The purpose and effect of this rule amendment is to align terms and definitions with terminology used in practice and in Florida Statutes, add definitions for Bachelor’s degree and English for Academic Purposes, and to provide clarity for credit ...

 

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
State Board of Education

RULE NO.: RULE TITLE:
6A-14.030: Instruction and Awards in Community Colleges
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose and effect of this rule amendment is to align terms and definitions with terminology used in practice and in Florida Statutes, add definitions for Bachelor’s degree and English for Academic Purposes, and to provide clarity for credit type.
SUMMARY: This rule defines the types of instruction provided and awards conferred by Florida College System institutions.
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: 1) no requirement for SERC was triggered under Section 120.541(1), Florida Statutes, and; (2) based on past experiences with rules that effect individual students and their families in an educational setting and have no impact on small businesses, the adverse impact or regulatory cost, if any, does not exceed nor would be expected to exceed any one of the economic analysis criteria set forth in Section 120.541(2)(a), Florida Statutes.
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), (6)(c), (d), 1001.03(12), 1008.41 Florida Statutes.
LAW IMPLEMENTED: 1001.03(12), 1004.02, 1004.91, 1004.93 Florida Statutes.
A HEARING WILL BE HELD AT THE DATE, TIME AND PLACE SHOWN BELOW:
DATE AND TIME: February 18, 2013, 10:30 a.m.
PLACE: Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts, 8511 Commodity Circle, Suite 100, Orlando, FL.
THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE IS: Abbey Cunningham, Coordinator of Baccalaureates and Common Prerequisites, Division of Florida Colleges, Florida Department of Education, 325 West Gaines Street, Tallahassee, Florida, [phone], [e-mail].

THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE IS:

6A-14.030 Instruction and Awards in Florida College System Institutions Community Colleges.

Florida College System institutions Community colleges are authorized to provide instruction and to confer degrees, certificates, and diplomas only as prescribed herein. Any Florida College System institution degree program, certificate, or diploma program offered at a community college shall be offered at the established standard credit hour length, established and. Revisions to the standard credit hour lengths and the lengths of new programs added to the Statewide Program Inventory list must be approved by the State Board of Education Division of Community Colleges. The courses within the programs identified in the subsections below shall be submitted to the Division of Accountability, Research, and Measurement in the Department of Education.

(1) Bachelor’s degree. Each Florida College System institution is authorized to seek State Board of Education approval to provide programs of instruction consisting of upper division college credit courses as defined in Rule 6A-10.033(1)(a), F.A.C., to prepare for entry into employment, pursuant to Section 1007.33, Florida Statutes. The bachelor’s degree shall be awarded upon satisfactory completion of a planned program of one hundred and twenty (120) college credits, unless otherwise approved by the State Board of Education, after demonstration of the attainment of predetermined and specified performance requirements. The bachelor’s degree must include thirty-six (36) college credits of general education coursework and foreign language competence.

(21) Associate in arts degree. Each Florida College System institution community college shall provide the programs of arts or general instruction consisting of lower division college credit courses as defined in Rule 6A-10.033(1)(a), F.A.C offered  to freshmen and sophomores in baccalaureate programs. The associate in arts degree is a transfer degree and a basis for admission to a bachelor’s degree. The courses shall be classified in the Community College Management Information System as advanced and professional courses. Satisfactory completion of courses within the programs shall be recognized by the award of units of measure called college credit. The associate in arts degree shall be awarded upon satisfactory completion of a planned program of sixty (60) college credits, unless otherwise provided by law, after demonstration of the attainment of predetermined and specified performance requirements. The associate in arts degree must include thirty-six (36) college credits of general education coursework. Courses not accepted in the State University System shall not be included in the sixty (60) credits required for the degree.

(32) Associate in science degree. Each Florida College System institution community college is authorized to provide programs of career and technical instruction consisting of lower division college credit college-level courses as defined in Rule 6A-10.033(1)(a), F.A.C., to prepare for entry into employment. The associate in science degree is a transfer degree and a basis for admission to a related bachelor’s degree. The courses shall be based in theory and of sufficient complexity, rigor, and theory to be college level. The courses shall be classified in the Community College Management Information System as advanced and professional courses or postsecondary vocational courses. Satisfactory completion of courses within the programs shall be recognized by the award of units of measure called college credit. The associate in science degree shall be awarded upon satisfactory completion of a planned program of instruction study comprised of the standard credit hour length established, after including demonstration of the attainment of predetermined and specified performance requirements, and subject to law and rule. Courses not accepted in the State University System shall not be included in the general education core required for the degree. Associate in science degrees that articulate with baccalaureate degrees under the provisions of paragraph 6A-10.024(6)(c), F.A.C., shall meet the specific provisions contained therein. The standard credit hour length of all associate in science degree programs shall be maintained kept according to the Department of Education publication 2012-2013 - AS/AAS/CCC/ATD Program Length Document (http://www.flrules.org/Gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref-02268) available at http://www.fldoe.org/workforce/dwdframe/ 2006-2007 Community College Programs with Standard Program Length which is hereby incorporated herein by reference to become effective with the effective date of this rule. Copies may be obtained through the Division of Florida Community Colleges, Department of Education, 325 West Gaines Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0400. The associate in science degree must include a minimum of fifteen (15) college credits of general education coursework.

