Florida Senate - 2009 SB 2654
By Senator Altman
24-01273A-09 20092654__
1 A bill to be entitled
2 An act relating to high school graduation; amending s.
3 1003.428, F.S.; deleting provisions relating to
4 general requirements for high school graduation to
5 conform to changes made by the act; creating s.
6 1003.4281, F.S.; providing requirements for graduation
7 with a core diploma beginning with students entering
8 their first year of high school in the 2010-2011
9 school year; creating s. 1003.4282, F.S.; providing
10 requirements for graduation with a college preparatory
11 diploma beginning with students entering their first
12 year of high school in the 2010-2011 school year;
13 creating s. 1003.4283, F.S.; providing requirements
14 for graduation with a career preparatory diploma
15 beginning with students entering their first year of
16 high school in the 2010-2011 school year; providing
17 credit requirements, authority to modify courses for
18 exceptional students, standards for graduation, and
19 authority for rulemaking and enforcement for the core
20 diploma, the college preparatory diploma, and the
21 career preparatory diploma; creating s. 1003.4284,
22 F.S.; authorizing the Department of Education to
23 implement a Graduation Exit Option Program under which
24 a high school student shall be awarded an alternative
25 diploma; providing requirements for participation in
26 the program and receipt of a diploma; requiring a
27 school district to receive approval annually to
28 participate in the program; requiring rulemaking;
29 amending s. 1003.4285, F.S.; conforming provisions;
30 creating s. 1003.4286, F.S.; providing for
31 applicability of major and minor areas of interest or
32 electives as credit requirements for graduation;
33 requiring remediation in certain instances; creating
34 s. 1003.4287, F.S.; providing for applicability of
35 physical education and performing arts credit options
36 for graduation; creating s. 1003.4288, F.S.; providing
37 for applicability of district school board policies to
38 assist students in meeting grade point average
39 requirements for graduation; creating s. 1003.4289,
40 F.S.; providing for applicability of accommodations
41 and modifications of procedures for students with
42 disabilities for purposes of graduation; creating s.
43 1003.4295, F.S.; requiring each public high school to
44 offer specified acceleration courses; amending s.
45 1003.43, F.S.; deleting provisions relating to general
46 requirements for high school graduation to conform to
47 changes made by the act; creating s. 1003.4305, F.S.;
48 authorizing the award of a standard high school
49 diploma to certain honorably discharged veterans;
50 amending s. 1007.263, F.S.; conforming a cross
51 reference; amending s. 1008.22, F.S.; requiring
52 passing scores on the grade 10 FCAT to meet grade
53 level proficiency; conforming provisions and cross
54 references; amending s. 1009.531, F.S.; conforming
55 provisions; amending ss. 1009.534, 1009.535, and
56 1009.536, F.S.; providing additional academic
57 requirements for receipt of Florida Bright Futures
58 Scholarship Program awards; amending s. 1009.537,
59 F.S.; conforming a cross-reference; providing an
60 effective date.
61
62 Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
63
64 Section 1. Section 1003.428, Florida Statutes, is amended
65 to read:
66 1003.428 General requirements for high school graduation;
67 revised.—
68 (1) Except as otherwise authorized pursuant to s. 1003.429,
69 beginning with students entering their first year of high school
70 in the 2007-2008 school year, graduation requires the successful
71 completion of a minimum of 24 credits, an International
72 Baccalaureate curriculum, or an Advanced International
73 Certificate of Education curriculum. Students must be advised of
74 eligibility requirements for state scholarship programs and
75 postsecondary admissions.
76 (2) The 24 credits may be earned through applied,
77 integrated, and combined courses approved by the Department of
78 Education and shall be distributed as follows:
79 (a) Sixteen core curriculum credits:
80 1. Four credits in English, with major concentration in
81 composition, reading for information, and literature.
82 2. Four credits in mathematics, one of which must be
83 Algebra I, a series of courses equivalent to Algebra I, or a
84 higher-level mathematics course. School districts are encouraged
85 to set specific goals to increase enrollments in, and successful
86 completion of, geometry and Algebra II.
87 3. Three credits in science, two of which must have a
88 laboratory component.
89 4. Three credits in social studies as follows: one credit
90 in American history; one credit in world history; one-half
91 credit in economics; and one-half credit in American government.
92 5. One credit in fine or performing arts, speech and
93 debate, or a practical arts course that incorporates artistic
94 content and techniques of creativity, interpretation, and
95 imagination. Eligible practical arts courses shall be identified
96 through the Course Code Directory.
97 6. One credit in physical education to include integration
98 of health. Participation in an interscholastic sport at the
99 junior varsity or varsity level for two full seasons shall
100 satisfy the one-credit requirement in physical education if the
101 student passes a competency test on personal fitness with a
102 score of “C” or better. The competency test on personal fitness
103 must be developed by the Department of Education. A district
104 school board may not require that the one credit in physical
105 education be taken during the 9th grade year. Completion of one
106 semester with a grade of “C” or better in a marching band class,
107 in a physical activity class that requires participation in
108 marching band activities as an extracurricular activity, or in a
109 dance class shall satisfy one-half credit in physical education
110 or one-half credit in performing arts. This credit may not be
111 used to satisfy the personal fitness requirement or the
112 requirement for adaptive physical education under an individual
113 education plan (IEP) or 504 plan. Completion of 2 years in a
114 Reserve Officer Training Corps (R.O.T.C.) class, a significant
115 component of which is drills, shall satisfy the one-credit
116 requirement in physical education and the one-credit requirement
117 in performing arts. This credit may not be used to satisfy the
118 personal fitness requirement or the requirement for adaptive
119 physical education under an individual education plan (IEP) or
120 504 plan.
121 (b) Eight credits in majors, minors, or electives in a
122 combination as provided in s. 1003.4286.:
123 1. Four credits in a major area of interest, such as
124 sequential courses in a career and technical program, fine and
125 performing arts, or academic content area, selected by the
126 student as part of the education plan required by s. 1003.4156.
127 Students may revise major areas of interest each year as part of
128 annual course registration processes and should update their
129 education plan to reflect such revisions. Annually by October 1,
130 the district school board shall approve major areas of interest
131 and submit the list of majors to the Commissioner of Education
132 for approval. Each major area of interest shall be deemed
133 approved unless specifically rejected by the commissioner within
134 60 days. Upon approval, each district’s major areas of interest
135 shall be available for use by all school districts and shall be
136 posted on the department’s website.
137 2. Four credits in elective courses selected by the student
138 as part of the education plan required by s. 1003.4156. These
139 credits may be combined to allow for a second major area of
140 interest pursuant to subparagraph 1., a minor area of interest,
141 elective courses, or intensive reading or mathematics
142 intervention courses as described in this subparagraph.
143 a. Minor areas of interest are composed of three credits
144 selected by the student as part of the education plan required
145 by s. 1003.4156 and approved by the district school board.
146 b. Elective courses are selected by the student in order to
147 pursue a complete education program as described in s.
148 1001.41(3) and to meet eligibility requirements for
149 scholarships.
150 c. For each year in which a student scores at Level l on
151 FCAT Reading, the student must be enrolled in and complete an
152 intensive reading course the following year. Placement of Level
153 2 readers in either an intensive reading course or a content
154 area course in which reading strategies are delivered shall be
155 determined by diagnosis of reading needs. The department shall
156 provide guidance on appropriate strategies for diagnosing and
157 meeting the varying instructional needs of students reading
158 below grade level. Reading courses shall be designed and offered
159 pursuant to the comprehensive reading plan required by s.
160 1011.62(9).
161 d. For each year in which a student scores at Level 1 or
162 Level 2 on FCAT Mathematics, the student must receive
163 remediation the following year. These courses may be taught
164 through applied, integrated, or combined courses and are subject
165 to approval by the department for inclusion in the Course Code
166 Directory.
167 (3)(a) A district school board may require specific courses
168 and programs of study within the minimum credit requirements for
169 high school graduation and shall modify basic courses, as
170 necessary, to assure exceptional students the opportunity to
171 meet the graduation requirements for a standard diploma, using
172 one of the following strategies:
173 1. Assignment of the exceptional student to an exceptional
174 education class for instruction in a basic course with the same
175 student performance standards as those required of
176 nonexceptional students in the district school board student
177 progression plan; or
178 2. Assignment of the exceptional student to a basic
179 education class for instruction that is modified to accommodate
180 the student’s exceptionality.
