Florida

Putting Education Reform To The Test

Lawmakers Clear Up High School Graduation Requirements

Florida lawmakers approved a bill clarify high school graduation requirements based on what year a student entered ninth grade.

FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Florida lawmakers approved a bill clarify high school graduation requirements based on what year a student entered ninth grade.

Last year the Legislature approved a bill which overhauled Florida’s high school graduation requirements. The bill maintains a standard diploma and created two new diploma tracks; a scholar track for students considering competitive universities; and a career-focused track for students who want to earn industry certifications before graduation.

But the bill created some confusion about what graduation requirements applied to which students.

So lawmakers approved a another bill Thursday to clear things up. For the record, according to legislative analysts:

Students entering grade nine before the 2010 – 2011 school year: Four credits in English/ELA; four credits in mathematics, which must include Algebra I; three credits in science, two of which must have a laboratory component; three credits in social studies of which one credit in World History, one credit in U.S. History, one-half credit in U.S. Government, and one-half credit in economies is required; one credit in fine or performing arts, speech and debate, or practical arts; one credit in physical education; and eight credits in electives.

Students entering grade nine in the 2010 – 2011 school year: Four credits in English/ELA; four credits in mathematics, which must include Algebra I and Geometry school year; three credits in science, two of which must have a laboratory component; three credits in social studies of which one credit in World History, one credit in U.S. History, one-half credit in U.S. Government, and one-half credit in economies is required; one credit in fine or performing arts, speech and debate, or practical arts; one credit in physical education; and eight credits in electives.

Students entering grade nine in the 2011 – 2012 school year: Four credits in English/ELA; four credits in mathematics, which must include Algebra I and Geometry; three credits in science, two of which must have a laboratory component; three credits in social studies of which one credit in World History, one credit in U. S. History, one-half credit in U.S. Government, and one-half credit in economies is required; one credit in fine or performing arts, speech and debate, or practical arts; one credit in physical education; eight credits in electives; and one online course.

Students entering grade nine in the 2012 – 2013 school year: The requirements are four credits in English/ELA; four credits in mathematics, which must include Algebra I and Geometry; three credits in science, two of which must have a laboratory component; three credits in social studies of which one credit in world History, one credit in U.S. History, one-half credit in U.S. Government, and one-half credit in economies is required.

Students entering grade nine in the 2013-2014 school year would choose from the new graduation requirements. Those are explained here.

Comments

About StateImpact

StateImpact seeks to inform and engage local communities with broadcast and online news focused on how state government decisions affect your lives.
Learn More »

Economy
Education