STEM Endorsement Uptake and Completion in Texas High Schools, Graduating Classes of 2018-2023. Policy Brief
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| Title: | STEM Endorsement Uptake and Completion in Texas High Schools, Graduating Classes of 2018-2023. Policy Brief |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Jordan Conwell, Jane Furey, Katy Doncer, Michael Dinh, Carly May, Cameron Rua-Smith, Texas Education Research Center |
| Source: | Texas Education Research Center. 2026. |
| Availability: | Texas Education Research Center. University of Texas at Austin, Pickle Research Campus, 10100 Burnet Road, Bldg #137 TCB, Rm 1.143A, L4500, Austin, TX 78758; Tel: 512-471-4528; Web site: https://texaserc.utexas.edu/ |
| Peer Reviewed: | N |
| Page Count: | 4 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Document Type: | Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | High Schools Secondary Education Grade 9 Junior High Schools Middle Schools |
| Descriptors: | High School Students, STEM Education, Science Programs, State Programs, Program Effectiveness, Student Characteristics, Geographic Location, Educational Attainment, Academic Achievement, State Legislation, Grade 9, Achievement Tests, Algebra, Educational Background |
| Geographic Terms: | Texas |
| Assessment and Survey Identifiers: | State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) |
| Abstract: | In 2013, the Texas House passed House Bill 5 (HB5), introducing student "endorsements" for high schools across the state. Endorsements are intended to provide students with depth in a specific knowledge area or subject and to signal students' completion of a bundle of such coursework to colleges and employers. One endorsement offered is in STEM -- Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Increased STEM skills can potentially result in Texas students having clear indicators of in-demand skills, more efficient education-to-career linkages, and higher incomes. In the study, the authors investigated access to the STEM endorsement across Texas. They find that students who complete Algebra I by 8th grade are more likely to complete the STEM endorsement, as are students who not free or reduced price eligible. Students who are Asian or White are more likely to complete the STEM endorsement than students who are Black, Hispanic, or multiracial. Specifically, the authors answer the following research questions: (1) How many Texas students have attempted and completed the STEM endorsement?; (2) Are there differences in STEM endorsement uptake and completion by students' social and demographic characteristics, geographic distribution, and/or 8th grade achievement?; and (3) How much does STEM course-taking vary among students who complete and do not complete the STEM endorsement? |
| Abstractor: | ERIC |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | ED679716 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | In 2013, the Texas House passed House Bill 5 (HB5), introducing student "endorsements" for high schools across the state. Endorsements are intended to provide students with depth in a specific knowledge area or subject and to signal students' completion of a bundle of such coursework to colleges and employers. One endorsement offered is in STEM -- Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Increased STEM skills can potentially result in Texas students having clear indicators of in-demand skills, more efficient education-to-career linkages, and higher incomes. In the study, the authors investigated access to the STEM endorsement across Texas. They find that students who complete Algebra I by 8th grade are more likely to complete the STEM endorsement, as are students who not free or reduced price eligible. Students who are Asian or White are more likely to complete the STEM endorsement than students who are Black, Hispanic, or multiracial. Specifically, the authors answer the following research questions: (1) How many Texas students have attempted and completed the STEM endorsement?; (2) Are there differences in STEM endorsement uptake and completion by students' social and demographic characteristics, geographic distribution, and/or 8th grade achievement?; and (3) How much does STEM course-taking vary among students who complete and do not complete the STEM endorsement? |
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