181 (b) The district school board shall determine which of
182 these strategies to employ based upon an assessment of the
183 student’s needs and shall reflect this decision in the student’s
184 individual education plan.
185 (4) Each district school board shall establish standards
186 for graduation from its schools, which must include:
187 (a) Successful completion of the academic credit or
188 curriculum requirements of subsections (1) and (2).
189 (b) Earning passing scores on the FCAT, as defined in s.
190 1008.22(3)(c), or scores on a standardized test that are
191 concordant with passing scores on the FCAT as defined in s.
192 1008.22(10).
193 (c) Completion of all other applicable requirements
194 prescribed by the district school board pursuant to s. 1008.25.
195 (d) Achievement of a cumulative grade point average of 2.0
196 on a 4.0 scale, or its equivalent, in the courses required by
197 this section.
198
199 Each district school board shall adopt policies designed to
200 assist students in meeting the requirements of this subsection.
201 These policies may include, but are not limited to: forgiveness
202 policies, summer school or before or after school attendance,
203 special counseling, volunteers or peer tutors, school-sponsored
204 help sessions, homework hotlines, and study skills classes.
205 Forgiveness policies for required courses shall be limited to
206 replacing a grade of “D” or “F,” or the equivalent of a grade of
207 “D” or “F,” with a grade of “C” or higher, or the equivalent of
208 a grade of “C” or higher, earned subsequently in the same or
209 comparable course. Forgiveness policies for elective courses
210 shall be limited to replacing a grade of “D” or “F,” or the
211 equivalent of a grade of “D” or “F,” with a grade of “C” or
212 higher, or the equivalent of a grade of “C” or higher, earned
213 subsequently in another course. The only exception to these
214 forgiveness policies shall be made for a student in the middle
215 grades who takes any high school course for high school credit
216 and earns a grade of “C,” “D,” or “F” or the equivalent of a
217 grade of “C,” “D,” or “F.” In such case, the district
218 forgiveness policy must allow the replacement of the grade with
219 a grade of “C” or higher, or the equivalent of a grade of “C” or
220 higher, earned subsequently in the same or comparable course. In
221 all cases of grade forgiveness, only the new grade shall be used
222 in the calculation of the student’s grade point average. Any
223 course grade not replaced according to a district school board
224 forgiveness policy shall be included in the calculation of the
225 cumulative grade point average required for graduation.
226 (5) The State Board of Education, after a public hearing
227 and consideration, shall adopt rules based upon the
228 recommendations of the commissioner for the provision of test
229 accommodations and modifications of procedures as necessary for
230 students with disabilities which will demonstrate the student’s
231 abilities rather than reflect the student’s impaired sensory,
232 manual, speaking, or psychological process skills.
233 (6) The public hearing and consideration required in
234 subsection (5) shall not be construed to amend or nullify the
235 requirements of security relating to the contents of
236 examinations or assessment instruments and related materials or
237 data as prescribed in s. 1008.23.
238 (5)(7)(a) A student who meets all requirements prescribed
239 in subsections (1), (2), (3), and (4) shall be awarded a
240 standard diploma in a form prescribed by the State Board of
241 Education.
242 (b) A student who completes the minimum number of credits
243 and other requirements prescribed by subsections (1), (2), and
244 (3), but who is unable to meet the standards of paragraph
245 (4)(b), paragraph (4)(c), or paragraph (4)(d), shall be awarded
246 a certificate of completion in a form prescribed by the State
247 Board of Education. However, any student who is otherwise
248 entitled to a certificate of completion may elect to remain in
249 the secondary school either as a full-time student or a part
250 time student for up to 1 additional year and receive special
251 instruction designed to remedy his or her identified
252 deficiencies.
253 (8)(a) Each district school board must provide instruction
254 to prepare students with disabilities to demonstrate proficiency
255 in the core content knowledge and skills necessary for
256 successful grade-to-grade progression and high school
257 graduation.
258 (b) A student with a disability, as defined in s.
259 1007.02(2), for whom the individual education plan (IEP)
260 committee determines that the FCAT cannot accurately measure the
261 student’s abilities taking into consideration all allowable
262 accommodations, shall have the FCAT requirement of paragraph
263 (4)(b) waived for the purpose of receiving a standard high
264 school diploma, if the student:
265 1. Completes the minimum number of credits and other
266 requirements prescribed by subsections (1), (2), and (3).
267 2. Does not meet the requirements of paragraph (4)(b) after
268 one opportunity in 10th grade and one opportunity in 11th grade.
269 (9) The Commissioner of Education may award a standard high
270 school diploma to honorably discharged veterans who started high
271 school between 1937 and 1946 and were scheduled to graduate
272 between 1941 and 1950 but were inducted into the United States
273 Armed Forces between September 16, 1940, and December 31, 1946,
274 prior to completing the necessary high school graduation
275 requirements. Upon the recommendation of the commissioner, the
276 State Board of Education may develop criteria and guidelines for
277 awarding such diplomas.
278 (10) The Commissioner of Education may award a standard
279 high school diploma to honorably discharged veterans who started
280 high school between 1946 and 1950 and were scheduled to graduate
281 between 1950 and 1954, but were inducted into the United States
282 Armed Forces between June 27, 1950, and January 31, 1955, and
283 served during the Korean Conflict prior to completing the
284 necessary high school graduation requirements. Upon the
285 recommendation of the commissioner, the State Board of Education
286 may develop criteria and guidelines for awarding such diplomas.
287 (6)(11) The State Board of Education may adopt rules
288 pursuant to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 to implement the
289 provisions of this section and may enforce the provisions of
290 this section pursuant to s. 1008.32.
291 Section 2. Section 1003.4281, Florida Statutes, is created
292 to read:
293 1003.4281 Core diploma graduation requirements.—
294 (1) Beginning with students entering their first year of
295 high school in the 2010-2011 school year, graduation with a core
296 diploma requires the successful completion of a minimum of 24
297 credits, an International Baccalaureate curriculum, or an
298 Advanced International Certificate of Education curriculum.
299 Students must be advised of eligibility requirements for state
300 scholarship programs and postsecondary admissions.
301 (2) The 24 credits for the core diploma may be earned
302 through applied, integrated, and combined courses approved by
303 the Department of Education and shall be distributed as follows:
304 (a) Sixteen core curriculum credits:
305 1. Four credits in English, with major concentration in
306 composition, reading for information, and literature.
307 2. Four credits in mathematics, which must include one
308 credit in Algebra I or in a series of courses equivalent to
309 Algebra I and at least one credit in a higher-level mathematics
310 course.
311 3. Three credits in science, which must include one credit
312 in Biology I or in a series of courses that have been approved
313 by the State Board of Education as equivalent to Biology I, one
314 credit in physical science, and one credit in earth science,
315 space science, or environmental science, or in a series of
316 courses equivalent to life science, physical science, and earth
317 science, space science, or environmental science. At least two
318 of the science courses must have a laboratory component.
319 4. Three credits in social studies, which must include one
320 credit in American history, one credit in world history, one
321 half credit in economics, and one-half credit in American
322 government.
323 5. One credit in fine or performing arts, speech and
324 debate, or practical arts that incorporates artistic content and
325 techniques of creativity, interpretation, and imagination.
326 Eligible practical arts courses shall be identified through the
327 Course Code Directory.
328 6. One credit in physical education to include integration
329 of health.
330 (b) Eight credits in majors, minors, or electives in a
331 combination as provided in s. 1003.4286.
332 (3)(a) A district school board may require specific courses
333 and programs of study within the minimum credit requirements for
334 high school graduation and shall modify basic courses, as
335 necessary, to ensure that exceptional students have the
336 opportunity to meet the graduation requirements for a core
337 diploma, using one of the following strategies:
338 1. Assignment of the exceptional student to an exceptional
339 education class for instruction in a basic course with the same
340 student performance standards as those required of
341 nonexceptional students in the district school board student
342 progression plan; or
343 2. Assignment of the exceptional student to a basic
344 education class for instruction that is modified to accommodate
345 the student’s exceptionality.
346 (b) The district school board shall determine which of
347 these strategies to employ based upon an assessment of the
348 student’s needs and shall reflect this decision in the student’s
349 individual education plan.
350 (4) Each district school board shall establish standards
351 for graduation from its schools, which must include:
352 (a) Successful completion of the academic credit or
353 curriculum requirements of subsections (1) and (2).
354 (b) Earning passing scores on the FCAT, as defined in s.
355 1008.22(3)(c), or scores on a standardized test that are
356 concordant with passing scores on the FCAT, as defined in s.
