FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
    ?
    STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION
    John L.Winn
    F. PHILIP HANDY,
    Chairman
    Commissioner of Education
    T. WILLARD FAIR,
    Vice Chairman
    Members
    DONNA G. CALLAWAY
    JULIA L. JOHNSON
    R
    OBERTO MARTÍNEZ
    P
    HOEBE RAULERSON
    L
    INDA K. TAYLOR
    CONTACT PERSON
     
      
      
      
      
      
    Name:
      
    Mary Jo Butler
    Phone:
    (850) 245-0479
    Suncom:
    205-0479
    Email:
    maryjo.butler@fldoe.org
    K12: 2005-08
    MEMORANDUM
    TO:
    District School Superintendents
    FROM:
    Jim Warford
    DATE:
    February 17, 2005
    SUBJECT:
    Forgiveness Policies and Grade Reporting on Student Transcripts
    Florida continues to expand opportunities to ensure that students increase their proficiency within
    the K20 seamless system and successfully progress through each grade, earn a high school
    diploma, and transition to postsecondary education or the workforce. This memo is written to clarify
    school districts’ responsibilities and authority related to reporting grades on student transcripts and
    forgiveness policies designed to assist students in meeting graduation requirements. Pursuant to
    section 1003.43(5)(e), Florida Statutes (General requirements for high school graduation.--), each
    district school board must adopt policies designed to assist students in meeting graduation
    requirements.
    These policies may include, but not be limited to, forgiveness policies. Beginning in the 2000-2001
    school year and thereafter, forgiveness policies for required courses shall be limited to replacing a
    grade of “D” or “F” with a grade of “C” or higher earned subsequently in the same or comparable
    course. Forgiveness policies for elective courses shall be limited to replacing a grade of “D” or “F”
    with a grade of “C” or higher earned subsequently in another course. Any course grade not replaced
    according to a district school board forgiveness policy must be included in the calculation of the
    cumulative grade point average required for graduation. The restrictions on district forgiveness
    policies do not apply to students below the ninth grade taking high school courses for credit
    .
    325 W. GAINES STREET • SUITE 1514 • TALLAHASSEE, FL 32399-0400 • (850) 245-0505 • www.fldoe.org
    Forgiveness Policies and Grade Reporting on Student Transcripts
    February 17, 2005
    Page 2
    Regarding student transcripts, Rule 6A-1.0955(3)(a)(7), FAC, requires each school district to keep
    records on courses taken and record of achievement, such as grades, unit, or certification of competence.
    Student records cannot be altered at any time unless it has been determined that the information is
    inaccurate or in violation of the privacy or other rights of the student. Therefore, all courses and grades
    must be included on a student’s transcript.
    The authority for the school board to adopt a forgiveness policy does not provide the authority to alter a
    student’s record to delete the forgiven course and grade. The forgiveness policy authorization is for the
    express purpose of assisting students in meeting the requirement to attain a minimum grade point
    average necessary to graduate from high school. The board does not have the authority to purge that
    student’s record to delete the first grade. All forgiven courses and grades must be included on a
    student’s transcript as an accurate reflection of the student’s record of achievement.
    If you have questions or need additional information, please contact Mary Jo Butler at
    maryjo.butler@fldoe.org or Mike Tremor at michael.tremor@fldoe.org.
    JW:mjbo
    cc:
    ?
    Assistant Superintendents of Curriculum and Instruction
    Student Services Directors
    Guidance Supervisors
    MIS Directors

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