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.
    MEMORANDUM
    To:
    District School Superintendents
    From:
    Betty Coxe
    Date:
    June 5, 2003
    Subject:
    DEFINITION OF CREDIT
    JIM HORNE
    Commissioner of Education
    CONTACT PERSONS
    NAME:
    Mary Jo Butler
    Mike Tremor
    PHONE:
    (850) 245-0479
    (850) 245-0423
    E-MAIL:
    maryjo.butler@fldoe.org
    michael.tremor@fldoe.org
    DPS:
    03-087
    According to section 1003.436, Florida Statutes (Definition of credit), for the purposes of
    requirements for high school graduation, one full credit means a minimum of 135 hours of bona fide
    instruction in a designated course of study that contains student performance standards. This
    definition provides the parameters for developing a course and the amount of curriculum and content
    that must be mastered before a student is awarded credit for the course. For the purposes of course
    design, statutes require that courses should be developed that would take most students
    approximately 135 hours to complete under most circumstances.
    Florida law also references flexible options that differ from traditional educational programs in
    scheduling, administrative structure, curriculum, alternative teaching methodologies, and learning
    activities in order to more effectively meet the needs, interests, and abilities of students. This
    includes modified curriculum, summer school, and other methods for improving student
    achievement.
    BETTY COXE
    Deputy Chancellor
    325 W. GAINES STREET • SUITE 501 • T
    ALLAHASSEE, FL 32399-0400 • (850) 413-0555 • www.fldoe.org

    District School Superintendents
    June 5, 2003
    Page Two
    Therefore, a student may be awarded credit for less than 135 hours of instruction if he or she
    has demonstrated mastery of the course requirements and Sunshine State Standards as
    provided by the school district student progression plan. This clarification includes awarding
    credit for courses taken in summer school, through performance-based instruction, block
    scheduling, or course modifications that combine courses. The district school board must
    establish policies for these non-traditional programs and must verify student achievement of the
    course requirements in accordance with the state high school grading system.
    If a school combines two courses for multiple credit during a single instructional period, it is
    recommended that the combination be approved by the school board after analysis of the
    course modifications and assurance that the course requirements and appropriate Sunshine
    State Standards for each of the courses integrated are included in the combination and that the
    combined course is taught by instructors with appropriate certification.
    If you have questions or need additional information, please contact Mike Tremor at (850) 245-
    0423 or Mary Jo Butler at (850) 245-0479.
    BC:mjb
    cc:
    ?
    Assistant Superintendents for Instruction
    Student Services Directors
    Dropout Prevention Coordinators

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