357 1008.22(10).
358 (c) Completion of all other applicable requirements
359 prescribed by the district school board pursuant to s. 1008.25.
360 (d) Achievement of a cumulative grade point average of 2.0
361 on a 4.0 scale, or its equivalent, in the courses required by
362 this section.
363 (5)(a) A student who meets all requirements prescribed in
364 subsections (1)-(4) shall be awarded a core diploma in a form
365 prescribed by the State Board of Education.
366 (b) A student who completes the minimum number of credits
367 and other requirements prescribed in subsections (1)-(3), but
368 who is unable to meet the standards of paragraph (4)(b),
369 paragraph (4)(c), or paragraph (4)(d), shall be awarded a
370 certificate of completion in a form prescribed by the State
371 Board of Education. However, any student who is otherwise
372 entitled to a certificate of completion may elect to remain in
373 the secondary school either as a full-time student or a part
374 time student for up to 1 additional year and receive special
375 instruction designed to remedy his or her identified
376 deficiencies.
377 (6) The State Board of Education may adopt rules pursuant
378 to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 to implement the provisions of this
379 section and may enforce the provisions of this section pursuant
380 to s. 1008.32.
381 Section 3. Section 1003.4282, Florida Statutes, is created
382 to read:
383 1003.4282 College preparatory diploma graduation
384 requirements.—
385 (1) Beginning with students entering their first year of
386 high school in the 2010-2011 school year, graduation with a
387 college preparatory diploma requires the successful completion
388 of a minimum of 24 credits, an International Baccalaureate
389 curriculum, or an Advanced International Certificate of
390 Education curriculum. Students must be advised of eligibility
391 requirements for state scholarship programs and postsecondary
392 admissions.
393 (2) The 24 credits for the college preparatory diploma may
394 be earned through applied, integrated, and combined courses
395 approved by the Department of Education and shall be distributed
396 as follows:
397 (a) Twenty core curriculum credits:
398 1. Four credits in English, with major concentration in
399 composition, reading for information, and literature.
400 2. Four credits in mathematics, which must include one
401 credit in Algebra I, one credit in geometry, one credit in
402 Algebra II, and one credit in a course higher than Algebra II or
403 in a higher-level mathematics course.
404 3. Four credits in science, which must include one credit
405 in Biology I or in a series of courses that have been approved
406 by the State Board of Education as equivalent to Biology I, one
407 credit in physical science, and one credit in earth science,
408 space science, or environmental science, or in a series of
409 courses equivalent to life science, physical science, and earth
410 science, space science, or environmental science. At least two
411 of the science courses must have a laboratory component.
412 4. Four credits in social studies, which must include one
413 credit in American history, one credit in world history, one
414 half credit in economics, and one-half credit in American
415 government.
416 5. One credit in fine or performing arts, speech and
417 debate, or practical arts that incorporates artistic content and
418 techniques of creativity, interpretation, and imagination.
419 Eligible practical arts courses shall be identified through the
420 Course Code Directory.
421 6. One credit in physical education to include integration
422 of health.
423 7. Two credits in the same second language unless the
424 student is a native speaker of, or can otherwise demonstrate
425 competency in, a language other than English. If the student
426 demonstrates competency in another language, the student may
427 replace the language requirement with two credits in electives.
428 (b) Four credits in majors, minors, or electives in a
429 combination as provided in s. 1003.4286.
430 (3)(a) A district school board may require specific courses
431 and programs of study within the minimum credit requirements for
432 high school graduation and shall modify basic courses, as
433 necessary, to ensure that exceptional students have the
434 opportunity to meet the graduation requirements for a college
435 preparatory diploma, using one of the following strategies:
436 1. Assignment of the exceptional student to an exceptional
437 education class for instruction in a basic course with the same
438 student performance standards as those required of
439 nonexceptional students in the district school board student
440 progression plan; or
441 2. Assignment of the exceptional student to a basic
442 education class for instruction that is modified to accommodate
443 the student’s exceptionality.
444 (b) The district school board shall determine which of
445 these strategies to employ based upon an assessment of the
446 student’s needs and shall reflect this decision in the student’s
447 individual education plan.
448 (4) Each district school board shall establish standards
449 for graduation from its schools, which must include:
450 (a) Successful completion of the academic credit or
451 curriculum requirements of subsections (1) and (2).
452 (b) Earning passing scores on the FCAT, as defined in s.
453 1008.22(3)(c), or scores on a standardized test that are
454 concordant with passing scores on the FCAT, as defined in s.
455 1008.22(10).
456 (c) Completion of all other applicable requirements
457 prescribed by the district school board pursuant to s. 1008.25.
458 (d) Achievement of a cumulative grade point average of 2.0
459 on a 4.0 scale, or its equivalent, in the courses required by
460 this section.
461 (5)(a) A student who meets all requirements prescribed in
462 subsections (1)-(4) shall be awarded a college preparatory
463 diploma in a form prescribed by the State Board of Education.
464 (b) A student who completes the minimum number of credits
465 and other requirements prescribed in subsections (1)-(3), but
466 who is unable to meet the standards of paragraph (4)(b),
467 paragraph (4)(c), or paragraph (4)(d), shall be awarded a
468 certificate of completion in a form prescribed by the State
469 Board of Education. However, any student who is otherwise
470 entitled to a certificate of completion may elect to remain in
471 the secondary school either as a full-time student or a part
472 time student for up to 1 additional year and receive special
473 instruction designed to remedy his or her identified
474 deficiencies.
475 (6) The State Board of Education may adopt rules pursuant
476 to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 to implement the provisions of this
477 section and may enforce the provisions of this section pursuant
478 to s. 1008.32.
479 Section 4. Section 1003.4283, Florida Statutes, is created
480 to read:
481 1003.4283 Career preparatory diploma graduation
482 requirements.—
483 (1) Beginning with students entering their first year of
484 high school in the 2010-2011 school year, graduation with a
485 career preparatory diploma requires the successful completion of
486 a minimum of 24 credits, an International Baccalaureate
487 curriculum, or an Advanced International Certificate of
488 Education curriculum. Students must be advised of eligibility
489 requirements for state scholarship programs and postsecondary
490 admissions.
491 (2) The 24 credits for the career preparatory diploma may
492 be earned through applied, integrated, and combined courses
493 approved by the Department of Education and shall be distributed
494 as follows:
495 (a) Sixteen core curriculum credits:
496 1. Four credits in English, with major concentration in
497 composition, reading for information, and literature.
498 2. Four credits in mathematics, which must include one
499 credit in Algebra I or in a series of courses equivalent to
500 Algebra I, one credit in geometry or in a series of courses
501 equivalent to geometry, and one credit in a higher-level
502 mathematics course.
503 3. Three credits in science, which must include one credit
504 in Biology I or in a series of courses that have been approved
505 by the State Board of Education as equivalent to Biology I, one
506 credit in physical science, and one credit in earth science,
507 space science, or environmental science, or in a series of
508 courses equivalent to life science, physical science, and earth
509 science, space science, or environmental science. At least two
510 of the science courses must have a laboratory component.
511 4. Three credits in social studies, which must include one
512 credit in American history, one credit in world history, one
513 half credit in economics, and one-half credit in American
514 government.
515 5. One credit in fine or performing arts, speech and
516 debate, or practical arts that incorporates artistic content and
517 techniques of creativity, interpretation, and imagination.
518 Eligible practical arts courses shall be identified through the
519 Course Code Directory.
520 6. One credit in physical education to include integration
521 of health.
522 (b) Eight credits in majors, minors, or electives in a
523 combination as provided in s. 1003.4286.
524 (3)(a) A district school board may require specific courses
525 and programs of study within the minimum credit requirements for
526 high school graduation and shall modify basic courses, as
527 necessary, to ensure that exceptional students have the
528 opportunity to meet the graduation requirements for a career
529 preparatory diploma, using one of the following strategies:
530 1. Assignment of the exceptional student to an exceptional
531 education class for instruction in a basic course with the same
532 student performance standards as those required of
533 nonexceptional students in the district school board student
534 progression plan; or
535 2. Assignment of the exceptional student to a basic
536 education class for instruction that is modified to accommodate
537 the student’s exceptionality.
538 (b) The district school board shall determine which of
539 these strategies to employ based upon an assessment of the
540 student’s needs and shall reflect this decision in the student’s
541 individual education plan.
