This is a new rule to establish and specify the requirements for the Performance-Based Exit Option Model leading to a new Florida High School Performance-Based Diploma. The Performance-Based Exit Option Model will be a program strategy for students ...

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
State Board of Education

RULE NO: RULE TITLE
6A-6.0211: GED Exit Option Model and State of Florida High School Equivalency Diplomas
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: This is a new rule to establish and specify the requirements for the Performance-Based Exit Option Model leading to a new Florida High School Performance-Based Diploma. The Performance-Based Exit Option Model will be a program strategy for students who are enrolled in high school classes, but are in jeopardy of not graduating with their kindergarten cohort group because they are overage-for-grade, behind in credits, or have a low GPA. Students will be awarded the State of Florida High School Performance-Based Diploma.
SUMMARY: The rule creates the Performance-Based Exit Option Model leading to a new Florida High School Performance-Based Diploma.
SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED REGULATORY COSTS: No Statement of Estimated Regulatory Cost was prepared.
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.
SPECIFIC AUTHORITY: 1001.02, 1003.435, 1003.53 FS.
LAW IMPLEMENTED: 1003.435, 1003.53 FS.
A HEARING WILL BE HELD AT THE DATE, TIME AND PLACE SHOWN BELOW:
DATE AND TIME: June 15, 2010, 9:00 a.m.
PLACE: Orange County School Board, 445 West Amelia Street, Orlando, FL
THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE IS: Nikolai Vitti, Deputy Chancellor for School Improvement and Student Achievement, Department of Education, 325 West Gaines Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0400; [phone]

THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE IS:

6A-6.0211 Performance-Based Exit Option Model and State of Florida High School Performance-Based Diploma.

The Department of Education shall award a State of Florida High School Performance-Based Diploma pursuant to Section 1003.435, F.S., to a candidate who meets all of the requirements of the Performance-Based Exit Option Model, as prescribed herein.

(1) General and Administrative Components.

(a) The Department shall designate the authority of awarding the State of Florida High School Performance-Based Diploma to each approved school district participating in the Performance-Based Exit Option Model.

(b) This program is also known as the “GED Exit Option.”

(c) School districts must apply and be approved by the Department in order to implement the Performance-Based Exit Option Model at all school sites. Beginning with the 2010/2011 school year, and bi-annually thereafter, each approved school district must submit a renewal application to continue to implement the Performance-Based Exit Option Model. School districts who are seeking initial approval to implement the Performance-Based Exit Option Model may apply during any given school year. The Performance-Based Exit Option Model Application, Form BFCO 001, effective July 2010, is incorporated by reference and made a part of this rule and may be obtained by contacting the Director of Dropout Prevention, Bureau of Family and Community Outreach, Department of Education, 325 West Gaines Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0400, or online at http://www.fldoe.org/family/dropoutp/default.asp.

(d) School districts may amend approved applications anytime during the school year by completing and submitting an amendment to the Department.

(e) The district shall identify a Performance-Based Exit Option Model administrator who is responsible for ensuring that each approved school site is provided with the appropriate number of GED Testing Authorization Forms. The district Performance-Based Exit Option Model administrator must contact the Department of Education for additional Testing Authorization forms throughout the school year.

(2) Eligibility and Admission Components.

(a) The Performance-Based Exit Option Model is not to be a preferred or accelerated means of completing high school. Thus, this model is not a vehicle for the early exit of students and may only be exercised for students who are off track to graduate with their kindergarten cohort due to being overage for grade, behind in credits or having a low Grade Point Average (GPA). Students participating in the Performance-Based Exit Option Model may not graduate prior to their kindergarten cohort. Participation in this model is voluntary and requires parental notification and consent. Entry and exit policies must conform to state compulsory attendance requirements, as well as district daily attendance policies.

(b) Any eligible student currently enrolled in a PK-12 program, including special programs such as exceptional student education, dropout prevention, teenage parent, Department of Juvenile Justice, and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) may participate in the Performance-Based Exit Option Model. To be eligible to participate in the Performance-Based Exit Option Model, a student must, at a minimum, be:

1. At least sixteen (16) years old and currently enrolled in a PK-12 program;

2. Enrolled in and attending high school courses that meet high school graduation requirements as specified in Section 1003.428 or 1003.43, F.S., whichever is applicable;

3. In jeopardy of not graduating with their kindergarten cohort because they are overage for grade, behind in credits, or have a low GPA;

4. Assessed at a seventh grade reading level or higher at the time of selection (ninth grade or higher at the time of GED testing), as documented by the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) reading component or other assessment to determine grade level proficiency.

(c) The student eligibility criteria articulated in this rule in paragraph (2)(b) are the minimum requirements to which each school district implementing the Performance-Based Exit Option Model must adhere.

