FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION - Teaching Center

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION

GARY CHARTRAND, Chair JOHN R. PADGET, Vice Chair Members

ADA G. ARMAS, M.D. JOHN A. COL?N REBECCA FISHMAN LIPSEY ANDY TUCK

Pam Stewart Commissioner of Education

Rod Duckworth Career and Adult Education

MEMORANDUM

TO:

District Career and Technical Education Directors

Technical Center Directors

Florida College Occupational Deans

District Adult Education Directors

FROM:

Rod Duckworth

DATE:

February 28, 2014

SUBJECT: Basic Skills Exit Requirements and Exemptions

In light of 2013 legislative changes to career certificate (PSAV) exit requirements, we wanted to provide information on the applicable statutes and rules that are impacted. Section 1004.91, Florida Statute (F.S.) Requirements for career education basic skills and State Board of Education Rule 6A-10.040 Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.) Basic Skills Requirements for Postsecondary Career Certificate Education mandate that students who enroll in a program of 450 hours or more shall complete a basic skills examination within the first six weeks after admission into the program. Section 1004.91, F.S. also states "a student may not receive a career and technical certificate of completion without first demonstrating the basic skills required in the state curriculum frameworks for the career education program."

The assessments adopted in rule 6A-10.040 F.A.C. are not to be used as a condition for admission into a program; they are to be administered within the first six weeks after admission into a program. The U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights (OCR) also states that a basic skills examination such as the Tests of Adult Basic Education may not be used as a sole determinant for entry into a career and technical education program. For more information, please visit the OCR guidance located at:

ROD DUCKWORTH, CHANCELLOR 325 W. GAINES STREET ? TALLAHASSEE, FL 32399-0400 ? 850-245-0446 ?

Basic Skills Exit Requirements and Exemptions February 28, 2014 Page Two

The statute and rule also identify student exemptions from meeting basic skills exit requirements. Those exemptions are as follows:

1) Students who possess a college degree at the associate of applied science level or higher;

2) Students who demonstrates readiness for public postsecondary education pursuant to Section 1008.30, F.S. Common placement testing for public postsecondary education and applicable rules adopted by the State Board of Education. The State Board of Education rule implementing this section of law is Rule 6A-10.0315, F.A.C. Common Placement Testing and Instruction. In addition to the identified assessment cut scores used to demonstrate college readiness, there is a new provision in this section of law and rule which states "a student who entered 9th grade in a Florida public school in the 2003-2004 school year, or any year thereafter, and earned a Florida standard high school diploma or a student who is serving as an active duty member of any branch of the United States Armed Services shall not be required to take the common placement test and shall not be required to enroll in developmental education." Please see the attached frequently asked questions (FAQ) document for further information on the implementation of this new provision.

3) Students who pass a state or national industry certification or licensure examination identified in State Board of Education rules and aligned to the career education program in which the student is enrolled

4) Adult students enrolled in an apprenticeship program that is registered with the Department of Education in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 446.

In addition, the statute (Section 1004.91 F.S.) and rule (6A-10.040 F.A.C.) provide school districts and Florida college institutions the authority to exempt adult students with disabilities from meeting basic skills exit requirements. Rule 6A-10.040 F.A.C. requires that adult students with disabilities, as defined in Section 1004.02(7), F.S. may be exempted from meeting the career basic skills grade levels required for completion of the career program. Each school district and Florida College institution must adopt a policy addressing procedures for exempting eligible students with disabilities from the basic skills exit requirements as permitted in Section 1004.91(3), F.S. This provision allows for program completion by students with disabilities that meet the requirements of their career education program, even if they cannot meet the basic skills requirements.

We appreciate your continued dedication to excellence in career and technical education in Florida. If you should have any questions, please contact Jane Silveria, state supervisor for

Basic Skills Exit Requirements and Exemptions February 28, 2014 Page Three

special populations, equity and career and technical education assessment at 850-245-9022 or via email at Jane.Silveria@. RD/js Attachment

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