542 (4) Each district school board shall establish standards
543 for graduation from its schools, which must include:
544 (a) Successful completion of the academic credit or
545 curriculum requirements of subsections (1) and (2).
546 (b) Earning passing scores on the FCAT, as defined in s.
547 1008.22(3)(c), or scores on a standardized test that are
548 concordant with passing scores on the FCAT, as defined in s.
549 1008.22(10).
550 (c) Completion of all other applicable requirements
551 prescribed by the district school board pursuant to s. 1008.25.
552 (d) Achievement of a cumulative grade point average of 2.0
553 on a 4.0 scale, or its equivalent, in the courses required by
554 this section.
555 (e) Earning a minimum score of 5 on all three Florida Ready
556 to Work Certification Program assessments, as described in s.
557 1004.99.
558 (5)(a) A student who meets all requirements prescribed in
559 subsections (1)-(4) shall be awarded a career preparatory
560 diploma in a form prescribed by the State Board of Education.
561 (b) A student who completes the minimum number of credits
562 and other requirements prescribed in subsections (1)-(3), but
563 who is unable to meet the standards of paragraph (4)(b),
564 paragraph (4)(c), paragraph (4)(d), or paragraph (4)(e), shall
565 be awarded a certificate of completion in a form prescribed by
566 the State Board of Education. However, any student who is
567 otherwise entitled to a certificate of completion may elect to
568 remain in the secondary school either as a full-time student or
569 a part-time student for up to 1 additional year and receive
570 special instruction designed to remedy his or her identified
571 deficiencies.
572 (6) The State Board of Education may adopt rules pursuant
573 to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 to implement the provisions of this
574 section and may enforce the provisions of this section pursuant
575 to s. 1008.32.
576 Section 5. Section 1003.4284, Florida Statutes, is created
577 to read:
578 1003.4284 Graduation Exit Option Program; alternative
579 diploma.—
580 (1) The Department of Education may implement a Graduation
581 Exit Option Program under which a high school student shall be
582 awarded an alternative diploma. To be eligible to participate in
583 the program, a high school student must:
584 (a) Be at least 16 years old.
585 (b) Be enrolled in high school courses that meet high
586 school graduation requirements.
587 (c) Be at risk of failing to graduate.
588 (d) Meet criteria developed by the department to ensure
589 that the program is not used as a means for early graduation and
590 to target students who have the ability to pass the grade 10
591 FCAT and the general educational development (GED) test.
592 (2) To receive an alternative diploma under the Graduation
593 Exit Option Program, a high school student must:
594 (a) Meet minimum reading levels and earn minimum scores on
595 GED practice tests, as established by the department.
596 (b) Earn passing scores on the reading and mathematics
597 portions of the FCAT, as defined in s. 1008.22(3), or scores on
598 a standardized test that are concordant with passing scores on
599 the FCAT, as defined in s. 1008.22(10).
600 (c) Pass each of the five sections of the GED test.
601 (d) Earn at least 14 credits toward high school graduation,
602 at least 8 of which are earned in English, reading, mathematics,
603 science, or social studies.
604 (3) A school district must annually request and receive
605 approval from the department in order to participate in the
606 Graduation Exit Option Program.
607 (4) An alternative diploma awarded under this section may
608 not be used for calculating graduation rates for any purpose.
609 (5) The department shall design the alternative diploma to
610 distinguish the diploma from a standard diploma and a core
611 diploma.
612 (6) The State Board of Education shall adopt rules pursuant
613 to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 to implement this section.
614 Section 6. Section 1003.4285, Florida Statutes, is amended
615 to read:
616 1003.4285 Standard High school diploma designations.—By the
617 2008-2009 school year, each standard high school diploma shall
618 include, as applicable:
619 (1) A designation of the student’s major area of interest
620 pursuant to the student’s completion of credits as provided in
621 s. 1003.428.
622 (2) A designation reflecting completion of four or more
623 accelerated college credit courses if the student is eligible
624 for college credit pursuant to s. 1007.27 or s. 1007.271 in
625 Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, Advanced
626 International Certificate of Education, or dual enrollment
627 courses. The Commissioner of Education shall establish
628 guidelines for successful passage of examinations or coursework
629 in each of the accelerated college credit options for purposes
630 of this subsection.
631 (3) A designation reflecting career education certification
632 in accordance with s. 1003.431.
633 (4) A designation reflecting a Florida Ready to Work
634 Credential in accordance with s. 1004.99.
635 Section 7. Section 1003.4286, Florida Statutes, is created
636 to read:
637 1003.4286 Major and minor areas of interest, electives,
638 remediation; graduation requirements.—For purposes of credit
639 requirements for high school graduation, students shall earn
640 major or minor areas of interest or electives as follows:
641 (1) To earn a major area of interest, a student must take
642 four credits, such as sequential courses in a career and
643 technical program, fine and performing arts, or academic content
644 area, selected by the student as part of the education plan
645 required by s. 1003.4156. Students may revise major areas of
646 interest each year as part of annual course registration
647 processes and should update their education plan to reflect such
648 revisions. Annually by October 1, the district school board
649 shall approve major areas of interest and submit the list of
650 majors to the Commissioner of Education for approval. Each major
651 area of interest shall be deemed approved unless specifically
652 rejected by the commissioner within 60 days. Upon approval, each
653 district’s major areas of interest shall be available for use by
654 all school districts and shall be posted on the department’s
655 Internet website.
656 (2) Elective courses, selected by a student as part of the
657 education plan required by s. 1003.4156, may be combined to
658 allow for a second major area of interest pursuant to subsection
659 (1) or a minor area of interest, elective courses, or intensive
660 reading or mathematics intervention courses, as described in
661 this subsection.
662 (a) Minor areas of interest are composed of three credits
663 selected by a student as part of the education plan required by
664 s. 1003.4156 and approved by the district school board.
665 (b) Elective courses are selected by a student in order to
666 pursue a complete education program as described in s.
667 1001.41(3) and to meet eligibility requirements for
668 scholarships.
669 (c) For each year in which a student scores at Level l on
670 FCAT Reading, the student must be enrolled in and complete an
671 intensive reading course the following year. Placement of Level
672 2 readers in either an intensive reading course or a content
673 area course in which reading strategies are delivered shall be
674 determined by diagnosis of reading needs. The department shall
675 provide guidance on appropriate strategies for diagnosing and
676 meeting the varying instructional needs of students reading
677 below grade level. Reading courses shall be designed and offered
678 pursuant to the comprehensive reading plan required by s.
679 1011.62(9).
680 (d) For each year in which a student scores at Level 1 or
681 Level 2 on FCAT Mathematics, the student must receive
682 remediation the following year. These courses may be taught
683 through applied, integrated, or combined courses and are subject
684 to approval by the department for inclusion in the Course Code
685 Directory.
686 Section 8. Section 1003.4287, Florida Statutes, is created
687 to read:
688 1003.4287 Physical education and performing arts credit
689 options; graduation requirements.—For purposes of credit
690 requirements in physical education for high school graduation,
691 participation in an interscholastic sport at the junior varsity
692 or varsity level for two full seasons shall satisfy the one
693 credit requirement in physical education if the student passes a
694 competency test on personal fitness with a score of “C” or
695 better. The competency test on personal fitness must be
696 developed by the Department of Education. A district school
697 board may not require that the one credit in physical education
698 be taken during the 9th grade year. Completion of one semester
699 with a grade of “C” or better in a marching band class, in a
700 physical activity class that requires participation in marching
701 band activities as an extracurricular activity, or in a dance
702 class shall satisfy one-half credit in physical education or
703 one-half credit in performing arts. This credit may not be used
704 to satisfy the personal fitness requirement or the requirement
705 for adaptive physical education under an individual education
706 plan or 504 plan. Completion of 2 years in a Reserve Officer
707 Training Corps (R.O.T.C.) class, a significant component of
708 which is drills, shall satisfy the one-credit requirement in
709 physical education and the one-credit requirement in performing
710 arts. This credit may not be used to satisfy the personal
711 fitness requirement or the requirement for adaptive physical
712 education under an individual education plan or 504 plan.
713 Section 9. Section 1003.4288, Florida Statutes, is created
714 to read:
715 1003.4288 Assistance in meeting grade point average
716 requirements.—
717 (1) Each district school board shall adopt policies
718 designed to assist students in meeting the grade point average
719 requirements for high school graduation. These policies may
720 include, but are not limited to, grade forgiveness, summer
721 school attendance, before-school or after-school attendance,
722 special counseling, volunteer or peer tutoring, school-sponsored
723 help sessions, homework hotlines, and study skills classes.
