HB 1293

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 general
4	requirements for high school graduation to conform to
5	changes made by the act; creating s. 1003.4281, F.S.;
6	providing requirements for graduation with a core diploma
7	beginning with students entering their first year of high
8	school in the 2010-2011 school year; creating s.
9	1003.4282, F.S.; providing requirements for graduation
10	with a college preparatory diploma beginning with students
11	entering their first year of high school in the 2010-2011
12	school year; creating s. 1003.4283, F.S.; providing
13	requirements for graduation with a career preparatory
14	diploma beginning with students entering their first year
15	of high school in the 2010-2011 school year; providing
16	credit requirements, authority to modify courses for
17	exceptional students, standards for graduation, and
18	authority for rulemaking and enforcement for the core
19	diploma, the college preparatory diploma, and the career
20	preparatory diploma; creating s. 1003.4284, F.S.;
21	authorizing the Department of Education to implement a
22	Graduation Exit Option Program under which a high school
23	student shall be awarded an alternative diploma; providing
24	requirements for participation in the program and receipt
25	of a diploma; requiring a school district to receive
26	approval annually to participate in the program; requiring
27	rulemaking; amending s. 1003.4285, F.S.; conforming
28	provisions; creating s. 1003.4286, F.S.; providing for
29	applicability of major and minor areas of interest or
30	electives as credit requirements for graduation; requiring
31	remediation in certain instances; creating s. 1003.4287,
32	F.S.; providing for applicability of physical education
33	and performing arts credit options for graduation;
34	creating s. 1003.4288, F.S.; providing for applicability
35	of district school board policies to assist students in
36	meeting grade point average requirements for graduation;
37	creating s. 1003.4289, F.S.; providing for applicability
38	of accommodations and modifications of procedures for
39	students with disabilities for purposes of graduation;
40	creating s. 1003.4295, F.S.; requiring each public high
41	school to offer specified acceleration courses; amending
42	s. 1003.43, F.S.; deleting provisions relating to general
43	requirements for high school graduation to conform to
44	changes made by the act; creating s. 1003.4305, F.S.;
45	authorizing the award of a standard high school diploma to
46	certain honorably discharged veterans; amending s.
47	1007.263, F.S.; conforming a cross-reference; amending s.
48	1008.22, F.S.; requiring passing scores on the grade 10
49	FCAT to meet grade-level proficiency; conforming
50	provisions and cross-references; amending s. 1009.531,
51	F.S.; conforming provisions; amending ss. 1009.534,
52	1009.535, and 1009.536, F.S.; providing additional
53	academic requirements for receipt of Florida Bright
54	Futures Scholarship Program awards; amending s. 1009.537,
55	F.S.; conforming a cross-reference; providing an effective
56	date.
57
58	Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
59
60	Section 1.  Section 1003.428, Florida Statutes, is amended
61	to read:
62	1003.428  General requirements for high school graduation;
63	revised.--
64	(1)  Except as otherwise authorized pursuant to s.
65	1003.429, beginning with students entering their first year of
66	high school in the 2007-2008 school year, graduation requires
67	the successful completion of a minimum of 24 credits, an
68	International Baccalaureate curriculum, or an Advanced
69	International Certificate of Education curriculum. Students must
70	be advised of eligibility requirements for state scholarship
71	programs and postsecondary admissions.
72	(2)  The 24 credits may be earned through applied,
73	integrated, and combined courses approved by the Department of
74	Education and shall be distributed as follows:
75	(a)  Sixteen core curriculum credits:
76	1.  Four credits in English, with major concentration in
77	composition, reading for information, and literature.
78	2.  Four credits in mathematics, one of which must be
79	Algebra I, a series of courses equivalent to Algebra I, or a
80	higher-level mathematics course. School districts are encouraged
81	to set specific goals to increase enrollments in, and successful
82	completion of, geometry and Algebra II.
83	3.  Three credits in science, two of which must have a
84	laboratory component.
85	4.  Three credits in social studies as follows: one credit
86	in American history; one credit in world history; one-half
87	credit in economics; and one-half credit in American government.
88	5.  One credit in fine or performing arts, speech and
89	debate, or a practical arts course that incorporates artistic
90	content and techniques of creativity, interpretation, and
91	imagination. Eligible practical arts courses shall be identified
92	through the Course Code Directory.
93	6.  One credit in physical education to include integration
94	of health. Participation in an interscholastic sport at the
95	junior varsity or varsity level for two full seasons shall
96	satisfy the one-credit requirement in physical education if the
97	student passes a competency test on personal fitness with a
98	score of "C" or better. The competency test on personal fitness
99	must be developed by the Department of Education. A district
100	school board may not require that the one credit in physical
101	education be taken during the 9th grade year. Completion of one
102	semester with a grade of "C" or better in a marching band class,
103	in a physical activity class that requires participation in
104	marching band activities as an extracurricular activity, or in a
105	dance class shall satisfy one-half credit in physical education
106	or one-half credit in performing arts. This credit may not be
107	used to satisfy the personal fitness requirement or the
108	requirement for adaptive physical education under an individual
109	education plan (IEP) or 504 plan. Completion of 2 years in a
110	Reserve Officer Training Corps (R.O.T.C.) class, a significant
111	component of which is drills, shall satisfy the one-credit
112	requirement in physical education and the one-credit requirement
113	in performing arts. This credit may not be used to satisfy the
114	personal fitness requirement or the requirement for adaptive
115	physical education under an individual education plan (IEP) or
116	504 plan.
117	(b)  Eight credits in majors, minors, or electives in a
118	combination as provided in s. 1003.4286.:
119	1.  Four credits in a major area of interest, such as
120	sequential courses in a career and technical program, fine and
121	performing arts, or academic content area, selected by the
122	student as part of the education plan required by s. 1003.4156.
