EOC Exams This Year
- • English II
- • Biology (if not taken in 9th)
Good English II scores help with AP English later
What to Do This Year
- → Start taking dual credit classes toward 12 hours
- → Take AP exams in May and aim for score of 3 or higher
- → Take industry certification exams in your CTE courses
- → Continue language (Year 3)
EOC Exams This Year
- • U.S. History
Your last required EOC—make it Masters! ⭐
What to Do This Year
- → Finish your 12 hours of dual credit
- → Complete Year 4 of language with 3.0+ GPA
- → Wrap up any remaining certification exams
- → Double-check all acknowledgements with your counselor
Graduation Checklist
- ☐ Confirm acknowledgements on transcript
- ☐ Request transcripts for colleges
- ☐ Celebrate! You did it! 🎉
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to common questions about Performance Acknowledgements.
Yes! You can earn as many as you qualify for. There's no limit. Each one shows up on your transcript and diploma.
Yes! Colleges see acknowledgements as proof you went beyond basic requirements. They show you're ready for tough classes. Plus, AP and dual credit can give you actual college credit.
No problem! You have more EOC exams coming. Focus on doing your best on those. You can also earn acknowledgements in other ways like dual credit, AP exams, certifications, or bilingual. Talk to your counselor about retake options.
No, they're different. Endorsements = taking a series of courses in one area (like STEM). Acknowledgements = proving you mastered something through tests or credentials. You can earn both!
TEA (Texas Education Agency) keeps an approved list. Your CTE teacher or counselor can tell you which ones your school offers. The certification has to be on that list to count.
Helpful Resources
Tools and links to help you plan your acknowledgement path.
Ready to Build Your Path?
Need help building your candidacy, making informed decisions, or creating a pathway that aligns with your future plans? Schedule time with your school counselor to discuss your goals and map out your personalized strategy.