Florida Department of Education

Part A

Application to Implement the GED Exit Option Model in 2005-2006

Instructions:

Provide comprehensive responses to the requests for information presented under

each guideline. To simplify the process for completing the application, directions with key or

specific elements can be found on the pages preceding the guidelines. These directions were

developed to clarify and provide assistance for submitting the appropriate information required

on the application to ensure approval.

Address:

City, State, Zip:

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Telephone:

Fax:

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Email:

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District Dropout Prevention Coordinator

District Superintendent or designee

Application to Implement the GED Exit Option Model, 2005-2006

Part A

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Florida Department of Education

School Name

School Number

School Contact and Address

Note:

A correctly completed Annual School Report (ASR) form must be submitted for each site

listed on this page as part of the application. This page may be duplicated as necessary.

Application to Implement the GED Exit Option Model, 2005-2006

Part A

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Florida Department of Education

Student Eligibility Criteria

Students utilizing the General Educational Development (GED) Exit Option Model must meet all

of the following eligibility criteria:

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The student is at least 16 years old and is currently enrolled in a PK-12 program

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The student is enrolled in courses that meet high school graduation requirement;

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The student is overage for grade, behind in credits, has a low grade point average, and is

in jeopardy of not graduating with his or her cohort group

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The cohort group with which the student entered kindergarten is graduating or has

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graduated

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The student’s reading level must be at seventh grade or higher at the time of selection

(ninth grade or higher at the time of GED testing), as documented by the Test of Adult

Basic Education (TABE) reading component or other test to determine grade level

proficiency

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The student has acceptable scores on official GED Practice Tests administered under

student testing conditions.

Admission Procedures

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After initial eligibility is determined, a comprehensive review of student records by the

child study team, including grades, credits, and educational plans, must be completed to

determine if the GED Exit Option Model is the most appropriate educational strategy.

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Parents must be informed and give consent to the student’s participation in this option.

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Student’s record must include notification and eligibility, parents’ right to administrative

review of proposed placement, and parent consent for student participation prior to

placement.

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Parents must be provided clarification that the student transcript will indicate an

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alternative graduation route.

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Application to Implement the GED Exit Option Model, 2005-2006

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Part A

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Florida Department of Education

Bureau of Student Assistance

Guideline 1: Selection procedures must ensure that students who enroll in the GED Exit

Option Model are those who will not graduate with their class because of credit deficiency

or low GPA and are otherwise capable of completing graduation requirements.

The appropriate selection of students is crucial to ensure students’ success and the success of the

GED Exit Option Model. This model is not a vehicle for early exit of students and may only be

exercised for students whose class or peer group with whom they entered kindergarten is

graduating or has graduated. This is a voluntary program for students and requires parental

notification and consent for participation.

A. Describe procedures for selecting students to participate in the GED Exit Option Model,

addressing, at a minimum:

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Age of the student

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Degree of credit deficiency or low grade point average

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Evidence of academic ability

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Procedures for involving teachers, administrators, and counselors in the decision

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Procedures for explaining the GED Exit Option Model and expectations for student

performance to the student and parent or guardian

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Procedures for obtaining written agreement from the student and parent or guardian to

voluntary participation in the program.

Application to Implement the GED Exit Option Model, 2005-2006

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Part A

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Florida Department of Education

Technical Assistance Notes for Guideline 2

Parents and students must receive appropriate counseling regarding the GED Exit Option Model

and other graduation options prior to participation so that they can make an informed decision

regarding placement. Counseling and advisement services must be provided to students and

parents that address:

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Students utilizing the GED Exit Option Model are enrolled in courses that meet high

school graduation requirements.

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Students are provided equal access to counseling and support services provided through

the school district’s PK-12 program, including certified counselors.

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Students receive academic, personal, and career counseling, including information

relative to military recruiters and college and university admissions.

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Student participation in the GED Exit Option Model is voluntary, and parents or

guardians are informed of and agree with the student’s participation in this model. The

student’s records must include written notification of the student’s eligibility, parents’

right to an administrative review of the proposed placement, and parental consent for the

student’s participation.

