FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
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STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION
John L. Winn
Commissioner of Education
F. PHILIP HANDY,
Chairman
T. WILLARD FAIR,
Vice Chairman
Members
DONNA G. CALLAWAY
JULIA L. JOHNSON
ROBERTO MARTÍNEZ
PHOEBE RAULERSON
LINDA K. TAYLOR
CONTACT PERSONS
NAME:
Michael Lisle
Cyndi Terry
PHONE:
(850) 245-0481
(863) 701-1393
SUNCOM:
205-0481
515-4227
EMAIL:
Michael.Lisle@fldoe.org
Cyncat@aol.com
K-12: 2005-128
MEMORANDUM
TO:
District School Superintendents
FROM:
Jeanine Blomberg
DATE:
September 19, 2005
SUBJECT: GENERAL EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT (GED) EXIT OPTION
MODEL 2005-2006 APPLICATION FOR IMPLEMENTATION
Consistent with the Department’s priority of improving student rates of learning and completion
at all levels, we are pleased to make available the attached application materials regarding
implementation of the GED Exit Option Model for the 2005-2006 school year. This graduation
option provides currently enrolled high school students who meet specific selection criteria the
opportunity to take the General Educational Development (GED) Tests while enrolled in a K-12
educational program.
Under this model, students who pass the GED Tests and the Grade 10 Florida Comprehensive
Assessment Test (FCAT) graduate with a standard diploma. Students may only access this
alternate graduation route through the GED Exit Option Model. It is important to note that
JEANINE BLOMBERG
CHIEF OF STAFF
325 W. GAINES STREET • SUITE 1514 • TALLAHASSEE, FL 32399-0400 • (850) 245-9663 • www.fldoe.org
District School Superintendents
September 19, 2005
Page Two
students who earn diplomas through the GED Exit Option Model are included in the calculation
of the graduation rate under the No Child Left Behind, while students who receive a State of
Florida diploma through an adult education program are excluded from this calculation.
The
2003 GED Exit Option Model Procedure Manual,
originally distributed with DPS Memo
04-034, dated October 1, 2002, is still a valid tool and should be used in implementing the GED
Exit Option Model. In addition, attached is a set of comprehensive instructions for completing
and submitting the application.
2005-2006 GED Exit Option Model Application
In order to ensure that the Department continues to provide the American Council on Education
(ACE) with comprehensive data on Florida’s implementation model and comply with required
ACE assurances, school districts that wish to develop and implement the GED Exit Option
Model in 2004-2005 must submit a new application annually. The 2005-2006 application is
attached and consists of:
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Instructions for completing the application
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Part A—District Application Form, which must be returned to the Department with all
required signatures
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Part B—Site Evaluation Checklist, which must be completed by each school site and
maintained at the district office
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Part C—Student Evaluation Checklist, which must be completed for each student
participating in this model and maintained at the site at which the student participates
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Annual School Report form, which must be completed for each implementing site and
returned with Part A (
Note: The form must be printed in color and completed in black ink.
Photocopied, black and white, faxed, or illegible copies will not be accepted and will delay
the approval process.)
Approval for implementation in 2005-2006 will be based upon Department staff review to
determine completeness of the application and compliance with the requirements from ACE, and
will be effective based on the date that the Department of Education receives Part A and each
Annual School Report form in complete and correct fashion. Applications should be submitted in
print format to:
Cyndi Terry, Program Specialist
Supplemental Academic Achievement Support
P.O. Box 1311
Mulberry, Florida 33860
Once the district application is approved by the Department, the district dropout prevention
coordinator should request GED Exit Option Authorization Forms in the quantity necessary for
each student the district anticipates testing under this model during the 2005-2006 school year.
District School Superintendents
September 19, 2005
Page Three
School districts approved to implement the model may submit an amendment during the school
year to add or delete school sites.
We applaud your efforts in meeting the challenge of serving students at risk of dropping out of
school prior to receiving a high school diploma and hope that this graduation option will provide
an alternative strategy for more effectively meeting the needs of these students. Our staff is
available to assist you with the application and implementation process. If you need additional
information, please contact Michael Lisle or Cyndi Terry, at the contact information provided
previously.
JB:mlb
Attachments
cc:
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Assistant Superintendents for Instruction
Dropout Prevention Coordinators
Adult Education Directors
Directors of Exceptional Student Education
Student Services Directors
Juvenile Justice Contacts
District ESOL Coordinators
District Title I/Migrant Coordinators