123	Students may revise major areas of interest each year as part of
124	annual course registration processes and should update their
125	education plan to reflect such revisions. Annually by October 1,
126	the district school board shall approve major areas of interest
127	and submit the list of majors to the Commissioner of Education
128	for approval. Each major area of interest shall be deemed
129	approved unless specifically rejected by the commissioner within
130	60 days. Upon approval, each district's major areas of interest
131	shall be available for use by all school districts and shall be
132	posted on the department's website.
133	2.  Four credits in elective courses selected by the
134	student as part of the education plan required by s. 1003.4156.
135	These credits may be combined to allow for a second major area
136	of interest pursuant to subparagraph 1., a minor area of
137	interest, elective courses, or intensive reading or mathematics
138	intervention courses as described in this subparagraph.
139	a.  Minor areas of interest are composed of three credits
140	selected by the student as part of the education plan required
141	by s. 1003.4156 and approved by the district school board.
142	b.  Elective courses are selected by the student in order
143	to pursue a complete education program as described in s.
144	1001.41(3) and to meet eligibility requirements for
145	scholarships.
146	c.  For each year in which a student scores at Level l on
147	FCAT Reading, the student must be enrolled in and complete an
148	intensive reading course the following year. Placement of Level
149	2 readers in either an intensive reading course or a content
150	area course in which reading strategies are delivered shall be
151	determined by diagnosis of reading needs. The department shall
152	provide guidance on appropriate strategies for diagnosing and
153	meeting the varying instructional needs of students reading
154	below grade level. Reading courses shall be designed and offered
155	pursuant to the comprehensive reading plan required by s.
156	1011.62(9).
157	d.  For each year in which a student scores at Level 1 or
158	Level 2 on FCAT Mathematics, the student must receive
159	remediation the following year. These courses may be taught
160	through applied, integrated, or combined courses and are subject
161	to approval by the department for inclusion in the Course Code
162	Directory.
163	(3)(a)  A district school board may require specific
164	courses and programs of study within the minimum credit
165	requirements for high school graduation and shall modify basic
166	courses, as necessary, to assure exceptional students the
167	opportunity to meet the graduation requirements for a standard
168	diploma, using one of the following strategies:
169	1.  Assignment of the exceptional student to an exceptional
170	education class for instruction in a basic course with the same
171	student performance standards as those required of
172	nonexceptional students in the district school board student
173	progression plan; or
174	2.  Assignment of the exceptional student to a basic
175	education class for instruction that is modified to accommodate
176	the student's exceptionality.
177	(b)  The district school board shall determine which of
178	these strategies to employ based upon an assessment of the
179	student's needs and shall reflect this decision in the student's
180	individual education plan.
181	(4)  Each district school board shall establish standards
182	for graduation from its schools, which must include:
183	(a)  Successful completion of the academic credit or
184	curriculum requirements of subsections (1) and (2).
185	(b)  Earning passing scores on the FCAT, as defined in s.
186	1008.22(3)(c), or scores on a standardized test that are
187	concordant with passing scores on the FCAT as defined in s.
188	1008.22(10).
189	(c)  Completion of all other applicable requirements
190	prescribed by the district school board pursuant to s. 1008.25.
191	(d)  Achievement of a cumulative grade point average of 2.0
192	on a 4.0 scale, or its equivalent, in the courses required by
193	this section.
194
195	Each district school board shall adopt policies designed to
196	assist students in meeting the requirements of this subsection.
197	These policies may include, but are not limited to: forgiveness
198	policies, summer school or before or after school attendance,
199	special counseling, volunteers or peer tutors, school-sponsored
200	help sessions, homework hotlines, and study skills classes.
201	Forgiveness policies for required courses shall be limited to
202	replacing a grade of "D" or "F," or the equivalent of a grade of
203	"D" or "F," with a grade of "C" or higher, or the equivalent of
204	a grade of "C" or higher, earned subsequently in the same or
205	comparable course. Forgiveness policies for elective courses
206	shall be limited to replacing a grade of "D" or "F," or the
207	equivalent of a grade of "D" or "F," with a grade of "C" or
208	higher, or the equivalent of a grade of "C" or higher, earned
209	subsequently in another course. The only exception to these
210	forgiveness policies shall be made for a student in the middle
211	grades who takes any high school course for high school credit
212	and earns a grade of "C," "D," or "F" or the equivalent of a
213	grade of "C," "D," or "F." In such case, the district
214	forgiveness policy must allow the replacement of the grade with
215	a grade of "C" or higher, or the equivalent of a grade of "C" or
216	higher, earned subsequently in the same or comparable course. In
217	all cases of grade forgiveness, only the new grade shall be used
218	in the calculation of the student's grade point average. Any
219	course grade not replaced according to a district school board
220	forgiveness policy shall be included in the calculation of the
221	cumulative grade point average required for graduation.
222	(5)  The State Board of Education, after a public hearing
223	and consideration, shall adopt rules based upon the
224	recommendations of the commissioner for the provision of test
225	accommodations and modifications of procedures as necessary for
226	students with disabilities which will demonstrate the student's
227	abilities rather than reflect the student's impaired sensory,
228	manual, speaking, or psychological process skills.
229	(6)  The public hearing and consideration required in
230	subsection (5) shall not be construed to amend or nullify the
231	requirements of security relating to the contents of
232	examinations or assessment instruments and related materials or
233	data as prescribed in s. 1008.23.