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The parent must also receive a

written

description of the district GED Exit Option Model

design and the GED Tests content areas and score requirements described in Rule 6A-

6.021, FAC . The GED Tests consist of five sub-tests: Social Studies, Science,

Interpreting Literature and the Arts, Mathematics, and Writing Skills.

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The parent or guardian and the student are informed of the results of the records review

and informed that the student’s transcript will indicate an alternative graduation route.

The transcript will identify only the actual credits earned. Students who are enrolled in

the GED Exit Option Model are exempt from the minimum graduation requirements

prescribed for the standard high school diploma, including the 2.0 GPA requirement.

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If the parents and student fully understand all of the graduation options available and opt

for graduation via the GED Exit Option Model, the student is placed in the program with

parental consent.

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In addition to the above requirements, students served in special programs must comply

with statutes and rules governing their specific program areas. For example, a student

served in exceptional student education (ESE) must have an individual educational plan

(IEP) review. If the GED Exit Option Model were deemed an appropriate graduation

avenue, then a notation that the student is seeking a high school diploma through an

alternative graduation route should be indicated on the IEP.

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To ensure that students meet with success, continued counseling and student support

services are provided while they are enrolled in the GED Exit Option Model.

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Parents and students are informed of all other graduation options including:

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course modification;

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competency-based curriculum;

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credits earned in summer school or adult high school; and

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Florida Virtual High School or other virtual high schools.

Application to Implement the GED Exit Option Model, 2005-2006

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Part A

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Florida Department of Education

Bureau of Student Assistance

Guideline 2: Counseling is required prior to enrollment and must be available

throughout participation in the GED Exit Option Model.

Competent counseling is required before program entry and during participation in the program.

Parents and students must receive appropriate counseling regarding the GED Exit Option Model

and other graduation options prior to participation so that they can make an informed decision

regarding placement.

A. Describe the counseling and advisement services that are provided to parents and students.

B. Please describe how the district will ensure all of the following are provided:

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Access to certified counselors

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Pre-entry counseling

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Follow-up counseling

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Counseling records

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Other high school graduation options.

Application to Implement the GED Exit Option Model, 2005-2006

Part A

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Florida Department of Education

Bureau of Student Assistance

The content of the GED Exit Option Model must be academic and may include workforce

education instruction or activities. This exit option must offer a full range of instruction that

aligns with the Sunshine State Standards and the core content measured by GED Tests (high

school mathematics, writing, social studies, reading, and science). Workforce education

instruction and activities should be directed at the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for

securing and maintaining employment.

Responses should address all of the following:

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Students must be enrolled in courses that meet high school graduation requirements. If

the student is enrolled in a Level 1 course, a written assessment of the need must be

included in the student’s individual educational plan (IEP) or in a student academic

improvement plan (AIP) in order for that student to earn credit, pursuant to section

1003.43(7), Florida Statutes.

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Evidence of enrollment may include a copy of student’s class or course schedules in

accordance with the district pupil progression plan.

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Students must receive grades and report cards.

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Teacher records must reflect student performance standards for each course being taught.

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Curriculum must be designed to specifically meet student needs based on diagnostic

testing.

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Curriculum must integrate GED Course Curriculum Frameworks and student

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performance standards.

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Remediation must be provided if the student fails any section of the GED Tests or the

Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT). Students may be allowed to work on

individualized programs at their own pace that include strategies to prepare for passing

the GED Tests.

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Students must earn acceptable scores on the official GED Practice Tests administered

under standard testing conditions prior to being allowed to take the GED Tests.

Application to Implement the GED Exit Option Model, 2005-2006

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Part A

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Florida Department of Education

Bureau of Student Assistance

Guideline 3: Curricula and instructional content must be at the high school level.

Students participating in the GED Exit Option Model must be enrolled in courses that meet high

school graduation requirements. The content must be academic and may include workforce

development instruction or activities. Participants must receive a full range of instruction that

aligns with the Sunshine State Standards and the core content measured by the GED Tests.

