FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
�
STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION
JIM HORNE
F. PHILIP HANDY,
Chairman
Commissioner of Education
T. WILLARD FAIR,
Vice Chairman
TO:
District Superintendents
Members
SALLY BRADSHAW
District Guidance Supervisors
District Communications Directors
District MIS Directors
LINDA J. EADS, ED. D.
District Bright Futures Representatives
High School Principals
CHARLES PATRICK GARCÍA
FROM:
Jim Horne
JULIA L. JOHNSON
WILLIAM L. PROCTOR , P H.D.
DATE:
February 28, 2003
SUBJECT:
High School Academic Evaluations on FACTS.org
I am pleased to announce that the new High School Academic Evaluations are now
available on FACTS.org. Using transcripts that are transmitted to the Department
of Education via the FASTER system, all public high school students and their
parents can go online and receive an individualized evaluation of a student’s
progress towards meeting the Bright Futures Scholarship program initial eligibility
requirements and the state university system course requirements for admission. A
Guest Evaluation
is available for students enrolled at private schools and others
wishing to review requirements. Guidance counselors can access the High School
Academic Evaluations through their secured access on the Bright Futures website.
The High School Academic Evaluations will be rolled out at the State Board
of Education meeting with a demonstration and press conference, March 18,
2003.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the people involved in
making this project happen, especially the local MIS directors and their staffs for
working to transmit thousands of academic transcripts for all public high school
students in the state. This has been a tremendous undertaking involving the Bright
Futures Scholarship Program, the Florida Information Resource Network (FIRN),
the Statewide Student Financial Aid Database (SSFAD), and the Florida Center for
Advising & Academic Support (FCAAS), which brings you FACTS.org.
This is an exciting time for students and parents. Internet technologies are
changing the way educational information is accessed, making the process more
convenient and efficient. In addition, the new evaluations are also intended to help
the Districts meet the requirements of Section 1009.531(4), F.S., which requires all
Districts to provide “each high school student a complete and accurate Florida
Bright Futures Scholarship Evaluation Report and Key”.
It is important that
educators statewide are aware of the services provided on FACTS.org, and in
particular, the new High School Academic Evaluations prior to the March
18
th
presentation and press conference.
To this end, a mass marketing campaign
is underway and includes the following activities:
325 W. GAINES STREET • SUITE 1514 • T
ALLAHASSEE, FL 32399-0400 • (850) 201-7400 • www.fldoe.org
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High School Academic Evaluation on FACTS.org
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February 28, 2003
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March 10
Listserv announcements to educators and professional organizations
March 10
Promotional materials will be available on the FACTS.org website for
counselors to download and print; limited copies will be sent to high schools
March 17
A letter and FACTS.org brochure mailed to all 9th grade student homes
March 18
A presentation and press conference will be conducted at the State Board of
Education meeting in Tallahassee highlighting FACTS.org and the new High
School Academic Evaluations
March-April
FACTS.org advertisements will appear in AMC movie theaters statewide
March-June
Radio and television public service announcements will air statewide
In addition to the statewide marketing activities listed above, we are asking all Districts to create a link on
district and high school websites to FACTS.org and help us in marketing the site to students and parents in
your communities. The following are other suggested activities for spreading the word about FACTS.org
and the important role it can play in tracking a student’s academic progress and planning for their future
after high school.
•
?
Submit information about FACTS.org to newsletters, school newspapers, handbooks, and
other appropriate publications
•
?
Notify students and parents about FACTS.org during college admissions workshops and/or
assemblies
•
?
Download promotional materials (brochures, posters, etc.) from FACTS.org to copy and
distribute to students and parents (available March 10)
•
?
Include information on FACTS.org and the High School Academic Evaluations on your
district/school’s local educational television station
•
Review FACTS.org website at staff development/in-service functions
Demonstrations of the High School Academic Evaluations have been conducted around the state by
FACTS.org staff and more are being planned. These include district, regional, and statewide
opportunities.
The 6
th
Annual FACTS.org Conference in Orlando, June 4-5 will provide a
comprehensive overview of the website and all its functions
.
Further information regarding the
conference will be forthcoming in March. The attached information includes a list of upcoming
presentations and instructions for creating a link to FACTS.org. These resources, plus promotional
materials, will be available online by March 10. (Click on “Promotional Materials & Information”) An
online tutorial is also being developed to help guide users through the new evaluations and will be
available online March 10.
FACTS.org and the High School Academic Evaluations were created with students and parents in mind.
Through our continued collaboration, we can provide students with the tools they need to succeed in high
school, college, and beyond. If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Connie
Graunke, Executive Director, Florida Center for Advising & Academic Support, at (850) 201-7363,
SUNCOM 213-7363, or email at connie.graunke@fldoe.org.
JH/alh
Attachment
c:
John Winn, Deputy Commissioner of Education
