FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
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STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION
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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
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CONTACT PERSONS
Name:
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Mary Jo Butler
Love
Phone:
(850) 245-0479
(850) 245-0422
Suncom:
205-0479
205-0422
E-mail:
maryjo.butler@fldoe.org
samantha.love@fldoe.org
K12:
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2005-154
MEMORANDUM
To:
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District School Superintendents
From:
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Cheri Pierson Yecke, Ph.D.
Date:
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November 7, 2005
Subject:
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TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PAPER RELATED TO THE PERSONALIZED MIDDLE SCHOOL
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SUCCESS PLAN
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Florida continues to focus resources to ensure that all students are successful and prepared for the
next grade level. The 2004 Legislature passed Committee Substitute for Committee Substitute for
Senate Bill 354 (CS/CS/SB 354) which created section 1003.415, Florida Statutes (The Middle
Grades Reform Act.--), to focus on increasing the rigor of academics in grades six through eight,
using reading as the foundation to increasing student achievement in all subject areas. The intent of
this legislation is for all middle school students to receive rigorous academic instruction through
challenging curricula, delivered by highly qualified teachers, and in schools with outstanding
leadership, ensuring that eighth grade students are prepared to successfully transition to high
school.
Please find attached a technical assistance paper (TAP) related to the personalized middle school
success plan as required by section 1003.415, Florida Statutes. Department staff developed this
document to assist schools and districts with the development and implementation of the
personalized middle school success plan. The document provides an overview of the legislation,
implementation guidelines, and a section with frequently asked questions and answers.
CHERI PIERSON YECKE, PH.D.
CHANCELLOR, K-12 PUBLIC SCHOOLS
325 W. GAINES STREET • SUITE 514 • TALLAHASSEE, FL 32399-0400 • (850) 245-0509 • www.fldoe.org
TAP Related to the Personalized Middle School Success Plan
November 7, 2005
Page Two
If you have questions or need additional information, please contact Samantha Love at (850) 245-
0422 or Mary Jo Butler at (850) 245-0479. If you have specific questions regarding reading, please
contact Evan Lefsky in the Just Read, Florida! office at (850) 245-0503.
Thank you for your continued leadership to Florida’s goal to ensure that the highest quality
educational program is provided to all students.
CY:mjbo
Attachment
cc:
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Assistant Superintendents for Curriculum and Instruction
Student Services Directors
District Guidance Supervisors
Middle School Principals
