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

ROBERTO MARTÍNEZ

PHOEBE RAULERSON

LINDA K. TAYLOR

January 5, 2006

MEMORANDUM

TO:

School District Superintendents

FROM:

John L. Winn

SUBJECT:

GPA Weighting Policies for Advanced Courses

This memo is in response to questions I have received on grade point average (GPA) weighting

for dual enrollment courses. The language in the current law related to dual enrollment GPA

weighting has led to different interpretations and implementation at the local level.

Specifically, Section 1007.271(16), Florida Statutes, addresses GPA weighting for dual

enrollment courses. The statute specifies that “

School districts and community colleges must

weigh college-level dual enrollment courses the same as honors courses and advanced

placement courses when grade point averages are calculated. Alternative grade calculation or

weighting systems that discriminate against dual enrollment courses are prohibited.

” This

language was intended to ensure equal treatment of dual enrollment students regarding GPA

calculations. However, the language is confusing because many school districts do not weigh

Advanced Placement (AP) and high school honors courses the same. As a result, the language

requiring that dual enrollment courses be weighed the same as honors courses

and

AP courses

have led to different local interpretations.

I recognize that this section of statute needs clarification and will work with the Legislature

during the next session to seek this clarification. To this end, I am establishing a work group to

assess dual enrollment policies and to make recommendations on the interpretation and

implementation of GPA weighting policies for advanced courses. Further, timelines for adhering

to a standard interpretation will be recommended because it is important that our high school

students not be subjected to midterm GPA recalculations. The work group will include members

325 W. GAINES STREET • TALLAHASSEE, FL 32399-0400 • (850) 245-0505 • www.fldoe.org

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School District Superintendents

Page 2

January 5, 2006

representing school districts, community colleges, universities, home education, and private

institutions from the existing Postsecondary Transitions and Policies and Guidance standing

committees of the Articulation Coordinating Committee. Your feedback on these policy issues is

welcomed in this process. As we work together to resolve these issues, I ask each district to

review its GPA weighting policy and ensure that it does not discriminate against dual enrollment

courses, as specified in statute. Until such time that I can provide the needed clarification and

clear guidance, I ask that individual concerns be handled at the local level.

JLW/sgm

cc:

Community College Presidents