FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
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STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION
JIM HORNE
Commissioner of Education
F. PHILIP HANDY,
Chairman
T. WILLARD FAIR,
Vice Chairman
Members
LINDA J. EADS, ED.D.
CHARLES PATRICK GARCÍA
JULIA L. JOHNSON
WILLIAM L. PROCTOR, PH.D.
LINDA K. TAYLOR
CONTACT PERSONS
NAME:
Shan Goff
PHONE:
245-0509
SUNCOM:
205-0509
E-MAIL:
shan.goff@fldoe.org
NAME:
Mary Laura Openshaw
May 21, 2004
PHONE:
245-0503
SUNCOM:
205-0503
E-MAIL:
marylaura.openshaw@fldoe.org
MEMORANDUM
DPS:
04-125
TO:
District School Superintendents
FROM:
Jim Warford, K-12 Chancellor
Mary Laura Openshaw, Director of Just Read, Florida!
Subject:
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2004 LEGISLATIVE CHANGES REGARDING STUDENTS WITH READING
DEFICIENCIES AND STUDENT PROGRESSION
The 2004 Legislature passed Committee Substitute for Senate Bill (CS/SB) 364, which includes extensive
provisions related to students with reading deficiencies and student progression.
Amendments to existing law (ss. 1002.20 and 1008.25, F.S.) require each elementary school to assess the
reading ability of each K-3 student, provide parents with notification of any reading deficiency, implement a
detailed academic improvement plan (AIP), and provide intensive reading instruction; revise the required
notice to parents of third grade students with substantial reading deficiencies to include information about
additional evaluations, portfolio review and assessment to determine whether the student is ready for
promotion, and information on the district’s specific criteria and policies for mid-year promotion; define mid-
year promotion; make a technical correction related to students who were previously retained in grade three;
for third graders who are retained, require appropriate intensive interventions, including the provision of
summer reading camps; specify the activities and supports to be provided to retained third graders, including
the use of a state-identified reading curriculum that meets certain specifications; prov
ide for intensive
acceleration for students currently retained who score Level 1 in reading; require a report to the State Board
of Education on the interventions provided; and require the option of placement in a transitional setting for
retained third graders. A copy of the bill is attached.
325 W. GAINES STREET • SUITE 514 • TALLAHASSEE, FL 32399-0400 • (850) 245-0509• www.fldoe.org
District School Superintendents
May 21, 2004
Page Two
To assist districts in the implementation of this legislation, we have scheduled telephone conference calls for
next week as indicated on the attached. Districts may participate in any one of these sessions; please note,
however, that there is a limited number of lines available for each. Additional materials to facilitate the
teleconference discussion will be made available prior to the scheduled calls.
Because required revisions related to third grade student progression must be included in your 2004-2005
student progression plans, you are encouraged to participate in one of the teleconference sessions.
If you have questions or need additional information, please contact either of us (Shan Goff, 850/245-0509,
shan.goff@fldoe.org; or Mary Laura Openshaw, 850/245-0503, marylaura.openshaw@fldoe.org).
Thank you for your continued commitment to Florida’s goal to make every child a successful reader and that
every third grade student can achieve academic success.
SG:kac
Attachments
cc:
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Assistant Superintendents for Curriculum and Instruction
Directors of Student Services
Directors of Elementary Education
Directors of Exceptional Student Education
Elementary School Principals
Elementary Guidance Supervisors
