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
October 11, 2005
M E M O R A N D U M
TO:
District School Superintendents
FROM:
John L. Winn
SUBJECT:
New High School Planner on FACTS.org Student Advising Website
I am pleased to announce the new online e-Personal Education Planner (ePEP) for high school students at
www.FACTS.org, Florida’s student advising website. The Department of Education developed the ePEP to
assist students in mapping out coursework for each year of high school with their career and college goals in
mind. Together with the High School Academic Evaluation tool, the ePEP allows students to evaluate their
transcripts for progress towards meeting requirements for high school graduation, Bright Futures
scholarships, and state university admissions. This online function provides the districts with a tool to
comply with Section 1009.531(4), Florida Statutes, which mandates that each high school student receive a
complete and accurate Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Evaluation Report and Key annually.
The ePEP also challenges students to think about career and educational goals in consultation with their
parents so that they can build a high school course schedule that supports their chosen path in life. The ePEP
course options show each student courses that are specific to that student’s high school and chosen
graduation plan. Guidance counselors can access their students’ planners at any time online and can leave
comments, which should save time for the counselors. Also, students or counselors can print out a copy of
the plan, which has signature lines for the student, parents and counselor.
To increase awareness and encourage use of the new ePEP, we have planned a number of activities with
which we ask your support. Most take place the week of October 17 – 21.
October 17: Statewide new release officially unveiling the new ePEP
October 18: Presentation to the State Board of Education
October 20: “Plan Your Future Day” at high schools with a press conference in Tallahassee
Attached for your convenience is a complete list of these activities, along with suggestions, which are
highlighted, on how school districts and local high schools can participate. There is also a list of promotional
materials that we are providing to help get the word out to students and parents.
325 W. GAINES STREET • SUITE 1625 • TALLAHASSEE, FL 32399 • (850) 245-0518 • FAX (850) 245-9532
District School Superintendents
Page Two
October 11, 2005
I appreciate your assistance in this effort and encourage you to engage your district public information
officer and guidance supervisor, as well as your high school administrators and guidance counselors, in the
effort to integrate the new planner into student activities.
If you have questions or need additional information, please contact FACTS.org at (850) 245-0518 or via
email at
facts@fldoe.org.
JW/srg
Attachment
c:
Assistant Superintendents for Instruction
District Webmasters
District Guidance Supervisors
High School Principals
District Student Service Supervisors
High School Guidance Counselors
District Bright Futures Directors
High School Media Specialists
District Public Information Officers
High School Webmasters
Chancellor Cheri Yecke
