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LaoziExam Guides
Guides for Texas Credit by Exam, SAT and PSAT, AP and AMC — what is on each one, when it is sat, and how to prepare.
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Texas High School Credit by Exam: Subjects You Can Test Out Of (Grades 9–12)
A guide to the high-school courses Texas students can earn — or accelerate — by Credit by Exam, from math and science to social studies, English, world languages, and electives. What's commonly available, how it works, and which subjects Texas CBE™ offers practice for.
Dallas ISD CEFA — Parent Guide: 80% Mastery for Acceleration, Elementary All-Four-Subjects Rule (2026-2027)
Dallas ISD CEFA (Credit by Examination for Acceleration): 80% mastery for MS/HS courses, elementary grade acceleration requires 80% in all four subjects. Assessment Dept admin.
Plano ISD CBE — Family Resource Guide: Grade Bands, 3-Tier HS, Timeline (2026-2027)
PISD-specific family guide: Grades 1-5 acceleration (80% mastery on four subjects), Grades 9-12 Credit By Exam for Advancement (courses not taken or previously attempted), max 2 attempts, campus counselor registration, and PISD's 3-tier HS structure (Williams/Vines/McMillen/etc to Plano East/West/original).
Diagnose First, Then Focus: Why Starting CBE Prep Early Beats Last-Minute Cramming
The most common Credit by Exam mistake is waiting until the test is close, then cramming. Learning science says the opposite works better: diagnose your weak TEKS areas early, focus your study where it counts, and confirm with timed mocks. Here is the evidence — and a 6-week plan.
Ohio's Algebra 1 EOC: The 684 Competency Score — and How to Practice
Ohio students show math competency by scoring 684 on the Algebra 1 end-of-course test (or using a non-test alternative). Here's how the competency requirement works and how independently-authored Algebra 1 practice helps you prepare — from $29.99.
CBE vs. GED in Texas — What's the Difference?
Texas parents often confuse Credit by Exam (CBE) with the GED, but they are completely different programs with no direct link. This neutral guide explains who each is for, what each one earns, why CBE credit and a GED are not interchangeable, and which path fits which goal.
Richardson ISD CBE — Parent Guide: 80% Pass, May 6 Deadline, Placement Committee Review (2026-2027)
Richardson ISD Credit by Exam: 80% passing, elementary requires 80% on each of 4 tests, May 6 application deadline, placement committee reviews results, CBE credit = on-level.
A 4-Year Homeschool CBE Roadmap for Texas (Grades 9–12)
A multi-year planning guide for Texas homeschool families: how to sequence Credit by Exam (CBE) course credits across grades 9–12, using the state Foundation High School Program as a reference benchmark — with a sample grade-by-grade math, science, and U.S. History grid you can adapt.
Algebra 1 in Texas: The Gateway Math Course — Why It Matters and How to Get Ahead
Algebra 1 is the single most pivotal math course in a Texas student's path — foundational, STAAR-tested, and the #1 subject families accelerate by Credit by Exam. Where it sits, why it matters so much, and the free lessons and practice to master it.