A. Describe the instructional content of the GED Exit Option Model. Please address:

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Range of instruction and alignment with local high school core content

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Different types of instructional materials

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How the curriculum integrates ged course curriculum frameworks and student

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performance standards

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Integration of workforce education instruction (optional).

Application to Implement the GED Exit Option Model, 2005-2006

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Part A

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Florida Department of Education

Technical Assistance Notes for Guideline 4

Instruction for the GED Exit Option Model must be of sufficient intensity and duration to ensure

that participating students have a fair opportunity to raise their skills to the level necessary to

earn a high school diploma in a reasonable period of time. Appropriate curriculum materials

must be provided in adequate quantities and must be available when students need them.

Instructional strategies that focus on individual student progress are strongly recommended.

Responses should describe the instructional delivery and instructional resources that students

will receive and address the following issues:

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Students utilizing the GED Exit Option Model will receive their educational programs in

a variety of program categories.

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Diverse instructional strategies will be used, including but not limited to small group,

individualized instruction, computer-assisted instruction, competency-based instruction,

or summer school

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Instructional personnel will be appropriately certified. The

Florida Course Code

Directory and Instructional Personnel Assignments

provides teacher certification

requirements, which include bachelor’s degree or higher in the appropriate content area.

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Students must have access to 25 hours of instruction per week (full-time for grades 9-

12). Flexible scheduling allows students to attend vocational training, on-the-job

training, or be employed.

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Students may be offered individualized instruction that allows them to proceed at

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their own pace (e.g. computer-assisted instruction).

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Appropriate instructional materials must

be available and the curriculum must be

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correlated to the Sunshine State Standards for each course in which the student is

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enrolled.

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Class size and classroom space must be reasonable, pursuant to State Board of

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Education Rules.

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Local school districts must determine specific staffing formulas. The Department of

Education recommends no more than 15:1.

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Appropriate State Board of Education Rules and GED Preparatory Curriculum

Frameworks must be complied with by all students and staff. The appropriate rules and

frameworks are available as appendices E, F, and G in the

2003 GED Exit Option

Procedure Manual

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Teachers of this model benefit greatly from staff development provided by the Adult

Education Program and GED Testing Service to ensure that they are familiar with testing

requirements, the content of GED Tests, and appropriate instructional activities that

support student success on the GED Tests. The district adult education program director

has access to the schedule of available training. The Florida Department of Education

also serves as a source for information about training opportunities. An informative

website on the GED Tests and links to ACE and Florida’s GED site can be accessed at

www.gedtest.org.

Application to Implement the GED Exit Option Model, 2005-2006

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Part A

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Florida Department of Education

Bureau of Student Assistance

Guideline 4: To ensure effective instructional delivery, sufficient instructional resources

and qualified staff must be allocated to the GED Exit Option Model.

Instruction for the GED Exit Option Model must be of sufficient intensity and duration to ensure

that participating students have a fair opportunity to raise their skills to the level necessary to

earn a high school diploma in a reasonable period of time. Appropriate instructional materials

must be provided in adequate quantities and must be available when students need them.

Instructional strategies that focus on individual student progress should be employed.

A. Describe how resources, including qualified staff, will be allocated to meet the following

implementation requirements for the GED Exit Option Model:

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Teacher qualifications

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Expectations for the number of hours that students will participate in an instructional

program

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Expectations pertaining to instructional delivery strategies (e.g., individual direct

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instruction, group instruction, use of computer assisted instruction)

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Expectations pertaining to the student/teacher ratio

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Expectations pertaining to instructional materials (e.g., print materials; electronic

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materials)

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Stipulations related to professional staff development.

Application to Implement the GED Exit Option Model, 2005-2006

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Part A

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Florida Department of Education

Technical Assistance Notes for Guideline 5

Students utilizing the GED Exit Option Model who pass the GED Tests and the FCAT must be

awarded a standard high school diploma in addition to the State of Florida diploma.

Responses should describe the procedures for awarding diplomas and address the following

issues:

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Students who pass the GED Tests and the FCAT must be awarded a standard high school

diploma in addition to the State of Florida high school diploma.