(d) After the student’s initial eligibility has been determined, a comprehensive review of student records by designated school personnel or a child study team, including, but not limited to grades, credits, attendance, behavior and education plans, must be completed to decide if the Performance-Based Exit Option Model is the most appropriate educational strategy.

(e) If the student is a minor, parents or guardian(s) must be informed and give written consent to a student’s participation in the Performance-Based Exit Option Model. The student’s record must include written notification of the student’s eligibility, parents’ or guardians’ right to an administrative review of the proposed placement, and parental or guardian consent, in writing, for student’s participation prior to utilizing this model. The student’s parent or guardian must be informed of the results of the record review and provided clarification that the student’s transcript will indicate an alternative graduation route.

(f) Counseling is required before program entry and during participation in the program. Counseling and advisement services must be provided to both students and parents or guardians regarding the Performance-Based Exit Option Model and other graduation options prior to participation so that they can make an informed decision regarding placement.

(3) Curriculum and Instruction.

(a) The curricula and instructional content for the Performance-Based Exit Option Model must be at the high school level and must be rigorous and relevant to the student’s postsecondary goals. Each student must be enrolled in and attending K-12 high school courses that meet the high school graduation requirements specified in Section 1003.428 or 1003.43, F.S., whichever is applicable.

(b) The content of the Performance-Based Exit Option Model must be academic and may include career education instruction or activities. The school district must provide a full range of instruction that aligns with the State Standards and the core content measured by GED Tests (high school mathematics, writing, social studies, reading, and science). Career Education instruction and activities should be directed at the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for securing and maintaining employment.

(c) Instruction for the Performance-Based Exit Option Model must be of sufficient intensity and duration to ensure that participating students have a fair opportunity to raise their skills to the level necessary to earn a State of Florida High School Performance-Based Diploma in a reasonable period of time. Appropriate curriculum materials must be provided in adequate quantities and must be available when students need them. Instructional strategies that focus on individual student progress are strongly encouraged.

(d) Students are required to adhere to district attendance and code of conduct policies.

(e) Districts must administer the official GED Practice Tests administered under student testing conditions, prior to testing students for the GED. Districts must provide academic interventions to students who do not earn acceptable scores on the official GED Practice Tests.

(4) Program Completion Requirements.

(a) For students to successfully complete the Performance-Based Exit Option Model, the student must:

1. Continue enrollment and attendance in high school courses that meet high school graduation requirements as specified in Section 1003.428 or 1003.43, F.S., whichever is applicable.

2. Pass the required sections of the FCAT, or receive a concordant score in accordance with Section 1008.22, F.S.;

3. Pass the GED Tests; and

4. Complete any additional requirements established by the school district.

(b) Students earning the State of Florida High School Performance-Based Diploma are not required to obtain the minimum credits and GPA that are required for a standard high school diploma.

(c) Students must successfully participate in the Performance-Based Exit Option Model for at least one full semester.

(d) Students who are participating in the Performance-Based Exit Option Model during their 13th year of school and their kindergarten cohort has already graduated are not required to continue classes until the end of the currently enrolled semester if they have:

1. Successfully passed the required sections of the FCAT or received a concordant score in accordance with Section 1008.22, F.S.;

2. Passed the GED Tests; and

3. Completed any additional requirements established by the school district.

(5) Official Recognition

(a) Performance-Based Exit Option Model students must receive official recognition. Students enrolled in the Performance-Based Exit Option Model are eligible to participate in all standard high school activities, including extracurricular activities, as well as graduation and other recognition ceremonies.

(b) A student completing the Performance-Based Exit Option Model who passes the GED Tests and the required sections of the FCAT, or receives a concordant score in accordance with Section 1008.22, F.S., must be awarded a State of Florida High School Performance-Based Diploma.

(c) A student completing the Performance-Based Exit Option Model who does not meet the graduation requirements established in Section 1003.28 or 1003.43, F.S., as applicable, does not qualify to receive a standard high school diploma.

(d) If a student passes the GED Tests but does not pass the FCAT, the student must only be awarded the State of Florida High School Diploma (GED).

(e) Rule 6A-1.0995, F.A.C., provides the allowable format for State of Florida High School Performance-Based Diploma.

Rulemaking Authority 1001.02, 1003.435, 1003.53 FS. Law Implemented 1003.435, 1003.53 FS. History–New__________.

NAME OF PERSON ORIGINATING PROPOSED RULE: Dr. Frances Haithcock, Chancellor, K-12 Public Schools
NAME OF AGENCY HEAD WHO APPROVED THE PROPOSED RULE: Dr. Eric Smith, Commissioner, Department of Education
DATE PROPOSED RULE APPROVED BY AGENCY HEAD: May 11, 2010
DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED IN FAW: December 24, 2009