FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

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CHARLIE CRIST

Commissioner

M E M O R A N D U M

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TO:

District School Superintendents

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FROM:

Betty Coxe

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DATE:

July 24, 2002

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SUBJECT:

Character Education

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BETTY COXE

DEPUTY COMMISSIONER

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

CONTACT PERSON

Name:

Phone:

Suncom:

Email:

DPS:

Fred Varn

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(850) 488-1701

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278-1701

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Fred.Varn@FLDOE.ORG

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03-004

During Special Session 2002E, the Florida Legislature passed Senate Bill 20E, the revised school

code bill. In section 1003.42(2)(q), of the bill, character education is expanded to include grades

K-12. The bill also states that each district school board shall develop or adopt a curriculum for

the character-development program that shall be submitted to the department for approval. The

character-development curriculum shall stress the qualities of patriotism, responsibility,

citizenship, kindness, respect, honesty, self-control, tolerance, and cooperation.

This

requirement is due prior to the beginning of the 2004-2005 school year.

Since there is a two-year grace period before implementation, each school district that has not

addressed character education in the K-12 grades should do so and begin submitting their

curriculum as soon as it becomes available. If you have any questions, please contact Fred Varn

at the phone number or email address listed above.

BC/hvm

cc:

?

Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum

Supervisors of Social Studies

PLAZA LEVEL – 08, THE CAPITOL – TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA 32399-0400 – (850) 413-0555 – FAX (850) 488-2869

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http:/www.firn.edu/doe

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An affirmative action/equal opportunity employer

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