To identify an additional assessment that college students can use to satisfy civic literacy as required by administering s.1007.25(4), F.S. General education courses; common prerequisites; other degree requirements. The effect of the proposed ...

 

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

State Board of Education

RULE NO.:RULE TITLE:

6A-10.02413:Civic Literacy Competency

PURPOSE AND EFFECT: To identify an additional assessment that college students can use to satisfy civic literacy as required by administering s.1007.25(4), F.S. General education courses; common prerequisites; other degree requirements. The effect of the proposed amendment is to add the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Naturalization Test – Civics (U.S. history and government) with supplemental questions, also known as the Florida Civic Literacy Test, as an option by which students can demonstrate civic literacy competency. This amendment aligns the rule with the Board of Governors regulation 8.006 and presents a low-cost option for students. By adding this assessment, high school students who passed the Florida Civic Literacy Test during the 2019-20 school year as part of the civic literacy exam pilot will have demonstrated postsecondary civic literacy competency at Florida College System institutions.

SUMMARY: Students initially entering a Florida College System institution in 2018-19 and thereafter must demonstrate competency in civic literacy through the successful completion of a course (POSX041 American Government or AMHX020 Introductory Survey Since 1877) or by achieving a passing score on an assessment (AP Government and Politics: United States, AP United States History, or CLEP: American Government). The effect of this amended rule will be to provide information to Florida College System institutions about an additional assessment that will be authorized to demonstrate civic literacy competency—the Florida Civic Literacy Test.

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 been prepared by the Agency.

In summary, the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) Office of Assessment maintains the Florida Civic Literacy Test. There is no fee for institutions to begin using the test on a local level. FLDOE will work with each institution to provide the questions and answer key at no cost. Locally, individual institutions will establish procedures for administering the assessment, with consideration given to technology, modality and proctoring. Under the existing rule, the range of costs to students is $0 (for students who took one of the approved AP exams), to approximately $80 (for students who took CLEP), to approximately $215.94 (for students who take a 3-credit hour approved course with a standard tuition of $71.98 multiplied by 3 credit hours). The cost for the Florida Civic Literacy Test will be as low as $0. However, colleges may choose to assess students a fee; this amount is interminable and will vary by college. It is possible the Florida Civic Literacy Test would save students and institutions money, as there is no charge to institutions in offering the test, and the costs of the CLEP or a course are high.

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), 1007.25(4), F.S.

LAW IMPLEMENTED: 1007.25, F.S.

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

DATE AND TIME: May 13, 2020, 9:00 a.m.

PLACE: Conference call 1(888)220-8451, confirmation code 697978.

THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE IS: Dr. Carrie Henderson, Executive Vice Chancellor, [e-mail] or [phone].

 

THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE IS:

 

6A-10.02413 Civic Literacy Competency.

Prior to the award of an associate in arts or baccalaureate degree, first-time-in-college students entering a Florida College System institution in the 2018-19 school year, and thereafter must demonstrate competency in civic literacy through one of the following options prior to graduation:

(1) No change.

(2) Achieving the standard score on one of the following assessments:

Assessment	Standard Score
AP Government and Politics: United States	3
AP United States History	4
CLEP: American Government	50
Beginning June 2020 U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Naturalization Test – Civics (U.S. history and government) with supplemental questions	60

Rulemaking Authority 1001.02(1), 1007.25(4) FS. Law Implemented 1007.25 FS. History–New 6-19-18,

 

NAME OF PERSON ORIGINATING PROPOSED RULE: Kathy Hebda, Chancellor, Division of Florida Colleges.

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

DATE PROPOSED RULE APPROVED BY AGENCY HEAD: April 8, 2020

DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED IN FAR: March 12, 2020