234	(5)(7)(a)  A student who meets all requirements prescribed
235	in subsections (1), (2), (3), and (4) shall be awarded a
236	standard diploma in a form prescribed by the State Board of
237	Education.
238	(b)  A student who completes the minimum number of credits
239	and other requirements prescribed by subsections (1), (2), and
240	(3), but who is unable to meet the standards of paragraph
241	(4)(b), paragraph (4)(c), or paragraph (4)(d), shall be awarded
242	a certificate of completion in a form prescribed by the State
243	Board of Education. However, any student who is otherwise
244	entitled to a certificate of completion may elect to remain in
245	the secondary school either as a full-time student or a part-
246	time student for up to 1 additional year and receive special
247	instruction designed to remedy his or her identified
248	deficiencies.
249	(8)(a)  Each district school board must provide instruction
250	to prepare students with disabilities to demonstrate proficiency
251	in the core content knowledge and skills necessary for
252	successful grade-to-grade progression and high school
253	graduation.
254	(b)  A student with a disability, as defined in s.
255	1007.02(2), for whom the individual education plan (IEP)
256	committee determines that the FCAT cannot accurately measure the
257	student's abilities taking into consideration all allowable
258	accommodations, shall have the FCAT requirement of paragraph
259	(4)(b) waived for the purpose of receiving a standard high
260	school diploma, if the student:
261	1.  Completes the minimum number of credits and other
262	requirements prescribed by subsections (1), (2), and (3).
263	2.  Does not meet the requirements of paragraph (4)(b)
264	after one opportunity in 10th grade and one opportunity in 11th
265	grade.
266	(9)  The Commissioner of Education may award a standard
267	high school diploma to honorably discharged veterans who started
268	high school between 1937 and 1946 and were scheduled to graduate
269	between 1941 and 1950 but were inducted into the United States
270	Armed Forces between September 16, 1940, and December 31, 1946,
271	prior to completing the necessary high school graduation
272	requirements. Upon the recommendation of the commissioner, the
273	State Board of Education may develop criteria and guidelines for
274	awarding such diplomas.
275	(10)  The Commissioner of Education may award a standard
276	high school diploma to honorably discharged veterans who started
277	high school between 1946 and 1950 and were scheduled to graduate
278	between 1950 and 1954, but were inducted into the United States
279	Armed Forces between June 27, 1950, and January 31, 1955, and
280	served during the Korean Conflict prior to completing the
281	necessary high school graduation requirements. Upon the
282	recommendation of the commissioner, the State Board of Education
283	may develop criteria and guidelines for awarding such diplomas.
284	(6)(11)  The State Board of Education may adopt rules
285	pursuant to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 to implement the
286	provisions of this section and may enforce the provisions of
287	this section pursuant to s. 1008.32.
288	Section 2.  Section 1003.4281, Florida Statutes, is created
289	to read:
290	1003.4281  Core diploma graduation requirements.--
291	(1)  Beginning with students entering their first year of
292	high school in the 2010-2011 school year, graduation with a core
293	diploma requires the successful completion of a minimum of 24
294	credits, an International Baccalaureate curriculum, or an
295	Advanced International Certificate of Education curriculum.
296	Students must be advised of eligibility requirements for state
297	scholarship programs and postsecondary admissions.
298	(2)  The 24 credits for the core diploma may be earned
299	through applied, integrated, and combined courses approved by
300	the Department of Education and shall be distributed as follows:
301	(a)  Sixteen core curriculum credits:
302	1.  Four credits in English, with major concentration in
303	composition, reading for information, and literature.
304	2.  Four credits in mathematics, which must include one
305	credit in Algebra I or in a series of courses equivalent to
306	Algebra I and at least one credit in a higher-level mathematics
307	course.
308	3.  Three credits in science, which must include one credit
309	in Biology I or in a series of courses that have been approved
310	by the State Board of Education as equivalent to Biology I, one
311	credit in physical science, and one credit in earth science,
312	space science, or environmental science, or in a series of
313	courses equivalent to life science, physical science, and earth
314	science, space science, or environmental science. At least two
315	of the science courses must have a laboratory component.
316	4.  Three credits in social studies, which must include one
317	credit in American history, one credit in world history, one-
318	half credit in economics, and one-half credit in American
319	government.
320	5.  One credit in fine or performing arts, speech and
321	debate, or practical arts that incorporates artistic content and
322	techniques of creativity, interpretation, and imagination.
323	Eligible practical arts courses shall be identified through the
324	Course Code Directory.
325	6.  One credit in physical education to include integration
326	of health.
327	(b)  Eight credits in majors, minors, or electives in a
328	combination as provided in s. 1003.4286.
329	(3)(a)  A district school board may require specific
330	courses and programs of study within the minimum credit
331	requirements for high school graduation and shall modify basic
332	courses, as necessary, to ensure that exceptional students have
333	the opportunity to meet the graduation requirements for a core
334	diploma, using one of the following strategies:
335	1.  Assignment of the exceptional student to an exceptional
336	education class for instruction in a basic course with the same
337	student performance standards as those required of
338	nonexceptional students in the district school board student
339	progression plan; or
340	2.  Assignment of the exceptional student to a basic
341	education class for instruction that is modified to accommodate
342	the student's exceptionality.
343	(b)  The district school board shall determine which of
344	these strategies to employ based upon an assessment of the
345	student's needs and shall reflect this decision in the student's
346	individual education plan.
347	(4)  Each district school board shall establish standards
348	for graduation from its schools, which must include:
349	(a)  Successful completion of the academic credit or
350	curriculum requirements of subsections (1) and (2).
351	(b)  Earning passing scores on the FCAT, as defined in s.
352	1008.22(3)(c), or scores on a standardized test that are
353	concordant with passing scores on the FCAT, as defined in s.
354	1008.22(10).
355	(c)  Completion of all other applicable requirements
356	prescribed by the district school board pursuant to s. 1008.25.