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If a student passes the GED Tests but does not pass the FCAT, the school district may

choose to award only the State of Florida high school diploma.

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It is recommended that students who are trying to graduate with their class take the GED

Tests in March in order to meet the timelines to participate in graduation activities with

their class.

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Students whose class has already graduated may take the GED Tests when ready

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following successful completion of the FCAT.

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Rule 6A-1.0995, F.A.C., provides the allowable formats for Florida diplomas.

Application to Implement the GED Exit Option Model, 2005-2006

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Part A

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Florida Department of Education

Guideline 5: Successful students must be awarded a diploma.

Students who utilize the GED Exit Option Model and pass the GED Test and the FCAT must be

awarded a standard high school diploma in addition to the State of Florida diploma. If the student

passes the GED Test but does not pass the FCAT, the school district may choose to award only

the State of Florida diploma.

A. Describe the procedures the school district will implement to ensure that:

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Students are awarded a standard high school diploma as appropriate

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Students are awarded a State of Florida diploma as appropriate.

Application to Implement the GED Exit Option Model, 2005-2006

Part A

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Florida Department of Education

Technical Assistance Notes for Guideline 6

Students utilizing the GED Exit Option Model are enrolled in courses that meet high school

graduation requirements and are eligible to participate in all high school activities, including

extracurricular activities and graduation ceremonies.

Responses should describe the opportunities that students in the GED Exit Option Model will

receive for official recognition, including participation in:

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all standard high school activities

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extracurricular activities

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graduation and other recognition ceremonies.

Application to Implement the GED Exit Option Model, 2005-2006

Part A

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Florida Department of Education

Bureau of Student Assistance

Guideline 6: GED Exit Option Model graduates must receive official recognition

.

Students utilizing the GED Exit Option Model are enrolled in courses that meet high school

graduation requirements and are eligible to participate in all high school activities, including

extracurricular activities and graduation ceremonies.

A. Describe how the school district and implementing schools will ensure that students have

access to all school activities

B. Describe the process that the school district and implementing schools will use to recognize

students’ accomplishments.

Application to Implement the GED Exit Option Model, 2005-2006

Part A

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Florida Department of Education

Technical Assistance Notes for Guideline 7

The collaboration among appropriate units within the Florida Department of Education serves as

a model for local school districts. The GED Exit Option Model must be integrated into the

structure of the relevant offices at the local level to ensure appropriate planning for development,

implementation, and evaluation of this strategy. This includes coordination among different

programs to ensure appropriate selection of students, adequate instructional support, monitoring

of testing procedures, staff development, and application procedures.

Responses should describe the coordination among different district programs such as:

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dropout prevention programs

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teenage parent programs

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exceptional student education

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English for speakers of other languages

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educational programs in Department of Juvenile Justice facilities

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supplemental academic instruction

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adult education

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vocational education.

Application to Implement the GED Exit Option Model, 2005-2006

Part A

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Florida Department of Education

Bureau of Student Assistance

Guideline 7: Planning and oversight of the implementation of the GED Exit Option Model

will be the responsibility of the Florida Department of Education and will necessitate

collaboration of different organizational units of the department.

To ensure effective management, planning, and oversight, the GED Exit Option Model must be

integrated into the structure of the local school district. The local school district must provide

appropriate planning for development, implementation, and evaluation of this exit strategy. This

includes coordination among different program areas to ensure appropriate selection of students,

adequate instructional support, monitoring of testing procedures, staff development, and

application procedures.

A. Describe how the school district will ensure appropriate planning and coordination across

program areas, including both the instructional and the testing components.

Application to Implement the GED Exit Option Model, 2005-2006

Part A

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Technical Assistance Notes for Guideline 8

This guideline only relates to the state level administration. No response from the school district

is required.

Application to Implement the GED Exit Option Model, 2005-2006

Part A

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Florida Department of Education

Bureau of Student Assistance

Guideline 8: Each year, the state education agency will submit documentation to GEDTS

describing procedures for contributing a portion of the support needed to administer the

GED Exit Option Model.

This guideline only relates to the state level administration. No response from the school district

is required.

