1. MEMORANDUM

 
FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION
F. PHILIP HANDY,
Chairman
Members
SALLY BRADSHAW
LINDA J. EADS, ED. D.
T. WILLARD FAIR
CHARLES PATRICK GARCÍA
JULIA L. JOHNSON
WILLIAM L. PROCTOR, PH.D.
February 4, 2003
JIM HORNE
MEMORANDUM
Commissioner of Education
To:
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District Administrators of Exceptional Student Education
Programs
District Administrators/Coordinators of Assessment
Participating Private Schools
From:
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J.C. Bowman, Director
Choice Office
Shan Goff, Chief
Bureau of Instructional Support and Community Services
Cornelia Orr, Administrator
Office of Assessment and School Performance
Subject:
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John M. McKay Scholarship Program and Participation
in Statewide Assessments
Students who are enrolled in private schools through the Scholarship
Program for Students with Disabilities have the option of participating in
statewide assessments administered by the public school district.
Consistent with Section 1002.39(3)(e), F.S., school districts are required
to provide information about the locations and times available for taking
the statewide assessments.
In consideration of the upcoming 2003 administration of the Florida
Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT), districts should contact
participating private schools with information about the district’s
deadlines, schedules and location for testing.
Information provided to
participating private schools should specify whether or not the private
school or parents will need to provide lunch on the day(s) of the tests. In
meeting the educational needs of the students, private school staff in
consultation with parents should determine whether the child will
participate in the state assessment. Students participating in the McKay
program are NOT required to participate in the assessment, but the
assessments must be made available.
325 W. GAINES STREET • SUITE 1514 • TALLAHASSEE, FL 32399-0400 • (850) 201-7400 • www.fldoe.org

February 4, 2003
McKay Scholarship Program
Page 2
Participating private schools with students who will be participating in statewide assessments
must notify the district of the names of the students and include information on any needed
testing accommodations as permitted by State Board Rule 6A-1.0943, FAC. Determination of
appropriate test accommodations for students with disabilities are made by the private school
based on the individual needs of the student in consultation with the parents. The private schools
and/or parents are responsible for providing any necessary transportation to and from the testing
sites.
If you have any questions concerning the responsibilities of school districts relative to statewide
assessment of scholarship students, please contact J.C. Bowman at (850) 488-5011, Suncom 278-
5011. Questions concerning the FCAT administration should be directed to the Office of
Assessment and School Performance at (850) 488-8198, Suncom 278-8198.
JB/SG/CO/vo
cc:
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District School Superintendents
Participating Private Schools
District ESE Directors
District Assessment Coordinators

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