357	(d)  Achievement of a cumulative grade point average of 2.0
358	on a 4.0 scale, or its equivalent, in the courses required by
359	this section.
360	(5)(a)  A student who meets all requirements prescribed in
361	subsections (1)-(4) shall be awarded a core diploma in a form
362	prescribed by the State Board of Education.
363	(b)  A student who completes the minimum number of credits
364	and other requirements prescribed in subsections (1)-(3), but
365	who is unable to meet the standards of paragraph (4)(b),
366	paragraph (4)(c), or paragraph (4)(d), shall be awarded a
367	certificate of completion in a form prescribed by the State
368	Board of Education. However, any student who is otherwise
369	entitled to a certificate of completion may elect to remain in
370	the secondary school either as a full-time student or a part-
371	time student for up to 1 additional year and receive special
372	instruction designed to remedy his or her identified
373	deficiencies.
374	(6)  The State Board of Education may adopt rules pursuant
375	to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 to implement the provisions of this
376	section and may enforce the provisions of this section pursuant
377	to s. 1008.32.
378	Section 3.  Section 1003.4282, Florida Statutes, is created
379	to read:
380	1003.4282  College preparatory diploma graduation
381	requirements.--
382	(1)  Beginning with students entering their first year of
383	high school in the 2010-2011 school year, graduation with a
384	college preparatory diploma requires the successful completion
385	of a minimum of 24 credits, an International Baccalaureate
386	curriculum, or an Advanced International Certificate of
387	Education curriculum. Students must be advised of eligibility
388	requirements for state scholarship programs and postsecondary
389	admissions.
390	(2)  The 24 credits for the college preparatory diploma may
391	be earned through applied, integrated, and combined courses
392	approved by the Department of Education and shall be distributed
393	as follows:
394	(a)  Twenty core curriculum credits:
395	1.  Four credits in English, with major concentration in
396	composition, reading for information, and literature.
397	2.  Four credits in mathematics, which must include one
398	credit in Algebra I, one credit in geometry, one credit in
399	Algebra II, and one credit in a course higher than Algebra II or
400	in a higher-level mathematics course.
401	3.  Four credits in science, which must include one credit
402	in Biology I or in a series of courses that have been approved
403	by the State Board of Education as equivalent to Biology I, one
404	credit in physical science, and one credit in earth science,
405	space science, or environmental science, or in a series of
406	courses equivalent to life science, physical science, and earth
407	science, space science, or environmental science. At least two
408	of the science courses must have a laboratory component.
409	4.  Four credits in social studies, which must include one
410	credit in American history, one credit in world history, one-
411	half credit in economics, and one-half credit in American
412	government.
413	5.  One credit in fine or performing arts, speech and
414	debate, or practical arts that incorporates artistic content and
415	techniques of creativity, interpretation, and imagination.
416	Eligible practical arts courses shall be identified through the
417	Course Code Directory.
418	6.  One credit in physical education to include integration
419	of health.
420	7.  Two credits in the same second language unless the
421	student is a native speaker of, or can otherwise demonstrate
422	competency in, a language other than English. If the student
423	demonstrates competency in another language, the student may
424	replace the language requirement with two credits in electives.
425	(b)  Four credits in majors, minors, or electives in a
426	combination as provided in s. 1003.4286.
427	(3)(a)  A district school board may require specific
428	courses and programs of study within the minimum credit
429	requirements for high school graduation and shall modify basic
430	courses, as necessary, to ensure that exceptional students have
431	the opportunity to meet the graduation requirements for a
432	college preparatory diploma, using one of the following
433	strategies:
434	1.  Assignment of the exceptional student to an exceptional
435	education class for instruction in a basic course with the same
436	student performance standards as those required of
437	nonexceptional students in the district school board student
438	progression plan; or
439	2.  Assignment of the exceptional student to a basic
440	education class for instruction that is modified to accommodate
441	the student's exceptionality.
442	(b)  The district school board shall determine which of
443	these strategies to employ based upon an assessment of the
444	student's needs and shall reflect this decision in the student's
445	individual education plan.
446	(4)  Each district school board shall establish standards
447	for graduation from its schools, which must include:
448	(a)  Successful completion of the academic credit or
449	curriculum requirements of subsections (1) and (2).
450	(b)  Earning passing scores on the FCAT, as defined in s.
451	1008.22(3)(c), or scores on a standardized test that are
452	concordant with passing scores on the FCAT, as defined in s.
453	1008.22(10).
454	(c)  Completion of all other applicable requirements
455	prescribed by the district school board pursuant to s. 1008.25.
456	(d)  Achievement of a cumulative grade point average of 2.0
457	on a 4.0 scale, or its equivalent, in the courses required by
458	this section.
459	(5)(a)  A student who meets all requirements prescribed in
460	subsections (1)-(4) shall be awarded a college preparatory
461	diploma in a form prescribed by the State Board of Education.
462	(b)  A student who completes the minimum number of credits
463	and other requirements prescribed in subsections (1)-(3), but
464	who is unable to meet the standards of paragraph (4)(b),
465	paragraph (4)(c), or paragraph (4)(d), shall be awarded a
466	certificate of completion in a form prescribed by the State
467	Board of Education. However, any student who is otherwise
468	entitled to a certificate of completion may elect to remain in
469	the secondary school either as a full-time student or a part-
470	time student for up to 1 additional year and receive special
471	instruction designed to remedy his or her identified
472	deficiencies.
473	(6)  The State Board of Education may adopt rules pursuant
474	to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 to implement the provisions of this
475	section and may enforce the provisions of this section pursuant
476	to s. 1008.32.