724 (2) A forgiveness policy for required courses shall be
725 limited to replacing a grade of “D” or “F,” or the equivalent of
726 a grade of “D” or “F,” with a grade of “C” or higher, or the
727 equivalent of a grade of “C” or higher, earned subsequently in
728 the same or a comparable course. A forgiveness policy for
729 elective courses shall be limited to replacing a grade of “D” or
730 “F,” or the equivalent of a grade of “D” or “F,” with a grade of
731 “C” or higher, or the equivalent of a grade of “C” or higher,
732 earned subsequently in another course. The only exception to
733 these forgiveness policies may be made for a student in the
734 middle grades who takes any high school course for high school
735 credit and earns a grade of “C,” “D,” or “F” or the equivalent
736 of a grade of “C,” “D,” or “F.” In such case, the district
737 forgiveness policy must allow the replacement of the grade with
738 a grade of “C” or higher, or the equivalent of a grade of “C” or
739 higher, earned subsequently in the same or a comparable course.
740 Any course grade not replaced according to a district school
741 board forgiveness policy shall be included in the calculation of
742 the cumulative grade point average required for graduation.
743 Section 10. Section 1003.4289, Florida Statutes, is created
744 to read:
745 1003.4289 Accommodations and modifications of procedures
746 for students with disabilities; graduation requirements.—For
747 purposes of high school graduation:
748 (1) The State Board of Education, after a public hearing
749 and consideration, shall adopt rules based upon the
750 recommendations of the Commissioner of Education for the
751 provision of test accommodations and modifications of procedures
752 as necessary for students with disabilities which will
753 demonstrate the student’s abilities rather than reflect the
754 student’s impaired sensory, manual, speaking, or psychological
755 process skills.
756 (2) The public hearing and consideration required in
757 subsection (1) shall not be construed to amend or nullify the
758 requirements of security relating to the contents of
759 examinations or assessment instruments and related materials or
760 data as prescribed in s. 1008.23.
761 (3)(a) Each district school board must provide instruction
762 to prepare students with disabilities to demonstrate proficiency
763 in the core content knowledge and skills necessary for
764 successful grade-to-grade progression and high school
765 graduation.
766 (b) A student with a disability, as defined in s.
767 1007.02(2), for whom the individual education plan committee
768 determines that the FCAT cannot accurately measure the student’s
769 abilities taking into consideration all allowable
770 accommodations, shall have the FCAT requirement of s.
771 1003.428(4)(b), s. 1003.4281(4)(b), s. 1003.4282(4)(b), s.
772 1003.4283(4)(b), or s. 1003.43(5)(a) waived for the purpose of
773 receiving a high school diploma, if the student:
774 1. Completes the minimum number of credits and other
775 requirements prescribed in s. 1003.428(1)-(3), s. 1003.4281(1)
776 (3), s. 1003.4282(1)-(3), s. 1003.4283(1)-(3), or s. 1003.43(1)
777 and (4).
778 2. Does not meet the FCAT requirements of s.
779 1003.428(4)(b), s. 1003.4281(4)(b), s. 1003.4282(4)(b), s.
780 1003.4283(4)(b), or s. 1003.43(5)(a) after one opportunity in
781 grade 10 and one opportunity in grade 11.
782 Section 11. Section 1003.4295, Florida Statutes, is created
783 to read:
784 1003.4295 Acceleration courses.—
785 (1) The purpose of this section is to ensure that all
786 Florida public high school students have equal access to a
787 substantive and rigorous curriculum that is designed to
788 challenge their minds, enhance their knowledge and skills, and
789 prepare them for success in college and work.
790 (2) By the 2010-2011 school year, each public high school
791 in the state must offer at least four Advanced Placement,
792 International Baccalaureate, Advanced International Certificate
793 of Education, or dual enrollment courses, one each in English,
794 mathematics, science, and social studies. To fulfill this
795 requirement, schools may utilize the course offerings provided
796 by the Florida Virtual School established under s. 1002.37.
797 Section 12. Paragraph (j) of subsection (1), paragraph (e)
798 of subsection (5), and subsections (8) through (13) of section
799 1003.43, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
800 1003.43 General requirements for high school graduation.—
801 (1) Graduation requires successful completion of either a
802 minimum of 24 academic credits in grades 9 through 12 or an
803 International Baccalaureate curriculum. The 24 credits shall be
804 distributed as follows:
805 (j) One credit in physical education to include assessment,
806 improvement, and maintenance of personal fitness. Participation
807 in an interscholastic sport at the junior varsity or varsity
808 level, for two full seasons, shall satisfy the one-credit
809 requirement in physical education if the student passes a
810 competency test on personal fitness with a score of “C” or
811 better. The competency test on personal fitness must be
812 developed by the Department of Education. A district school
813 board may not require that the one credit in physical education
814 be taken during the 9th grade year. Completion of one semester
815 with a grade of “C” or better in a marching band class, in a
816 physical activity class that requires participation in marching
817 band activities as an extracurricular activity, or in a Reserve
818 Officer Training Corps (R.O.T.C.) class a significant component
819 of which is drills shall satisfy a one-half credit requirement
820 in physical education. This one-half credit may not be used to
821 satisfy the personal fitness requirement or the requirement for
822 adaptive physical education under an individual educational plan
823 (IEP) or 504 plan.
824
825 District school boards may award a maximum of one-half credit in
826 social studies and one-half elective credit for student
827 completion of nonpaid voluntary community or school service
828 work. Students choosing this option must complete a minimum of
829 75 hours of service in order to earn the one-half credit in
830 either category of instruction. Credit may not be earned for
831 service provided as a result of court action. District school
832 boards that approve the award of credit for student volunteer
833 service shall develop guidelines regarding the award of the
834 credit, and school principals are responsible for approving
835 specific volunteer activities. A course designated in the Course
836 Code Directory as grade 9 through grade 12 that is taken below
837 the 9th grade may be used to satisfy high school graduation
838 requirements or Florida Academic Scholars award requirements as
839 specified in a district school board’s student progression plan.
840 A student shall be granted credit toward meeting the
841 requirements of this subsection for equivalent courses, as
842 identified pursuant to s. 1007.271(6), taken through dual
843 enrollment.
844 (5) Each district school board shall establish standards
845 for graduation from its schools, and these standards must
846 include:
847 (e) For purposes of paragraphs (c) and (d):
848 1. Each district school board shall adopt policies designed
849 to assist students in meeting these requirements. These policies
850 may include, but are not limited to: forgiveness policies,
851 summer school or before or after school attendance, special
852 counseling, volunteer and/or peer tutors, school-sponsored help
853 sessions, homework hotlines, and study skills classes. Beginning
854 in the 2000-2001 school year and each year thereafter,
855 forgiveness policies for required courses shall be limited to
856 replacing a grade of “D” or “F,” or the equivalent of a grade of
857 “D” or “F,” with a grade of “C” or higher, or the equivalent of
858 a grade of “C” or higher, earned subsequently in the same or
859 comparable course. Forgiveness policies for elective courses
860 shall be limited to replacing a grade of “D” or “F,” or the
861 equivalent of a grade of “D” or “F,” with a grade of “C” or
862 higher, or the equivalent of a grade of “C” or higher, earned
863 subsequently in another course. Any course grade not replaced
864 according to a district school board forgiveness policy shall be
865 included in the calculation of the cumulative grade point
866 average required for graduation.
867 1.2. At the end of each semester, the parent of each
868 student in grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 who has a cumulative grade
869 point average of less than 0.5 above the cumulative grade point
870 average required for graduation shall be notified that the
871 student is at risk of not meeting the requirements for
872 graduation. The notice shall contain an explanation of the
873 policies the district school board has in place to assist the
874 student in meeting the grade point average requirement.
875 2.3. Special assistance to obtain a high school equivalency
876 diploma pursuant to s. 1003.435 may be given only when the
877 student has completed all requirements for graduation except the
878 attainment of the required cumulative grade point average.
879
880 The standards required in this subsection, and any subsequent
881 modifications, shall be reprinted in the Florida Administrative
882 Code even though not defined as “rules.”
883 (8) The State Board of Education, after a public hearing
884 and consideration, shall adopt rules based upon the
885 recommendations of the commissioner for the provision of test
886 accommodations and modifications of procedures as necessary for
887 students with disabilities which will demonstrate the student’s
888 abilities rather than reflect the student’s impaired sensory,
889 manual, speaking, or psychological process skills.
