FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
    �
    STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION
    F. PHILIP HANDY,
    Chairman
    €
    T. WILLARD FAIR,
    Vice Chairman
    €
    Members
    SALLY B RADSHAW
    LINDA J. E ADS, ED.D.
    CHARLES PATRICK G ARCÍA
    JULIA L. J OHNSON
    WILLIAM L. P ROCTOR, PH.D.
    March 17, 2003
    €
    Dear Ninth-Grade Students (and Parents):
    €
    JIM HORNE
    Commissioner of Education
    You probably already know the choices you make now can affect your life after graduation—whether it’s going to
    college or vocational school, getting scholarships, or even starting a career. That’s why it is important to set goals
    and keep track of your educational progress.
    To help, the Department of Education created Florida Academic
    Counseling and Tracking for Students—
    FACTS.org
    , Florida’s official statewide student advising web site.
    With
    FACTS.org
    , you can plan your high school courses, check your eligibility status for Bright Futures
    Scholarships and state university admissions, view your course history and grades, use career guidance programs,
    search for degrees offered in Florida, and apply for college admissions and financial aid. The enclosed brochure
    covers this exciting web site and its services in more detail.
    You should be aware that high school courses you select play a big role in qualifying for graduation and entering
    college. The minimum graduation requirements are not enough. To prepare for college admissions, the Department
    of Education recommends taking the Florida Core Curriculum:
    Math:
    3 to 4 years.
    This includes
    at least
    Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II.
    If you haven’t taken
    Algebra yet, do it next year.
    Foreign language:
    2 to 4 years of the same language.
    English:
    4 years. Consider taking Advanced Placement or Dual Enrollment classes in your junior or senior
    year.
    Science:
    3 to 4 years. This usually includes Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
    Social Science:
    3 to 4 years.
    Give careful consideration to electives selection, too. Take electives that you really like, develop a talent, or build a
    new one. Whether it’s band, carpentry, computers, drama, or ROTC that you like —do it. Stick with one thing for
    three or four years. You’ll impress colleges and employers.
    Remember to take the Florida Core Curriculum and use
    FACTS.org
    to track your educational progress.
    Go to
    www.facts.org
    and log on for your High School Academic Evaluations and see how you are doing.
    If you have
    questions about planning your high school career or what you want to do after high school, talk to your high school
    guidance counselor. Keep up the good work!
    325 W. GAINES STREET • SUITE 1414 • TALLAHASSEE, FL 32399-0400 • (850) 201-7400 • www.fldoe.org

    Back to top