Source: here.
Minimum: 24 Credits
“Four by Four” plus: 1 PE, .5 Health, 1 Career Prep, 3 Career and Technical/Arts/LOTE, 2.5 Electives
Comparison to Texas:
Alabama requires: 1 additional each of Math, Science, and Social Students; 2.5 fewer Electives; 4 different non-academic courses; Overall 2 more credits than TX (min. 22)
Head-to-Head
Texas
- English – 4
ELA I
ELA II
ELA III or comparable AP
ELA IV, comparable AP, or other language-type course from a given list. - Maths – 3
Algebra I
Geometry
Algebra II or 1 total credit from a given list. - Sciences – 3
Biology or comparable AP
IPC or Physics or Chemistry or Principles of Technology or a comparable AP
One additional credit from a given list. - Social Studies – 3
World History or World Geography or a comparable AP
US History
US Government (.5 c)
Economics with an Emphasis on the Free Market System and Its Benefits (.5 c) - Electives – 5
- Physical Education – 1
- Health – 0
- Languages Other Than English – 2
- Fine Arts – 1 from a given list.
Alabama
- English – 4
English 9
English 10
English 11
English 12
or comparable AP - Maths – 4
Algebra I
Geometry
Algebra II with Trig, or Algebra II
Fourth math from CTE, IB, or AP - Sciences – 4
Biology
A physical science (Chemistry or Physics, or Physical Science)
Two additional CTE or comparable IB or AP - Social Studies – 4
World History
US History I
US History II
US Government (.5 c)
Economics (.5 c)
*required Civics Test - Electives – 2.5
- Physical Education – 1
- Health – .5
- Three other credits (CTE, LOTE, or Arts)
- Career Preparedness – 1
While the systems each have their own ‘quirks,’ neither is particularly ‘easier’ or ‘better.’ The Texas system forces more diversity in the courseload, but the Alabama system allows for trade career preparedness that doesn’t push students into post-secondary schools.
Camp Oak Hallows 