477	Section 4.  Section 1003.4283, Florida Statutes, is created
478	to read:
479	1003.4283  Career preparatory diploma graduation
480	requirements.--
481	(1)  Beginning with students entering their first year of
482	high school in the 2010-2011 school year, graduation with a
483	career preparatory diploma requires the successful completion of
484	a minimum of 24 credits, an International Baccalaureate
485	curriculum, or an Advanced International Certificate of
486	Education curriculum. Students must be advised of eligibility
487	requirements for state scholarship programs and postsecondary
488	admissions.
489	(2)  The 24 credits for the career preparatory diploma may
490	be earned through applied, integrated, and combined courses
491	approved by the Department of Education and shall be distributed
492	as follows:
493	(a)  Sixteen core curriculum credits:
494	1.  Four credits in English, with major concentration in
495	composition, reading for information, and literature.
496	2.  Four credits in mathematics, which must include one
497	credit in Algebra I or in a series of courses equivalent to
498	Algebra I, one credit in geometry or in a series of courses
499	equivalent to geometry, and one credit in a higher-level
500	mathematics course.
501	3.  Three credits in science, which must include one credit
502	in Biology I or in a series of courses that have been approved
503	by the State Board of Education as equivalent to Biology I, one
504	credit in physical science, and one credit in earth science,
505	space science, or environmental science, or in a series of
506	courses equivalent to life science, physical science, and earth
507	science, space science, or environmental science. At least two
508	of the science courses must have a laboratory component.
509	4.  Three credits in social studies, which must include one
510	credit in American history, one credit in world history, one-
511	half credit in economics, and one-half credit in American
512	government.
513	5.  One credit in fine or performing arts, speech and
514	debate, or practical arts that incorporates artistic content and
515	techniques of creativity, interpretation, and imagination.
516	Eligible practical arts courses shall be identified through the
517	Course Code Directory.
518	6.  One credit in physical education to include integration
519	of health.
520	(b)  Eight credits in majors, minors, or electives in a
521	combination as provided in s. 1003.4286.
522	(3)(a)  A district school board may require specific
523	courses and programs of study within the minimum credit
524	requirements for high school graduation and shall modify basic
525	courses, as necessary, to ensure that exceptional students have
526	the opportunity to meet the graduation requirements for a career
527	preparatory diploma, using one of the following strategies:
528	1.  Assignment of the exceptional student to an exceptional
529	education class for instruction in a basic course with the same
530	student performance standards as those required of
531	nonexceptional students in the district school board student
532	progression plan; or
533	2.  Assignment of the exceptional student to a basic
534	education class for instruction that is modified to accommodate
535	the student's exceptionality.
536	(b)  The district school board shall determine which of
537	these strategies to employ based upon an assessment of the
538	student's needs and shall reflect this decision in the student's
539	individual education plan.
540	(4)  Each district school board shall establish standards
541	for graduation from its schools, which must include:
542	(a)  Successful completion of the academic credit or
543	curriculum requirements of subsections (1) and (2).
544	(b)  Earning passing scores on the FCAT, as defined in s.
545	1008.22(3)(c), or scores on a standardized test that are
546	concordant with passing scores on the FCAT, as defined in s.
547	1008.22(10).
548	(c)  Completion of all other applicable requirements
549	prescribed by the district school board pursuant to s. 1008.25.
550	(d)  Achievement of a cumulative grade point average of 2.0
551	on a 4.0 scale, or its equivalent, in the courses required by
552	this section.
553	(e)  Earning a minimum score of 5 on all three Florida
554	Ready to Work Certification Program assessments, as described in
555	s. 1004.99.
556	(5)(a)  A student who meets all requirements prescribed in
557	subsections (1)-(4) shall be awarded a career preparatory
558	diploma in a form prescribed by the State Board of Education.
559	(b)  A student who completes the minimum number of credits
560	and other requirements prescribed in subsections (1)-(3), but
561	who is unable to meet the standards of paragraph (4)(b),
562	paragraph (4)(c), paragraph (4)(d), or paragraph (4)(e), shall
563	be awarded a certificate of completion in a form prescribed by
564	the State Board of Education. However, any student who is
565	otherwise entitled to a certificate of completion may elect to
566	remain in the secondary school either as a full-time student or
567	a part-time student for up to 1 additional year and receive
568	special instruction designed to remedy his or her identified
569	deficiencies.
570	(6)  The State Board of Education may adopt rules pursuant
571	to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 to implement the provisions of this
572	section and may enforce the provisions of this section pursuant
573	to s. 1008.32.
574	Section 5.  Section 1003.4284, Florida Statutes, is created
575	to read:
576	1003.4284  Graduation Exit Option Program; alternative
577	diploma.--
578	(1)  The Department of Education may implement a Graduation
579	Exit Option Program under which a high school student shall be
580	awarded an alternative diploma. To be eligible to participate in
581	the program, a high school student must:
582	(a)  Be at least 16 years old.
583	(b)  Be enrolled in high school courses that meet high
584	school graduation requirements.
585	(c)  Be at risk of failing to graduate.
586	(d)  Meet criteria developed by the department to ensure
587	that the program is not used as a means for early graduation and
588	to target students who have the ability to pass the grade 10
589	FCAT and the general educational development (GED) test.
590	(2)  To receive an alternative diploma under the Graduation
591	Exit Option Program, a high school student must:
592	(a)  Meet minimum reading levels and earn minimum scores on
593	GED practice tests, as established by the department.
594	(b)  Earn passing scores on the reading and mathematics
595	portions of the FCAT, as defined in s. 1008.22(3), or scores on
596	a standardized test that are concordant with passing scores on
597	the FCAT, as defined in s. 1008.22(10).
598	(c)  Pass each of the five sections of the GED test.
599	(d)  Earn at least 14 credits toward high school
600	graduation, at least 8 of which are earned in English, reading,
601	mathematics, science, or social studies.
