FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Lanny Larson
CHARLIE CRIST
DIRECTOR
Commissioner
DIVISION OF WORKFORCE
DEVELOPMENT
MEMORANDUM
TO:
Adult Education Directors
GED
Chief
Examiners
Department of Juvenile Justice Lead Educators
FROM:
Dr. Lanny Larson
DATE:
October 17, 2002
SUBJECT:
GED Testing of Youth Served in Department of Juvenile Justice Programs
S. 1003.52, F.S.
Educational Services in Department of Juvenile Justice
Programs,
provides for the participation of Juvenile Justice Education students in GED
preparation coursework. This statute allows juvenile justice educators and students
preparing for GED study and examination to take advantage of the expertise and
resources available through the Division of Workforce Development.
According to Rule 6A-6.05281 Educational Programs for Youth in
Department of Juvenile Justice Detention, Commitment, Day Treatment, or
Early Delinquency Intervention Programs. “School districts must provide
instruction to prepare all students to demonstrate proficiency in the skills
necessary for successful grade-to-grade progression and high school
graduation. For students placed in Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ)
programs, collaboration between the DJJ, the Department of Education,
school districts, and private providers is essential in order for these students
to attain this goal and become productive members of the community.
(b) If any student in these DJJ facilities has filed an intent to terminate
school enrollment, the local school district shall notify these students of
the option of enrolling in a program to attain a General Education
Diploma (GED).
325 West Gaines Street – Room 744 - Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0400 – (850) 488-7591 – FAX (850) 487-0419
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An affirmative action/equal opportunity employer
MEMORANDUM
Page 2
October 17, 2002
2. GED preparation shall meet GED course requirements specified in Rules
6A-6.0571 and 6A-6.021, FAC., and Adult Education course descriptions
and/or the school district’s approved GED/HSCT Exit Option must meet the
requirements specified by the Department of Education.”
This statute has led to an increasing number of detained and/or committed youth
being eligible to take the GED examination. State Board rules currently designate
specific forms of identification as acceptable for verification of youth identity for students
placed in Detention or Commitment programs in the temporary custody of the
Department of Juvenile Justice. The Department of Education has made an exception
to the current GED Examiner’s Manual allowing these students to be regarded as
participants in the “corrections” population, thus permitting Select State Personnel the
authority and responsibility to verify identity.
The Department of Education has approved a process to verify identity that is
comparable to protocols used by the Department of Corrections and will enhance the
completion rate of students in Juvenile Justice Education programs. The following
recommendations are presented to assist in the resolution of these two issues:
(1) Juvenile Justice educators need to be aware that paperwork requesting
accommodations for students with disabilities needs to be completed at least
six weeks prior to the date of the exam.
(2) The Department of Education will accept verification of youth’s identity by the
Department of Juvenile Justice Program Administrator or designee
responsible for the student’s temporary care, custody, and control as verified
by a court order. This proof will constitute an official confirmation of examinee
identity in lieu of an original Social Security Card or Photo Identification for
students in the custody of the Department of Juvenile Justice. Note: These
youth have been fingerprinted and photographed prior to placement in the
Department’s custody.
We welcome you and your institution to take complete advantage of this waiver
and provide the residents in juvenile justice facilities the opportunity to prepare for and
take the GED exam.
If you need more information regarding this issue, please contact Jane Silveria at
(850) 487-1603 or by e-mail at Jane.Silveria@FLDOE.ORG.
LL/JS/sp
325 West Gaines Street – Room 744 - Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0400 – (850) 488-7591 – FAX (850) 487-0419
http:/www.firn.edu/doe
An affirmative action/equal opportunity employer
