AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - The Senate Education committee has referred to the full chamber a bill overhauling high school graduation requirements to better emphasize workforce development.

Committee Chairman Dan Patrick's Senate Bill 3 would end the requirement that all high school students take four years each of English, math, science and social studies for 16 core credits out of 26 to graduate.

Instead, it creates four avenues for graduation, including a "Foundation Diploma" that requires only 12 core credits out of 26.

That is designed for students who want to focus on vocational and career training rather than college readiness.

Patrick's measure also includes specially endorsed diplomas in business and industry, arts and humanities, science and math and distinguished achievement.

The committee voted 7-0 with two abstentions Tuesday to send it to the Senate.

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