1. F LORIDA D EPARTMENT OF E DUCATION?

F LORIDA
D
EPARTMENT OF
E
DUCATION?
STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION
John L. Winn
Commissioner of Education
F.
PHILIP H ANDY ,
Chairman
T. W ILLARD FAIR,
Vice Chairman
Members
DONNA G. CALLAWAY
JULIA L. J
OHNSON
ROBERTO M ARTÍNEZ
PHOEBE RAULERSON
LINDA K. TAYLOR
November 4, 2005
M E M O R A N D U M
TO:
District Student Services Directors
High School Guidance Supervisors
High School Guidance Counselors
Community College Student Services Directors
State University Student Services Directors
FROM:
John L. Winn
SUBJECT:
2006 Florida Counseling for Future Education Handbook
The State Board of Education has identified Highest Student Achievement and Seamless Articulation and
Maximum Access as two of its primary goals. Guidance counselors play an important part in achieving
these goals because students depend on them as a primary source of current information for academic
advising and personal decision-making. Counselors are often the touchstone of consistency, support, and
encouragement for students seeking to identify their goals and prepare for future learning opportunities.
Students and parents count on the information they seek from counselors to be current and accurate
relative to postsecondary transitions and options. The dedicated work of guidance counselors as
academic advisors, mentors, coaches, advocates, and educators is greatly appreciated.
One valuable resource that counselors have depended upon for many years is the
Florida Counseling for
Future Education Handbook
. This publication, updated annually, provides a comprehensive reference
guide to postsecondary education in Florida. The
2006 Handbook
is available in an online-only version at
FACTS.org (
www.FACTS.org) under the Advising Manuals menu. This is the second year the
Handbook
has been posted in an online version, and positive feedback indicates an appreciation for the
ease of navigation, keyword searches, and the continuous updates of information. Students and parents
can easily access the
Handbook
online at school or at home to find a wealth of information. For those
who desire a desk copy of the document, there is the option to download and print a PDF version of the
Handbook
; however, those who use a printed version are encouraged to check the Web periodically for
updates.
325 W. GAINES STREET • SUITE 1502 • TALLAHASSEE, FL 32399-0400 • (850) 245-9840

Memorandum
Page Two
November 4, 2005
As counselors continue to emphasize the importance of rigor in their students’ coursework, the
Handbook
provides valuable information on the various acceleration mechanisms available to students, as well as the
expectations for freshmen entering Florida’s State University System. Sections taken directly from the
Handbook
can be used as handouts at parent meetings, advising sessions, or as supplements to a school’s
own curriculum guide.
We hope you find the
2006 Florida Counseling for Future Education Handbook
helpful, and we welcome
your input on future improvements. Best wishes for an outstanding academic year!
HRS/da

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