Update the licensure exemption list for the 2016-2017 academic year and amend the cut score of one of the assessment instruments (GED® Tests: Reasoning through Language Arts and Mathematic Reasoning) to conform to Rule 6A-6.021 F.A.C.

 

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

State Board of Education

RULE NO.: RULE TITLE:

6A-10.040: Basic Skills Requirements for Postsecondary Career and Technical Certificate Education

PURPOSE AND EFFECT: Update the licensure exemption list for the 2016-2017 academic year and amend the cut score of one of the assessment instruments (GED® Tests: Reasoning through Language Arts and Mathematic Reasoning) to conform to Rule 6A-6.021 F.A.C.

SUMMARY: The State Board of Education is required by statute to adopt, by rule, standards of basic skill mastery for students completing career and technical certificate programs of 450 clock hours or more. Students enrolling in career and technical certificate programs must complete an entry-level exam within the first six weeks after admission to the program, and if necessary, the school district or Florida college institution offering the program must provide basic skills instruction. The rule identifies the approved assessment instruments designated to assess student mastery of basic skills. The statute provides exemptions from basic skills exit requirements for students holding certain credentials. One of the exemptions authorized in s. 1004.91, F.S., is “a student who passes a state, national or industry certification or licensure examination.” The annual licensure exemption list is incorporated by reference in this rule.

SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED REGULATORY COSTS AND LEGISLATIVE RATIFICATION:

The Agency has determined that this will not have an adverse impact on small business or likely increase directly or indirectly regulatory costs in excess of $200,000 in the aggregate within one year after the implementation of the rule. A SERC has not been prepared by the Agency.

The Agency has determined that the proposed rule is not expected to require legislative ratification based on the statement of estimated regulatory costs or if no SERC is required, the information expressly relied upon and described herein: This amendment provides more flexibility in assessments available for students completing career and technical certificate programs of 450 clock hours or more and it is not expected to have any impact on the factors found in section 120.541(2)(a), F.S.

Any person who wishes to provide information regarding a statement of estimated regulatory costs, or provide a proposal for a lower cost regulatory alternative must do so in writing within 21 days of this notice.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY: 1001.02(1), 1004.91(1) FS.

LAW IMPLEMENTED: 1004.91, FS.

A HEARING WILL BE HELD AT THE DATE, TIME AND PLACE SHOWN BELOW:

DATE AND TIME: May 20, 2016, 9:00 a.m.

PLACE: DoubleTree by Hilton, 5780 Major Blvd., Orlando, Florida 32819.

THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE IS: Kathleen Taylor, Bureau Chief, Standards, Benchmarks and Frameworks, Division of Career and Adult Education, 325 West Gaines Street, Room 714, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0400, Phone: [phone], FAX: [phone].

 

THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE IS:

 

6A-10.040 Basic Skills Requirements for Postsecondary Career and Technical Certificate Education.

(1) through (d) No change.

(e) 2014 GED® Tests: Reasoning through Language Arts and Mathematical Reasoning where a minimum score as required in Rule 6A-6.021, F.A.C., of 150 has been attained on each test.

(2) through (7) No change.

(8) The following students are exempt from taking the initial basic skills assessment required in subsection (1) of this rule. The designated program administrator must receive an official copy of the degree, transcript, or test score in order to allow any of these exemptions.

(a) A student who possesses a college degree at the associate in applied science level or higher.

(b) A student who demonstrates readiness for public postsecondary education pursuant to Rule 6A-10.0315, F.A.C.

(c) A student who passes a state, national or industry certification or licensure examination that is identified in the list entitled “2016-2017 Basic Skills Licensure Exemption List Basic Skills and Licensure Exemption List ‒ 2015-2016” (http://www.flrules.org/Gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref-05711) (http://www.fldoe.org/core/fileparse.php/5652/urlt/2016-17-License-exempt_CTE_programs.rtf http://www.fldoe.org/core/fileparse.php/5652/urlt/2015-16-basicskills-with-License-exempt.rtf), which is incorporated by reference herein. The Basic Skills and Licensure Exemption List may be requested from the Department of Education, Division of Career and Adult Education, 325 West Gaines Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0400.

(d) No change.

Rulemaking Authority 1001.02(1), 1004.91(1) FS. Law Implemented 1004.91 FS. History–New 10-8-85, Formerly 6A-10.40, Amended 5-2-89, 9-5-93, 11-25-97, 1-24-99, 4-26-06, 7-21-08, 5-18-14, 8-26-15,

 

NAME OF PERSON ORIGINATING PROPOSED RULE: Rod Duckworth, Chancellor, Career and Adult Education.

NAME OF AGENCY HEAD WHO APPROVED THE PROPOSED RULE: Pam Stewart, Commissioner, Department of Education.

DATE PROPOSED RULE APPROVED BY AGENCY HEAD: March 23, 2016

DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED IN FAR: February 23