FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
S
TATE BOARD OF EDUCATION
T. WILLARD FAIR,
Chairman
Members
DR. AKSHAY DESAI
ROBERTO MARTÍNEZ
PHOEBE RAULERSON
KATHLEEN SHANAHAN
LINDA K. TAYLOR
Dr. Eric J. Smith
Commissioner of Education
MEMORANDUM
CONTACT INFORMATION
Holly Edenfield
Holly.Edenfield@fldoe.org
(850) 245-0509
Specific contacts are provided
under each topic within the
attached document.
K
-12: 2008-90
TO:
District Superintendents
Assistant Superintendents
District Finance Officers
School Principals
Presidents, Florida College System
FROM:
Dr. Eric J. Smith
DATE:
July 17, 2008
SUBJECT:
GOVERNOR CRIST SIGNS SENATE BILL 1908
By signing Senate Bill 1908, the Governor has kept Florida on a path to increased student
achievement. Within this bill are several components in line with the Next Generation initiatives
I have been discussing around the state, namely the adoption of Next Generation Sunshine State
Standards, revision of the factors used to grade high schools, and the assessment of college
readiness. These changes will impact education programs and services at all levels in Florida.
In addition, there are many other important topics addressed in Senate Bill 1908 that I wanted to
bring to your attention as soon as possible (listed below). A summary of each is contained in the
attached document and further technical assistance will be provided as identified under each
topic. In the meantime, please feel free to use the contact information provided to seek answers
to your questions.
•
Next Generation Sunshine State Standards – page 1
•
School Grading, Alternative School Improvement Rating System, School Recognition –
page 2
•
College Readiness – page 3
•
Assessment – page 4
•
FCAT Preparation Activities – page 5
•
Electronic Personal Education Planner (ePep) – page 6
325 W. GAINES STREET • TALLAHASSEE, FL 32399-0400 • (850) 245-0505 • www.fldoe.org
Governor Crist Signs Senate Bill 1908
July 17, 2008
Page Two
•
Arts Requirement for High School Graduation – page 6
•
Standard High School Diploma Designations – page 7
•
Dual Enrollment – page 7
•
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) – page 7
•
School Advisory Council (SAC) Membership – page 8
•
Teacher Certification – page 8
•
Corporate Tax Credit (CTC) Scholarship Assessments – page 9
•
Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) – page 9
•
Florida Ready to Work Credential – page 9
•
Florida Teachers Lead Program – page 10
•
Cafeteria Sanitation Certificate – page 10
As you can see, this comprehensive legislation will affect your district staff, school-based
administrators, teachers, and students. Please don’t hesitate to contact our staff with any
questions as we move forward to implement its provisions together. Additional information will
be provided as soon as possible. The Office of Governmental Relations will be posting all
pertinent publications on the implementation of this legislation at www.fldoe.org/gr.
ES/hre
Attachment