Distinguished Achievement Program (DAP) The Distinguished Achievement Program (DAP) recognizes students who demonstrate levels of performance equivalent to college level work. This course of study requires high performance beyond what is required for high school students. The DAP requires a total of four (4) advanced measures, which may be a combination of research, testing and college course work. The graduating class of 2015 and beyond must take all twelve STAAR EOC assessments and meet the cumulative score requirement in each of the four foundation content areas. In addition, these students must meet the college readiness performance standard on the STAAR EOC assessments in Algebra II and English III in order to receive a diploma under the distinguished achievement plan.

Reasons to become a DAP Scholar

• Students are better prepared for college.
• Students may be rewarded for school success and accomplishments.
• Students may have opportunity to network with business and community professionals.

How to become a DAP Scholar

• Complete all course requirements for the Distinguished Plan.
• Complete four advanced measures (details below).

Description of Advanced Measures
Original Research and/or Project

• Judged by a panel of professionals in the field that is the focus of the project
• Conducted under the direction of a mentor(s) and reported to an appropriate audience
• Related to the required curriculum set forth in 19 TAC 74.1
• May be used for up to two of the four measures
• Dickinson High School provides an opportunity for students to produce research products eligible to receive an advanced measure through History Fair and Science Fair. Students must advance and participate in the next level of competition.

Test Data

• A score of three or better on The College Board Advanced Placement Exams.
• A score on the Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test (PSAT) that qualifies a student for recognition as a Commended Scholar or higher by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, as part of the National Hispanic Scholar Program of The College Board, or as part of the National Achievement Program for Outstanding Negro Students of the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. The score on the PSAT may count as only one advanced measure

College Courses

• A score of 3.0 or higher on courses that count for college credit, including a coherent sequence of Tech Prep courses