Which statement best describes the Distinguished Achievement Program (DAP)?

• A. A board that controls data usage.
• B. A program for debt service payments.
• C. A program that requires that, in addition to specific course requirements, students successfully complete any combination of four advanced measures that focus on demonstrated student performance at the college level or work equivalent to that done by professionals in the arts, sciences, business, industry or in community service.
• D. A federal education act.

Answer: (C)

The statement describes a Texas high school graduation option that adds requirements beyond the usual coursework. In this program, students must complete four advanced measures in addition to the required courses, and these measures demonstrate performance at the college level or a level of work comparable to that of professionals in fields like the arts, sciences, business, industry, or community service. This setup is meant to show readiness for college or a career and to recognize high achievement.

The idea behind this option is that learning isn’t just about taking courses; it’s about proving you can perform at a higher level through a variety of rigorous demonstrations. The four advanced measures can include different kinds of assessments or experiences, such as advanced coursework, AP or dual-credit exams, industry certifications, portfolio work, performance tasks, or other approved indicators that show college readiness or professional-level work.

Other statements describe things that aren’t about a state graduation pathway—one talks about data governance, another about debt service payments, and another about federal legislation. Those are unrelated to the high school graduation options being described here.