890 (9) The public hearing and consideration required in
891 subsection (8) shall not be construed to amend or nullify the
892 requirements of security relating to the contents of
893 examinations or assessment instruments and related materials or
894 data as prescribed in s. 1008.23.
895 (8)(10)(a) A student who meets all requirements prescribed
896 in subsections (1), (4), and (5) shall be awarded a standard
897 diploma in a form prescribed by the State Board of Education. A
898 district school board may attach the Florida gold seal career
899 endorsement to a standard diploma or, instead of the standard
900 diploma, award differentiated diplomas to those exceeding the
901 prescribed minimums.
902 (b) A student who completes the minimum number of credits
903 and other requirements prescribed by subsections (1) and (4),
904 but who is unable to meet the standards of paragraph (5)(a),
905 paragraph (5)(b), or paragraph (5)(c), shall be awarded a
906 certificate of completion in a form prescribed by the State
907 Board of Education. However, any student who is otherwise
908 entitled to a certificate of completion may elect to remain in
909 the secondary school either as a full-time student or a part
910 time student for up to 1 additional year and receive special
911 instruction designed to remedy his or her identified
912 deficiencies.
913 (11)(a) Each district school board must provide instruction
914 to prepare students with disabilities to demonstrate proficiency
915 in the core content knowledge and skills necessary for
916 successful grade-to-grade progression and high school
917 graduation.
918 (b) A student with a disability, as defined in s.
919 1007.02(2), for whom the individual educational plan (IEP)
920 committee determines that the FCAT cannot accurately measure the
921 student’s abilities taking into consideration all allowable
922 accommodations, shall have the FCAT requirement of paragraph
923 (5)(a) waived for the purpose of receiving a standard high
924 school diploma, if the student:
925 1. Completes the minimum number of credits and other
926 requirements prescribed by subsections (1) and (4).
927 2. Does not meet the requirements of paragraph (5)(a) after
928 one opportunity in 10th grade and one opportunity in 11th grade.
929 (12) The Commissioner of Education may award a standard
930 high school diploma to honorably discharged veterans who started
931 high school between 1937 and 1946 and were scheduled to graduate
932 between 1941 and 1950 but were inducted into the United States
933 Armed Forces between September 16, 1940, and December 31, 1946,
934 prior to completing the necessary high school graduation
935 requirements. Upon the recommendation of the commissioner, the
936 State Board of Education may develop criteria and guidelines for
937 awarding such diplomas.
938 (13) The Commissioner of Education may award a standard
939 high school diploma to honorably discharged veterans who started
940 high school between 1946 and 1950 and were scheduled to graduate
941 between 1949 and 1955, but were inducted into the United States
942 Armed Forces between June 1949 and January 1955, and served
943 during the Korean War prior to completing the necessary high
944 school graduation requirements. Upon the recommendation of the
945 commissioner, the State Board of Education may develop criteria
946 and guidelines for awarding such diplomas.
947 Section 13. Section 1003.4305, Florida Statutes, is created
948 to read:
949 1003.4305 Recognition of veterans; high school diploma.—
950 (1) The Commissioner of Education may award a standard high
951 school diploma to honorably discharged veterans who started high
952 school between 1937 and 1946 and were scheduled to graduate
953 between 1941 and 1950 but were inducted into the United States
954 Armed Forces between September 16, 1940, and December 31, 1946,
955 prior to completing the necessary high school graduation
956 requirements. Upon the recommendation of the commissioner, the
957 State Board of Education may develop criteria and guidelines for
958 awarding such diplomas.
959 (2) The Commissioner of Education may award a standard high
960 school diploma to honorably discharged veterans who started high
961 school between 1946 and 1950 and were scheduled to graduate
962 between 1949 and 1955 but were inducted into the United States
963 Armed Forces between June 1949 and January 1955 and served
964 during the Korean War prior to completing the necessary high
965 school graduation requirements. Upon the recommendation of the
966 commissioner, the State Board of Education may develop criteria
967 and guidelines for awarding such diplomas.
968 Section 14. Subsection (4) of section 1007.263, Florida
969 Statutes, is amended to read:
970 1007.263 Community colleges; admissions of students.—Each
971 community college board of trustees is authorized to adopt rules
972 governing admissions of students subject to this section and
973 rules of the State Board of Education. These rules shall include
974 the following:
975 (4) A student who has been awarded a special diploma as
976 defined in s. 1003.438 or a certificate of completion as defined
977 in s. 1003.43(8)(10) is eligible to enroll in certificate career
978 education programs.
979
980 Each board of trustees shall establish policies that notify
981 students about, and place students into, adult basic education,
982 adult secondary education, or other instructional programs that
983 provide students with alternatives to traditional college
984 preparatory instruction, including private provider instruction.
985 A student is prohibited from enrolling in additional college
986 level courses until the student scores above the cut-score on
987 all sections of the common placement test.
988 Section 15. Paragraph (c) of subsection (1), paragraph (c)
989 of subsection (3), subsection (9), and paragraph (b) of
990 subsection (10) of section 1008.22, Florida Statutes, are
991 amended to read:
992 1008.22 Student assessment program for public schools.—
993 (1) PURPOSE.—The primary purposes of the student assessment
994 program are to provide information needed to improve the public
995 schools by enhancing the learning gains of all students and to
996 inform parents of the educational progress of their public
997 school children. The program must be designed to:
998 (c) Identify the educational strengths and needs of
999 students and the readiness of students to be promoted to the
1000 next grade level or to graduate from high school with a standard
1001 or special high school diploma.
1002 (3) STATEWIDE ASSESSMENT PROGRAM.—The commissioner shall
1003 design and implement a statewide program of educational
1004 assessment that provides information for the improvement of the
1005 operation and management of the public schools, including
1006 schools operating for the purpose of providing educational
1007 services to youth in Department of Juvenile Justice programs.
1008 The commissioner may enter into contracts for the continued
1009 administration of the assessment, testing, and evaluation
1010 programs authorized and funded by the Legislature. Contracts may
1011 be initiated in 1 fiscal year and continue into the next and may
1012 be paid from the appropriations of either or both fiscal years.
1013 The commissioner is authorized to negotiate for the sale or
1014 lease of tests, scoring protocols, test scoring services, and
1015 related materials developed pursuant to law. Pursuant to the
1016 statewide assessment program, the commissioner shall:
1017 (c) Develop and implement a student achievement testing
1018 program known as the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test
1019 (FCAT) as part of the statewide assessment program to measure a
1020 student’s content knowledge and skills in reading, writing,
1021 science, and mathematics. Other content areas may be included as
1022 directed by the commissioner. Comprehensive assessments of
1023 reading and mathematics shall be administered annually in grades
1024 3 through 10. Comprehensive assessments of writing and science
1025 shall be administered at least once at the elementary, middle,
1026 and high school levels. End-of-course assessments for a subject
1027 may be administered in addition to the comprehensive assessments
1028 required for that subject under this paragraph. An end-of-course
1029 assessment must be rigorous, statewide, standardized, and
1030 developed or approved by the department. The content knowledge
1031 and skills assessed by comprehensive and end-of-course
1032 assessments must be aligned to the core curricular content
1033 established in the Sunshine State Standards. The commissioner
1034 may select one or more nationally developed comprehensive
1035 examinations, which may include, but need not be limited to,
1036 examinations for a College Board Advanced Placement course,
1037 International Baccalaureate course, or Advanced International
1038 Certificate of Education course or industry-approved
1039 examinations to earn national industry certifications as defined
1040 in s. 1003.492, for use as end-of-course assessments under this
1041 paragraph, if the commissioner determines that the content
1042 knowledge and skills assessed by the examinations meet or exceed
1043 the grade level expectations for the core curricular content
1044 established for the course in the Next Generation Sunshine State
1045 Standards. The commissioner may collaborate with the American
1046 Diploma Project in the adoption or development of rigorous end
1047 of-course assessments that are aligned to the Next Generation
1048 Sunshine State Standards. The testing program must be designed
1049 as follows:
1050 1. The tests shall measure student skills and competencies
1051 adopted by the State Board of Education as specified in
1052 paragraph (a). The tests must measure and report student
1053 proficiency levels of all students assessed in reading, writing,
1054 mathematics, and science. The commissioner shall provide for the
1055 tests to be developed or obtained, as appropriate, through
1056 contracts and project agreements with private vendors, public
1057 vendors, public agencies, postsecondary educational
1058 institutions, or school districts. The commissioner shall obtain
1059 input with respect to the design and implementation of the
1060 testing program from state educators, assistive technology
1061 experts, and the public.
