FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
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STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION
Dr. Eric J. Smith
Commissioner of Education
T. WILLARD FAIR,
Chairman
Members
Lucy D. Hadi, Chancellor
DR. AKSHAY DESAI
Division of Workforce Education
ROBERTO MARTÍNEZ
PHOEBE RAULERSON
KATHLEEN SHANAHAN
LINDA K. TAYLOR
August 5, 2008
MEMORANDUM
TO:
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Career and Technical Education Directors
Technical
Center
Directors
Community College Occupational Deans
FROM:
Lucy Hadi
SUBJECT:
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Basic
Skills
Examination
In light of recent inquiries related to the use of the Tests of Adult Basic Education (TABE) for
Career and Technical Education programs, we wanted to provide information on current statute
and rule.
Section 1004.91, Florida Statute, states that students who enroll in a program offered
for technical credit of 450 hours or more shall complete an entry-level examination within the
first six (6) weeks of admission in the program and State Board of Education rule 6A-10.040
states “Students who are enrolled in a postsecondary program offered for career education credit
of 450 hours or more shall complete an entry-level basic skills examination within the first six
(6) weeks after admission into the program.”
The U. S. Office of Civil Rights also states that the TABE may not be used as a sole determinant
for entry into a vocational program. (http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/vocre.html)
The Department of Education wants to ensure equal access and opportunities for all students;
therefore, it is important that we observe the rules and regulations of the State of Florida and of
the Federal government. State Board of Education rule 6A-10.040(4), Florida Administrative
code, states “…Adult students with disabilities, as defined in Section 1004.02(7), Florida
Statutes, may be exempted from meeting the career basic skills grade levels required for
completion of the career program as described in subsection (2) of this rule. Each school district
and community college must adopt a policy addressing procedures for exempting eligible
students with disabilities from the basic skills exit requirements as permitted in
325 W. GAINES STREET • TALLAHASSEE, FL 32399-0400 • (850) 245-9022 • www.fldoe.org
Career and Technical Education Directors
Technical Center Directors
Community College Occupational Deans
Page Two
August 5,
2008
Section 1004.91(3), Florida Statutes.” This allows for completion by students with disabilities
even if they cannot meet the requirements of the basic skills examination.
Also, “Students who possess a college degree at the associate of applied science level or higher;
who have completed or are exempt from the college-level communications and computations
skills examination (CLAST) pursuant to Section 1008.29, Florida Statutes; who are exempt from
the college entry-level examination pursuant to Section 1008.29, Florida Statutes; or who have
passed a state, national, or industry licensure exam are exempt from this rule.”
Recent legislation signed by the governor will exempt an adult student who is enrolled in an
apprenticeship program that is registered with the Department of Education in accordance with
the provisions of Chapter 446.
We appreciate your continued dedication to excellence in Career and Technical Education in
Florida. If you should have any questions, please contact Jane Silveria, State Supervisor for
Special Populations, Equity and Career Technical Education Assessment at (850) 245-9022 or
via e-mail at Jane.Silveria@fldoe.org .
LDH/jsj