(43) Associate in aApplied sScience dDegree. Each Florida College System institution community college is authorized to provide programs of career and technical instruction consisting of lower division college credit college-level courses as defined in Rule 6A-10.033(1)(a), F.A.C., to prepare for entry into employment. The courses shall be based in theory and be of sufficient complexity, rigor, and theory to be college level. The courses shall be classified in the Community College Management Information System as advanced and professional courses or postsecondary vocational courses. Satisfactory completion of courses within the programs shall be recognized by the award of units of measure called college credit. The associate in applied science degree shall be awarded upon satisfactory completion of a planned program of instruction study comprised of the standard credit hour length established, after including demonstration of the attainment of predetermined and specified performance requirements, and subject to law and rule. The standard credit hour length of all associate in applied science degree programs shall be maintained kept according to the Department of Education publication 2012-2013 -AS/AAS/CCC/ATD Program Length Document available at http://www.fldoe.org/workforce/dwdframe/ 2006-2007 Community College Programs with Standard Program Length. The associate in applied science degree must include a minimum of fifteen (15) college credits of general education coursework.

(54) A Technical Certificate (College Credit Certificate). Each Florida College System institution is authorized to provide programs of career and technical instruction consisting of a program of instruction of less than sixty (60) college credits as defined in 6A-10.033(1)(a), F.A.C. of college-level courses, which are is part of an associate in science degree (A.S.) or an associate in applied science degree (A.A.S.) program offered in the State of Florida and which prepares students for entry into employment., may be awarded to students who evidence satisfactory completion of the program. The standard credit hour length of all technical certificate programs shall be maintained according to the Department of Education publication 2012-2013 - AS/AAS/CCC/ATD Program Length Document available at http://www.fldoe.org/workforce/dwdframe/.

(65) An Applied Technology Diploma. Each Florida College System institution is authorized to provide programs of career and technical instruction consisting of a course of study that are is part of an associate in science degree (A.S.) or an associate in applied science degree (A.A.S.), that are is less than sixty (60) credit hours, and leads to employment in a specific occupation may be awarded to students who have met the requirements of that diploma. An applied technology diploma program may consist of either clock hours technical credit or college credit as defined in Rule 6A-10.033(1)(a), (b), F.A.C. The standard credit hour length of all applied technology diploma programs shall be maintained according to the Department of Education publication 2012-2013 - AS/AAS/CCC/ATD Program Length Document available at http://www.fldoe.org/workforce/dwdframe/.

(76) An Advanced Technical Certificate. Each Florida College System institution is authorized to provide programs of career and technical instruction consisting of a program of instruction of nine (9) hours or more but less than forty-five (45) college credits hours of lower division and/or upper division college-level courses as defined in Rule 6A-10.033(1)(a), F.A.C. Florida College System institutions offering advanced technical certificates with upper division courses must be approved to offer baccalarueate programs containing those courses. An advanced technical certificate may be awarded to students who have already received an associate in science degree or an associate in applied science degree and are seeking an advanced specialized planning program of instruction study to supplement their associate degree.

(87) Certificate of Professional Preparation. Each Florida College System institution is authorized to Community colleges may provide college-level professional instruction, consisting of not less than nine (9) and not more than thirty (30) college or institutional credits hours of courses and course equivalent modules as defined in Rule 6A-10.033(1)(a), (d), F.A.C., to prepare baccalaureate degree holders for licensure, certification, credentialing, examinations, or other demonstrations of competency necessary for entry into professional occupations. Satisfactory completion of these courses and modules shall be recognized by the award of units of measure called institutional credit. Institutional credit is postsecondary credit that is competency-based and has been assigned an instructional level of zero. Institutional credit is not intended for transfer outside of the Florida Community College System. Upon satisfactory completion of a planned program that has been approved by the Department of Education, including the demonstration of competencies and the attainment of predetermined and specific performance requirements, and subject to law and rule, the certificate of professional preparation shall be awarded. If a community college is authorized to award a baccalaureate degree in the subject area of the certificate of professional preparation, then the college may award upper division college credit for such instruction in lieu of institutional credit.