1062 2. The testing program shall be composed of criterion
1063 referenced tests that shall, to the extent determined by the
1064 commissioner, include test items that require the student to
1065 produce information or perform tasks in such a way that the core
1066 content knowledge and skills he or she uses can be measured.
1067 3. Beginning with the 2008-2009 school year, the
1068 commissioner shall discontinue administration of the selected
1069 response test items on the comprehensive assessments of writing.
1070 Beginning with the 2012-2013 school year, the comprehensive
1071 assessments of writing shall be composed of a combination of
1072 selected-response test items, short-response performance tasks,
1073 and extended-response performance tasks, which shall measure a
1074 student’s content knowledge of writing, including, but not
1075 limited to, paragraph and sentence structure, sentence
1076 construction, grammar and usage, punctuation, capitalization,
1077 spelling, parts of speech, verb tense, irregular verbs, subject
1078 verb agreement, and noun-pronoun agreement.
1079 4. A score shall be designated for each subject area
1080 tested, below which score a student’s performance is deemed
1081 inadequate. The school districts shall provide appropriate
1082 remedial instruction to students who score below these levels.
1083 5. Except as provided in s. 1003.4289 1003.428(8)(b) or s.
1084 1003.43(11)(b), students must earn a passing score on the grade
1085 10 assessment test described in this paragraph or attain
1086 concordant scores as described in subsection (10) in reading,
1087 writing, and mathematics to qualify for a standard high school
1088 diploma. The State Board of Education shall designate a passing
1089 score for each part of the grade 10 assessment test. In
1090 establishing passing scores, the state board shall consider any
1091 possible negative impact of the test on minority students. The
1092 State Board of Education shall adopt rules which specify the
1093 passing scores for the grade 10 FCAT. Such passing scores must,
1094 at a minimum, meet grade-level proficiency. Any such rules,
1095 which have the effect of raising the required passing scores,
1096 shall apply only to students taking the grade 10 FCAT for the
1097 first time after such rules are adopted by the State Board of
1098 Education.
1099 6. Participation in the testing program is mandatory for
1100 all students attending public school, including students served
1101 in Department of Juvenile Justice programs, except as otherwise
1102 prescribed by the commissioner. If a student does not
1103 participate in the statewide assessment, the district must
1104 notify the student’s parent and provide the parent with
1105 information regarding the implications of such nonparticipation.
1106 A parent must provide signed consent for a student to receive
1107 classroom instructional accommodations that would not be
1108 available or permitted on the statewide assessments and must
1109 acknowledge in writing that he or she understands the
1110 implications of such instructional accommodations. The State
1111 Board of Education shall adopt rules, based upon recommendations
1112 of the commissioner, for the provision of test accommodations
1113 for students in exceptional education programs and for students
1114 who have limited English proficiency. Accommodations that negate
1115 the validity of a statewide assessment are not allowable in the
1116 administration of the FCAT. However, instructional
1117 accommodations are allowable in the classroom if included in a
1118 student’s individual education plan. Students using
1119 instructional accommodations in the classroom that are not
1120 allowable as accommodations on the FCAT may have the FCAT
1121 requirement waived pursuant to the requirements of s. 1003.4289
1122 s. 1003.428(8)(b) or s. 1003.43(11)(b).
1123 7. A student seeking an adult high school diploma must meet
1124 the same testing requirements that a regular high school student
1125 must meet.
1126 8. District school boards must provide instruction to
1127 prepare students to demonstrate proficiency in the core
1128 curricular content established in the Next Generation Sunshine
1129 State Standards adopted under s. 1003.41, including the core
1130 content knowledge and skills necessary for successful grade-to
1131 grade progression and high school graduation. If a student is
1132 provided with instructional accommodations in the classroom that
1133 are not allowable as accommodations in the statewide assessment
1134 program, as described in the test manuals, the district must
1135 inform the parent in writing and must provide the parent with
1136 information regarding the impact on the student’s ability to
1137 meet expected proficiency levels in reading, writing, and
1138 mathematics. The commissioner shall conduct studies as necessary
1139 to verify that the required core curricular content is part of
1140 the district instructional programs.
1141 9. District school boards must provide opportunities for
1142 students to demonstrate an acceptable level of performance on an
1143 alternative standardized assessment approved by the State Board
1144 of Education following enrollment in summer academies.
1145 10. The Department of Education must develop, or select,
1146 and implement a common battery of assessment tools that will be
1147 used in all juvenile justice programs in the state. These tools
1148 must accurately measure the core curricular content established
1149 in the Sunshine State Standards.
1150 11. For students seeking a special diploma pursuant to s.
1151 1003.438, the Department of Education must develop or select and
1152 implement an alternate assessment tool that accurately measures
1153 the core curricular content established in the Sunshine State
1154 Standards for students with disabilities under s. 1003.438.
1155 12. The Commissioner of Education shall establish schedules
1156 for the administration of statewide assessments and the
1157 reporting of student test results. The commissioner shall, by
1158 August 1 of each year, notify each school district in writing
1159 and publish on the department’s Internet website the testing and
1160 reporting schedules for, at a minimum, the school year following
1161 the upcoming school year. The testing and reporting schedules
1162 shall require that:
1163 a. There is the latest possible administration of statewide
1164 assessments and the earliest possible reporting to the school
1165 districts of student test results which is feasible within
1166 available technology and specific appropriations; however, test
1167 results must be made available no later than the final day of
1168 the regular school year for students.
1169 b. Beginning with the 2010-2011 school year, a
1170 comprehensive statewide assessment of writing is not
1171 administered earlier than the week of March 1 and a
1172 comprehensive statewide assessment of any other subject is not
1173 administered earlier than the week of April 15.
1174 c. A statewide standardized end-of-course assessment is
1175 administered within the last 2 weeks of the course.
1176
1177 The commissioner may, based on collaboration and input from
1178 school districts, design and implement student testing programs,
1179 for any grade level and subject area, necessary to effectively
1180 monitor educational achievement in the state, including the
1181 measurement of educational achievement of the Sunshine State
1182 Standards for students with disabilities. Development and
1183 refinement of assessments shall include universal design
1184 principles and accessibility standards that will prevent any
1185 unintended obstacles for students with disabilities while
1186 ensuring the validity and reliability of the test. These
1187 principles should be applicable to all technology platforms and
1188 assistive devices available for the assessments. The field
1189 testing process and psychometric analyses for the statewide
1190 assessment program must include an appropriate percentage of
1191 students with disabilities and an evaluation or determination of
1192 the effect of test items on such students.
1193 (9) APPLICABILITY OF TESTING STANDARDS.—
1194 (a) If the Commissioner of Education revises a statewide
1195 assessment and the revisions require the State Board of
1196 Education to modify the assessment’s proficiency levels or
1197 modify the passing scores required for a standard high school
1198 diploma, until the state board adopts the modifications by rule,
1199 the commissioner shall use calculations for scoring the
1200 assessment which adjust student scores on the revised assessment
1201 for statistical equivalence to student scores on the former
1202 assessment.
1203 (b) A student must attain the passing scores on the
1204 statewide assessment required for a standard high school diploma
1205 which are in effect at the time the student enters grade 9 if
1206 the student’s enrollment is continuous.
1207 (c) If the commissioner revises a statewide assessment and
1208 the revisions require the State Board of Education to modify the
1209 passing scores required for a standard high school diploma, the
1210 commissioner may, with approval of the state board, discontinue
1211 administration of the former assessment upon the graduation,
1212 based on normal student progression, of students participating
1213 in the final regular administration of the former assessment.
1214 The state board shall adopt by rule passing scores for the
1215 revised assessment which are statistically equivalent to passing
1216 scores on the discontinued assessment for a student required
1217 under paragraph (b) to attain passing scores on the discontinued
1218 assessment.
1219 (10) CONCORDANT SCORES FOR THE FCAT.—
1220 (b) In order to use a concordant subject area score
1221 pursuant to this subsection to satisfy the assessment
1222 requirement for a standard high school diploma as provided in s.
1223 1003.428(4)(b), s. 1003.4281(4)(b), s. 1003.4282(4)(b), s.
1224 1003.4283(4)(b), s. 1003.4284(2)(b), s. 1003.429(6)(a), or s.