602	(3)  A school district must annually request and receive
603	approval from the department in order to participate in the
604	Graduation Exit Option Program.
605	(4)  An alternative diploma awarded under this section may
606	not be used for calculating graduation rates for any purpose.
607	(5)  The department shall design the alternative diploma to
608	distinguish the diploma from a standard diploma and a core
609	diploma.
610	(6)  The State Board of Education shall adopt rules
611	pursuant to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 to implement this section.
612	Section 6.  Section 1003.4285, Florida Statutes, is amended
613	to read:
614	1003.4285  Standard High school diploma designations.--By
615	the 2008-2009 school year, each standard high school diploma
616	shall include, as applicable:
617	(1)  A designation of the student's major area of interest
618	pursuant to the student's completion of credits as provided in
619	s. 1003.428.
620	(2)  A designation reflecting completion of four or more
621	accelerated college credit courses if the student is eligible
622	for college credit pursuant to s. 1007.27 or s. 1007.271 in
623	Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, Advanced
624	International Certificate of Education, or dual enrollment
625	courses. The Commissioner of Education shall establish
626	guidelines for successful passage of examinations or coursework
627	in each of the accelerated college credit options for purposes
628	of this subsection.
629	(3)  A designation reflecting career education
630	certification in accordance with s. 1003.431.
631	(4)  A designation reflecting a Florida Ready to Work
632	Credential in accordance with s. 1004.99.
633	Section 7.  Section 1003.4286, Florida Statutes, is created
634	to read:
635	1003.4286  Major and minor areas of interest, electives,
636	remediation; graduation requirements.--For purposes of credit
637	requirements for high school graduation, students shall earn
638	major or minor areas of interest or electives as follows:
639	(1)  To earn a major area of interest, a student must take
640	four credits, such as sequential courses in a career and
641	technical program, fine and performing arts, or academic content
642	area, selected by the student as part of the education plan
643	required by s. 1003.4156. Students may revise major areas of
644	interest each year as part of annual course registration
645	processes and should update their education plan to reflect such
646	revisions. Annually by October 1, the district school board
647	shall approve major areas of interest and submit the list of
648	majors to the Commissioner of Education for approval. Each major
649	area of interest shall be deemed approved unless specifically
650	rejected by the commissioner within 60 days. Upon approval, each
651	district's major areas of interest shall be available for use by
652	all school districts and shall be posted on the department's
653	Internet website.
654	(2)  Elective courses, selected by a student as part of the
655	education plan required by s. 1003.4156, may be combined to
656	allow for a second major area of interest pursuant to subsection
657	(1) or a minor area of interest, elective courses, or intensive
658	reading or mathematics intervention courses, as described in
659	this subsection.
660	(a)  Minor areas of interest are composed of three credits
661	selected by a student as part of the education plan required by
662	s. 1003.4156 and approved by the district school board.
663	(b)  Elective courses are selected by a student in order to
664	pursue a complete education program as described in s.
665	1001.41(3) and to meet eligibility requirements for
666	scholarships.
667	(c)  For each year in which a student scores at Level l on
668	FCAT Reading, the student must be enrolled in and complete an
669	intensive reading course the following year. Placement of Level
670	2 readers in either an intensive reading course or a content
671	area course in which reading strategies are delivered shall be
672	determined by diagnosis of reading needs. The department shall
673	provide guidance on appropriate strategies for diagnosing and
674	meeting the varying instructional needs of students reading
675	below grade level. Reading courses shall be designed and offered
676	pursuant to the comprehensive reading plan required by s.
677	1011.62(9).
678	(d)  For each year in which a student scores at Level 1 or
679	Level 2 on FCAT Mathematics, the student must receive
680	remediation the following year. These courses may be taught
681	through applied, integrated, or combined courses and are subject
682	to approval by the department for inclusion in the Course Code
683	Directory.
684	Section 8.  Section 1003.4287, Florida Statutes, is created
685	to read:
686	1003.4287  Physical education and performing arts credit
687	options; graduation requirements.--For purposes of credit
688	requirements in physical education for high school graduation,
689	participation in an interscholastic sport at the junior varsity
690	or varsity level for two full seasons shall satisfy the one-
691	credit requirement in physical education if the student passes a
692	competency test on personal fitness with a score of "C" or
693	better. The competency test on personal fitness must be
694	developed by the Department of Education. A district school
695	board may not require that the one credit in physical education
696	be taken during the 9th grade year. Completion of one semester
697	with a grade of "C" or better in a marching band class, in a
698	physical activity class that requires participation in marching
699	band activities as an extracurricular activity, or in a dance
700	class shall satisfy one-half credit in physical education or
701	one-half credit in performing arts. This credit may not be used
702	to satisfy the personal fitness requirement or the requirement
703	for adaptive physical education under an individual education
704	plan or 504 plan. Completion of 2 years in a Reserve Officer
705	Training Corps (R.O.T.C.) class, a significant component of
706	which is drills, shall satisfy the one-credit requirement in
707	physical education and the one-credit requirement in performing
708	arts. This credit may not be used to satisfy the personal
709	fitness requirement or the requirement for adaptive physical
710	education under an individual education plan or 504 plan.
711	Section 9.  Section 1003.4288, Florida Statutes, is created
712	to read:
713	1003.4288  Assistance in meeting grade point average
714	requirements.--
715	(1)  Each district school board shall adopt policies
716	designed to assist students in meeting the grade point average
717	requirements for high school graduation. These policies may
718	include, but are not limited to, grade forgiveness, summer
719	school attendance, before-school or after-school attendance,
720	special counseling, volunteer or peer tutoring, school-sponsored
721	help sessions, homework hotlines, and study skills classes.