(98) Career and Technical Certificate. Each Florida College System institution is authorized to community college and postsecondary technical center may provide programs of career and technical instruction consisting of clock hour non college-level courses as defined in Rule 6A-10.033(1)(b), F.A.C., to prepare for entry into employment. The courses shall be classified in the Community College Management Information System as postsecondary adult career and technical courses. Satisfactory completion of courses within the programs shall be recognized by the award of units of measure called technical credit. Upon satisfactory completion of a planned program of instruction, after including the demonstration of the attainment of predetermined and specified performance requirements, and subject to law and rule, the career and technical certificate shall be awarded. The standard clock hour length of all career and technical certificate programs shall be maintained according to the Department of Education publication 2012-2013 PSAV Program Length Document (http://www.flrules.org/Gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref-02269) available at http://www.fldoe.org/workforce/dwdframe/ which is hereby incorporated herein by reference to become effective with the effective date of this rule. Copies may be obtained through the Division of Florida Colleges, Department of Education, 325 West Gaines Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0400.

(109) Continuing Workforce Education. Each Florida College System institution community college may provide noncredit continuing workforce education instruction as defined in 6A-10.033(2), F.A.C., tailored to individual needs and designed to improve job performance. Such instruction shall be classified in the Community College Management Information System as continuing workforce education, a noncredit classification.

(110) High school diploma. Each Florida College System institution community college with responsibility for adult basic and adult secondary instruction, shall provide adult basic and adult secondary instruction as defined in Section 1004.02, Florida Statutes. Such instruction shall be classified in the Community College Management Information System as adult basic and secondary, a noncredit classification. Upon satisfactory completion of a planned high school program, after including the demonstration of the attainment of predetermined and specified performance requirements, and subject to law and rule, the high school diploma shall be awarded.

(121) Developmental Preparatory instruction. Each Florida College System institution community college shall provide, according to the needs of its students, basic instruction to provide degree seeking students who wish to enroll in college credit courses with additional academic preparation determined to be needed pursuant to Rule 6A-10.0315, F.A.C. remedy deficiencies in the knowledge and skills judged necessary upon entry into a degree or certificate program of instruction in order to progress satisfactorily through the program. Such instruction shall be classified in the Community College Management Information System as preparatory. Satisfactory completion of such instruction shall be recognized by the award of units of measure called developmental preparatory credit as defined in Rule 6A-10.033(1)(c), F.A.C.

(a) College preparatory. Preparatory instruction for students to enroll in college credit instruction shall be classified in the Community College Management Information System as college preparatory. Satisfactory completion of such instruction shall be recognized by the award of units of measure called college preparatory credit.

(b) Vocational preparatory. Preparatory instruction for students to enroll in technical credit instruction shall be classified in the Community College Management Information System as vocational preparatory. Satisfactory completion of such instruction shall be recognized by the award of units of measure called vocational preparatory credit.

(13) English for Academic Purposes. Each Florida College System institution is authorized to provide, according to the needs of its students, instruction that provides English Language Learners with essential language and academic preparation necessary to enroll in college credit instruction in Communications. Satisfactory completion of such instruction shall be recognized by the award of units of measure called institutional credit (0100-0400 series pursuant to the Statewide Course Numbering System EAP taxonomy) or college credit (1500-1600 series pursuant to the Statewide Course Numbering System EAP taxonomy) as defined in 6A-10.033 (1)(a), (d), F.A.C.

(142) Lifelong learning instruction. Each Florida College System institution community college shall provide noncredit instructional activities as defined in 6A-10.033(2), F.A.C., to address community social and economic issues related to health and human relations, government, parenting, consumer economics, and senior citizens. Such instructional activities shall be classified in the Community College Management Information System as lifelong learning, a noncredit classification.

(153) Recreational and leisure time instruction. Each Florida College System institution community college shall provide noncredit instructional activities as defined in 6A-10.033(2), F.A.C., to develop recreational or leisure time skills. Such instructional activities shall be classified in the Community College Management Information System as recreational and leisure time, a noncredit classification.

(164) These provisions shall not prevent Florida College System institutions community colleges from conferring honorary degrees, certificates, or diplomas, in accordance with the Florida College System board of trustees policy.

Rulemaking Specific Authority 1001.02(1), (69)(c), (d), 1001.03(12), 1008.41 1004.02 FS. Law Implemented 1001.03(12), 1004.02, 1004.91, 1004.93 FS. History–Formerly 6A-8.50, Repromulgated 12-19-74, Amended 8-27-84, 8-29-85, Formerly 6A-14.30, Amended 5-14-91, 11-10-92, 5-2-95, 2-13-96, 12-30-99, 5-3-01, 7-20-04, 6-20-07,

 

NAME OF PERSON ORIGINATING PROPOSED RULE: Randy Hanna, Chancellor, Division of Florida Colleges.
NAME OF AGENCY HEAD WHO APPROVED THE PROPOSED RULE: Pam Stewart, Commissioner, Department of Education.
DATE PROPOSED RULE APPROVED BY AGENCY HEAD: January 10, 2013
DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED IN FAR: January 4, 2013