1225 1003.43(5)(a), or s. 1003.428, a student must take each subject
1226 area of the grade 10 FCAT a total of three times without earning
1227 a passing score. The requirements of this paragraph shall not
1228 apply to a new student who enters the Florida public school
1229 system in grade 12, who may either achieve a passing score on
1230 the FCAT or use an approved subject area concordant score to
1231 fulfill the graduation requirement.
1232 Section 16. Paragraph (b) of subsection (1) of section
1233 1009.531, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
1234 1009.531 Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program;
1235 student eligibility requirements for initial awards.—
1236 (1) Effective January 1, 2008, in order to be eligible for
1237 an initial award from any of the three types of scholarships
1238 under the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program, a student
1239 must:
1240 (b) Earn a standard Florida high school diploma or its
1241 equivalent as described in s. 1003.428, s. 1003.4281, s.
1242 1003.4282, s. 1003.4283, s. 1003.429, s. 1003.43, or s. 1003.435
1243 unless:
1244 1. The student completes a home education program according
1245 to s. 1002.41; or
1246 2. The student earns a high school diploma from a non
1247 Florida school while living with a parent or guardian who is on
1248 military or public service assignment away from Florida.
1249 Section 17. Subsection (1) of section 1009.534, Florida
1250 Statutes, is amended to read:
1251 1009.534 Florida Academic Scholars award.—
1252 (1) A student is eligible for a Florida Academic Scholars
1253 award if the student meets the general eligibility requirements
1254 for the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program and the
1255 student:
1256 (a) Has achieved a 3.5 weighted grade point average as
1257 calculated pursuant to s. 1009.531, or its equivalent, in high
1258 school courses that are designated by the State Board of
1259 Education as college-preparatory academic courses; and has
1260 attained at least the score identified by rules of the State
1261 Board of Education on the combined verbal and quantitative parts
1262 of the Scholastic Aptitude Test, the Scholastic Assessment Test,
1263 or the recentered Scholastic Assessment Test of the College
1264 Entrance Examination, or an equivalent score on the ACT
1265 Assessment Program; and, beginning with students entering grade
1266 9 in the 2010-2011 school year, has earned a college preparatory
1267 diploma as provided in s. 1003.4282; or
1268 (b) Has attended a home education program according to s.
1269 1002.41 during grades 11 and 12 or has completed the
1270 International Baccalaureate curriculum but failed to earn the
1271 International Baccalaureate Diploma or has completed the
1272 Advanced International Certificate of Education curriculum but
1273 failed to earn the Advanced International Certificate of
1274 Education Diploma, and has attained at least the score
1275 identified by rules of the State Board of Education on the
1276 combined verbal and quantitative parts of the Scholastic
1277 Aptitude Test, the Scholastic Assessment Test, or the recentered
1278 Scholastic Assessment Test of the College Entrance Examination,
1279 or an equivalent score on the ACT Assessment Program; or
1280 (c) Has been awarded an International Baccalaureate Diploma
1281 from the International Baccalaureate Office or an Advanced
1282 International Certificate of Education Diploma from the
1283 University of Cambridge International Examinations Office; or
1284 (d) Has been recognized by the merit or achievement
1285 programs of the National Merit Scholarship Corporation as a
1286 scholar or finalist; or
1287 (e) Has been recognized by the National Hispanic
1288 Recognition Program as a scholar recipient.
1289
1290 A student must complete a program of community service work, as
1291 approved by the district school board or the administrators of a
1292 nonpublic school, which shall include a minimum of 75 hours of
1293 service work and require the student to identify a social
1294 problem that interests him or her, develop a plan for his or her
1295 personal involvement in addressing the problem, and, through
1296 papers or other presentations, evaluate and reflect upon his or
1297 her experience.
1298 Section 18. Subsection (1) of section 1009.535, Florida
1299 Statutes, is amended to read:
1300 1009.535 Florida Medallion Scholars award.—
1301 (1) A student is eligible for a Florida Medallion Scholars
1302 award if the student meets the general eligibility requirements
1303 for the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program and the
1304 student:
1305 (a) Has achieved a weighted grade point average of 3.0 as
1306 calculated pursuant to s. 1009.531, or the equivalent, in high
1307 school courses that are designated by the State Board of
1308 Education as college-preparatory academic courses; and has
1309 attained at least the score identified by rules of the State
1310 Board of Education on the combined verbal and quantitative parts
1311 of the Scholastic Aptitude Test, the Scholastic Assessment Test,
1312 or the recentered Scholastic Assessment Test of the College
1313 Entrance Examination, or an equivalent score on the ACT
1314 Assessment Program; and, beginning with students entering grade
1315 9 in the 2010-2011 school year, has earned a college preparatory
1316 diploma as provided in s. 1003.4282; or
1317 (b) Has attended a home education program according to s.
1318 1002.41 during grades 11 and 12 or has completed the
1319 International Baccalaureate curriculum but failed to earn the
1320 International Baccalaureate Diploma or has completed the
1321 Advanced International Certificate of Education curriculum but
1322 failed to earn the Advanced International Certificate of
1323 Education Diploma, and has attained at least the score
1324 identified by rules of the State Board of Education on the
1325 combined verbal and quantitative parts of the Scholastic
1326 Aptitude Test, the Scholastic Assessment Test, or the recentered
1327 Scholastic Assessment Test of the College Entrance Examination,
1328 or an equivalent score on the ACT Assessment Program; or
1329 (c) Has been recognized by the merit or achievement program
1330 of the National Merit Scholarship Corporation as a scholar or
1331 finalist but has not completed a program of community service as
1332 provided in s. 1009.534; or
1333 (d) Has been recognized by the National Hispanic
1334 Recognition Program as a scholar, but has not completed a
1335 program of community service as provided in s. 1009.534.
1336 Section 19. Subsection (1) of section 1009.536, Florida
1337 Statutes, is amended to read:
1338 1009.536 Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholars award.—The
1339 Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholars award is created within
1340 the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program to recognize and
1341 reward academic achievement and career preparation by high
1342 school students who wish to continue their education.
1343 (1) A student is eligible for a Florida Gold Seal
1344 Vocational Scholars award if the student meets the general
1345 eligibility requirements for the Florida Bright Futures
1346 Scholarship Program and the student:
1347 (a) Completes the secondary school portion of a sequential
1348 program of studies that requires at least three secondary school
1349 career credits taken over at least 2 academic years, and is
1350 continued in a planned, related postsecondary education program.
1351 If the student’s school does not offer such a two-plus-two or
1352 tech-prep program, the student must complete a job-preparatory
1353 career education program selected by Workforce Florida, Inc.,
1354 for its ability to provide high-wage employment in an occupation
1355 with high potential for employment opportunities. On-the-job
1356 training may not be substituted for any of the three required
1357 career credits.
1358 (b) Beginning with students entering grade 9 in the 2010
1359 2011 school year, has earned a career preparatory diploma as
1360 provided in s. 1003.4283.
1361 (c)(b) Demonstrates readiness for postsecondary education
1362 by earning a passing score on the Florida College Entry Level
1363 Placement Test or its equivalent as identified by the Department
1364 of Education.
1365 (d)(c) Earns a minimum cumulative weighted grade point
1366 average of 3.0, as calculated pursuant to s. 1009.531, on all
1367 subjects required for a standard high school diploma, excluding
1368 elective courses.
1369 (e)(d) Earns a minimum unweighted grade point average of
1370 3.5 on a 4.0 scale for secondary career courses comprising the
1371 career program.
1372 Section 20. Subsection (2) of section 1009.537, Florida
1373 Statutes, is amended to read:
1374 1009.537 Eligibility for the Florida Bright Futures
1375 Scholarship Program; transition.—
1376 (2) A student who graduates from high school in 1997 or
1377 earlier and who is eligible for the Florida Vocational Gold Seal
1378 Endorsement Scholarship award pursuant to former s. 240.4021 is
1379 eligible for the Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholars award as
1380 provided in this act. A student who graduates from high school
1381 in 1998 or 1999 is eligible for the Florida Gold Seal Vocational
1382 Scholars award if the student meets the criteria in s. 1009.536.
1383 However, in lieu of satisfying the grade point average
1384 requirement set forth in s. 1009.536(1)(d)(c), a student may
1385 earn a minimum cumulative unweighted grade point average of 3.0
1386 on a 4.0 scale on all subjects required for a standard high
1387 school diploma. Students who graduate from high school after
1388 1999 must meet the eligibility criteria pursuant to s. 1009.536.
1389 Section 21. This act shall take effect July 1, 2009.