722	(2)  A forgiveness policy for required courses shall be
723	limited to replacing a grade of "D" or "F," or the equivalent of
724	a grade of "D" or "F," with a grade of "C" or higher, or the
725	equivalent of a grade of "C" or higher, earned subsequently in
726	the same or a comparable course. A forgiveness policy for
727	elective courses shall be limited to replacing a grade of "D" or
728	"F," or the equivalent of a grade of "D" or "F," with a grade of
729	"C" or higher, or the equivalent of a grade of "C" or higher,
730	earned subsequently in another course. The only exception to
731	these forgiveness policies may be made for a student in the
732	middle grades who takes any high school course for high school
733	credit and earns a grade of "C," "D," or "F" or the equivalent
734	of a grade of "C," "D," or "F." In such case, the district
735	forgiveness policy must allow the replacement of the grade with
736	a grade of "C" or higher, or the equivalent of a grade of "C" or
737	higher, earned subsequently in the same or a comparable course.
738	Any course grade not replaced according to a district school
739	board forgiveness policy shall be included in the calculation of
740	the cumulative grade point average required for graduation.
741	Section 10.  Section 1003.4289, Florida Statutes, is
742	created to read:
743	1003.4289  Accommodations and modifications of procedures
744	for students with disabilities; graduation requirements.--For
745	purposes of high school graduation:
746	(1)  The State Board of Education, after a public hearing
747	and consideration, shall adopt rules based upon the
748	recommendations of the Commissioner of Education for the
749	provision of test accommodations and modifications of procedures
750	as necessary for students with disabilities which will
751	demonstrate the student's abilities rather than reflect the
752	student's impaired sensory, manual, speaking, or psychological
753	process skills.
754	(2)  The public hearing and consideration required in
755	subsection (1) shall not be construed to amend or nullify the
756	requirements of security relating to the contents of
757	examinations or assessment instruments and related materials or
758	data as prescribed in s. 1008.23.
759	(3)(a)  Each district school board must provide instruction
760	to prepare students with disabilities to demonstrate proficiency
761	in the core content knowledge and skills necessary for
762	successful grade-to-grade progression and high school
763	graduation.
764	(b)  A student with a disability, as defined in s.
765	1007.02(2), for whom the individual education plan committee
766	determines that the FCAT cannot accurately measure the student's
767	abilities taking into consideration all allowable
768	accommodations, shall have the FCAT requirement of s.
769	1003.428(4)(b), s. 1003.4281(4)(b), s. 1003.4282(4)(b), s.
770	1003.4283(4)(b), or s. 1003.43(5)(a) waived for the purpose of
771	receiving a high school diploma, if the student:
772	1.  Completes the minimum number of credits and other
773	requirements prescribed in s. 1003.428(1)-(3), s. 1003.4281(1)-
774	(3), s. 1003.4282(1)-(3), s. 1003.4283(1)-(3), or s. 1003.43(1)
775	and (4).
776	2.  Does not meet the FCAT requirements of s.
777	1003.428(4)(b), s. 1003.4281(4)(b), s. 1003.4282(4)(b), s.
778	1003.4283(4)(b), or s. 1003.43(5)(a) after one opportunity in
779	grade 10 and one opportunity in grade 11.
780	Section 11.  Section 1003.4295, Florida Statutes, is
781	created to read:
782	1003.4295  Acceleration courses.--
783	(1)  The purpose of this section is to ensure that all
784	Florida public high school students have equal access to a
785	substantive and rigorous curriculum that is designed to
786	challenge their minds, enhance their knowledge and skills, and
787	prepare them for success in college and work.
788	(2)  By the 2010-2011 school year, each public high school
789	in the state must offer at least four Advanced Placement,
790	International Baccalaureate, Advanced International Certificate
791	of Education, or dual enrollment courses, one each in English,
792	mathematics, science, and social studies. To fulfill this
793	requirement, schools may utilize the course offerings provided
794	by the Florida Virtual School established under s. 1002.37.
795	Section 12.  Paragraph (j) of subsection (1), paragraph (e)
796	of subsection (5), and subsections (8) through (13) of section
797	1003.43, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
798	1003.43  General requirements for high school graduation.--
799	(1)  Graduation requires successful completion of either a
800	minimum of 24 academic credits in grades 9 through 12 or an
801	International Baccalaureate curriculum. The 24 credits shall be
802	distributed as follows:
803	(j)  One credit in physical education to include
804	assessment, improvement, and maintenance of personal fitness.
805	Participation in an interscholastic sport at the junior varsity
806	or varsity level, for two full seasons, shall satisfy the one-
807	credit requirement in physical education if the student passes a
808	competency test on personal fitness with a score of "C" or
809	better. The competency test on personal fitness must be
810	developed by the Department of Education. A district school
811	board may not require that the one credit in physical education
812	be taken during the 9th grade year. Completion of one semester
813	with a grade of "C" or better in a marching band class, in a
814	physical activity class that requires participation in marching
815	band activities as an extracurricular activity, or in a Reserve
816	Officer Training Corps (R.O.T.C.) class a significant component
817	of which is drills shall satisfy a one-half credit requirement
818	in physical education. This one-half credit may not be used to
819	satisfy the personal fitness requirement or the requirement for
820	adaptive physical education under an individual educational plan
821	(IEP) or 504 plan.
822
823	District school boards may award a maximum of one-half credit in
824	social studies and one-half elective credit for student
825	completion of nonpaid voluntary community or school service
826	work. Students choosing this option must complete a minimum of
827	75 hours of service in order to earn the one-half credit in
828	either category of instruction. Credit may not be earned for
829	service provided as a result of court action. District school
830	boards that approve the award of credit for student volunteer
831	service shall develop guidelines regarding the award of the
832	credit, and school principals are responsible for approving
833	specific volunteer activities. A course designated in the Course
834	Code Directory as grade 9 through grade 12 that is taken below
835	the 9th grade may be used to satisfy high school graduation
836	requirements or Florida Academic Scholars award requirements as
837	specified in a district school board's student progression plan.
