The Florida Senate

1003.431  Career education certification.--

(1)  A student who fulfills the following requirements shall be recognized with a career education certification on his or her high school diploma:

(a)  Completion of the requirements for high school graduation as provided in s. 1003.429 or s. 1003.43 and the additional requirements for a comprehensive career education program of study as provided in subsection (2).

(b)  A passing score on the college entry-level placement test or an equivalent test identified by the Department of Education with a score adequate to enroll in a public postsecondary educational program without the need for college preparatory or career preparatory instruction.

(2)  A comprehensive program of study in career education shall be designed to prepare a student to continue his or her education at a postsecondary educational institution and obtain employment. A comprehensive career education program of study must require of each student:

(a)  Completion of academic courses with a designation from the Department of Education of level two or above. All credits earned to meet graduation requirements in mathematics, science, and communication must have that designation.

(b)  Attainment of at least one occupational completion point in an industry-certified career education program or completion of at least two courses in a technology education program.

(c)  Completion of a one-credit course addressing workplace readiness skills. The course requirement may be satisfied by infusing course content into an existing select career and education course. The State Board of Education shall define by rule the content of the course and shall ensure that the course meets graduation requirements for performing fine arts or practical arts.

(d)  Participation in work-based learning experiences, as defined by rule by the State Board of Education.

(e)  Participation in a capstone activity that includes a project related to a career. This activity is designed to apply and demonstrate the competencies and concepts attained in the student's program of study. The State Board of Education may specify by rule characteristics of capstone activities that meet the intent of this paragraph.

(3)  The career education certification indicates that the student is prepared to continue into postsecondary education without the need for remediation and that the student has marketable employment skills. The State Board of Education may adopt by rule a standard format for the certification.

(4)  A school district is not required to offer a comprehensive career education program pursuant to this section. However, for each student who receives the career education certification on his or her high school diploma, the school district may receive incentive funding contingent upon funding in the annual General Appropriations Act.

(5)  A school district that generates funds as a result of incentive funding for student achievement of the career education certification on the high school diploma must expend the total amount on the comprehensive career education program of study. The school district may not apply indirect charges to incentive funds earned.

History.--s. 2, ch. 2004-357.