Application to Implement the GED Exit Option Model, 2005-2006

Part A

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Florida Department of Education

Technical Assistance Notes for Guideline 9

Procedures for managing data collection should address the following:

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Procedures to ensure that all required forms are completed and submitted, including:

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District Application, part A,

submitted to DOE

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Site Evaluation Checklist, part B

, maintained at the district office

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Student Evaluation Checklist, part C

, maintained at each site

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Annual School Report (ASR) Forms

(one for each site implementing the GED Exit

Option Model), submitted to DOE.

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Procedures for collecting and reporting student outcome data to the district office to be

transmitted to DOE during Survey 5 (GED Exit Option Test Results and appropriate

withdrawal codes).

Application to Implement the GED Exit Option Model, 2005-2006

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Part A

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Florida Department of Education

Bureau of Student Assistance

Guideline 9: The Florida Department of Education will annually collect data and

information about the GED Exit Option Model from the local school systems and will

submit the data to GEDTS.

The Department of Education must ensure that a standardized data collection form developed by

General Education Development Testing Service is distributed to the school districts that

implement the GED Exit Option Model, that the completed forms are collected, and that the

forms are submitted to GEDTS on an annual basis. The Department facilitates this process using

the school district GED Exit Option Application and the Department’s Automated Student

Information System.

A. Describe the procedures for managing data collection. Please address the following:

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Procedures for collecting completed Annual School Report forms

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Procedures for collecting the student outcome data and transmitting required information

to the Department of Education (GED Exit Option Test Results and appropriate

withdrawal codes).

Application to Implement the GED Exit Option Model, 2005-2006

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Part A

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Florida Department of Education

Technical Assistance Notes for Guideline 10

Test administration and any special accommodations are coordinated with the adult education

program. Responses should describe how the district will address the following conditions:

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The district will adhere to the prescribed procedures for using the GED Exit Option

Testing Authorization Form for all students taking the GED Tests.

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All GED candidates requesting to take the tests must provide valid Florida identification

when they appear at the test center. Acceptable forms are:

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Florida drivers license

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Government ID, provided that the identification includes date of birth, photograph,

address, and signature

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passport

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birth certificate.

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All potential GED candidates must be made aware of the availability of accommodations

to the standard administration procedures of the GED Tests. Accommodations include:

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extended time

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private room

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frequent breaks

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interpreter (sign language only)

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scribe

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calculator.

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The district will adhere to the prescribed procedures for obtaining approval for students

with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, mental disabilities, or attention-

deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to either use the nonstandard GED Tests or

modifications of the standard administration procedures. Nonstandard GED Tests

include:

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audiocassette

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Braille

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large print.

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The district will adhere to the prescribed procedures for limited English proficient

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students to use the Spanish version of the GED Tests.

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Application to Implement the GED Exit Option Model, 2005-2006

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Part A

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Florida Department of Education

Bureau of Student Assistance

Guideline 10: GED test administration for the GED Exit Option Model must conform to all

regulations protecting the integrity of the tests.

Test administration and any special accommodations are coordinated with the Department’s

Office of Workforce Education (Adult Education Services Office), to ensure compliance with

proper protocol and testing procedures. All GED testing must conform to the policies in the GED

examiner’s manual. Local school districts must work directly with their adult education program

to ensure that testing dates and times are conducive to the students enrolled in the GED Exit

Option Model.

A. Describe how the district will ensure the following conditions are met:

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Adherence to the prescribed procedures for using the GED Exit Option Authorization

Form for all students taking the GED Tests

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Provision of appropriate identification by GED candidates at the time of the test

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Provision of appropriate accommodations to the standard administration procedures of

the GED Tests

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Adherence to the prescribed procedures for obtaining approval for students with learning

disabilities, physical disabilities, mental disabilities, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity

disorder (ADHD) to either test with the use of nonstandard GED Tests or modifications

of the standard administration procedures

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Adherence to the prescribed procedures for providing limited English proficient students

access to Spanish version GED Tests.

Application to Implement the GED Exit Option Model, 2005-2006

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