838	A student shall be granted credit toward meeting the
839	requirements of this subsection for equivalent courses, as
840	identified pursuant to s. 1007.271(6), taken through dual
841	enrollment.
842	(5)  Each district school board shall establish standards
843	for graduation from its schools, and these standards must
844	include:
845	(e)  For purposes of paragraphs (c) and (d):
846	1.  Each district school board shall adopt policies
847	designed to assist students in meeting these requirements. These
848	policies may include, but are not limited to: forgiveness
849	policies, summer school or before or after school attendance,
850	special counseling, volunteer and/or peer tutors, school-
851	sponsored help sessions, homework hotlines, and study skills
852	classes. Beginning in the 2000-2001 school year and each year
853	thereafter, forgiveness policies for required courses shall be
854	limited to replacing a grade of "D" or "F," or the equivalent of
855	a grade of "D" or "F," with a grade of "C" or higher, or the
856	equivalent of a grade of "C" or higher, earned subsequently in
857	the same or comparable course. Forgiveness policies for elective
858	courses shall be limited to replacing a grade of "D" or "F," or
859	the equivalent of a grade of "D" or "F," with a grade of "C" or
860	higher, or the equivalent of a grade of "C" or higher, earned
861	subsequently in another course. Any course grade not replaced
862	according to a district school board forgiveness policy shall be
863	included in the calculation of the cumulative grade point
864	average required for graduation.
865	1.2.  At the end of each semester, the parent of each
866	student in grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 who has a cumulative grade
867	point average of less than 0.5 above the cumulative grade point
868	average required for graduation shall be notified that the
869	student is at risk of not meeting the requirements for
870	graduation. The notice shall contain an explanation of the
871	policies the district school board has in place to assist the
872	student in meeting the grade point average requirement.
873	2.3.  Special assistance to obtain a high school
874	equivalency diploma pursuant to s. 1003.435 may be given only
875	when the student has completed all requirements for graduation
876	except the attainment of the required cumulative grade point
877	average.
878
879	The standards required in this subsection, and any subsequent
880	modifications, shall be reprinted in the Florida Administrative
881	Code even though not defined as "rules."
882	(8)  The State Board of Education, after a public hearing
883	and consideration, shall adopt rules based upon the
884	recommendations of the commissioner for the provision of test
885	accommodations and modifications of procedures as necessary for
886	students with disabilities which will demonstrate the student's
887	abilities rather than reflect the student's impaired sensory,
888	manual, speaking, or psychological process skills.
889	(9)  The public hearing and consideration required in
890	subsection (8) shall not be construed to amend or nullify the
891	requirements of security relating to the contents of
892	examinations or assessment instruments and related materials or
893	data as prescribed in s. 1008.23.
894	(8)(10)(a)  A student who meets all requirements prescribed
895	in subsections (1), (4), and (5) shall be awarded a standard
896	diploma in a form prescribed by the State Board of Education. A
897	district school board may attach the Florida gold seal career
898	endorsement to a standard diploma or, instead of the standard
899	diploma, award differentiated diplomas to those exceeding the
900	prescribed minimums.
901	(b)  A student who completes the minimum number of credits
902	and other requirements prescribed by subsections (1) and (4),
903	but who is unable to meet the standards of paragraph (5)(a),
904	paragraph (5)(b), or paragraph (5)(c), shall be awarded a
905	certificate of completion in a form prescribed by the State
906	Board of Education. However, any student who is otherwise
907	entitled to a certificate of completion may elect to remain in
908	the secondary school either as a full-time student or a part-
909	time student for up to 1 additional year and receive special
910	instruction designed to remedy his or her identified
911	deficiencies.
912	(11)(a)  Each district school board must provide
913	instruction to prepare students with disabilities to demonstrate
914	proficiency in the core content knowledge and skills necessary
915	for successful grade-to-grade progression and high school
916	graduation.
917	(b)  A student with a disability, as defined in s.
918	1007.02(2), for whom the individual educational plan (IEP)
919	committee determines that the FCAT cannot accurately measure the
920	student's abilities taking into consideration all allowable
921	accommodations, shall have the FCAT requirement of paragraph
922	(5)(a) waived for the purpose of receiving a standard high
923	school diploma, if the student:
924	1.  Completes the minimum number of credits and other
925	requirements prescribed by subsections (1) and (4).
926	2.  Does not meet the requirements of paragraph (5)(a)
927	after one opportunity in 10th grade and one opportunity in 11th
928	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
948	created to read:
949	1003.4305  Recognition of veterans; high school diploma.--
950	(1)  The Commissioner of Education may award a standard
951	high school diploma to honorably discharged veterans who started
952	high 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
960	high school diploma to honorably discharged veterans who started
961	high 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
994	assessment program are to provide information needed to improve
995	the public schools by enhancing the learning gains of all
996	students and to inform parents of the educational progress of
997	their public 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
1124	meet the same testing requirements that a regular high school
1125	student 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
1156	schedules for the administration of statewide assessments and
1157	the reporting of student test results. The commissioner shall,
1158	by 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
1164	statewide assessments and the earliest possible reporting to the
1165	school districts of student test results which is feasible
1166	within available technology and specific appropriations;
1167	however, test results must be made available no later than the
1168	final day of 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
1245	according 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
1281	Diploma from the International Baccalaureate Office or an
1282	Advanced 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
1330	program of the National Merit Scholarship Corporation as a
1331	scholar or finalist but has not completed a program of community
1332	service as 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.

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.