11100406, 6A-1.09961 - Florida Administrative Rules, Law, Code, Register

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Florida Department of State and Division of Library and Information Services

Notice: 11100406

Notice of Proposed Rule

Department:

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Division:

State Board of Education

Chapter:

FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION

Overview

RULE:

6A-1.09961

Graduation Requirements for Certain Students with Disabilities (Repealed)

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this amendment is to amend the rule that addresses special diploma requirements for certain students with disabilities to include minimum course credit requirements for both special diploma options one and two. Districts will be required to offer both diploma options. The effect will be a rule that establishes minimum state requirements thereby ensuring greater consistency across the state. Additionally, the proposed rule language revises terminology related to specific disabilities in accordance with amendments made to Section 1003.01, Florida Statutes, Definitions. Lastly, obsolete language with regard to minimum student performance standards has been removed from the rule.

SUMMARY:

The requirements for graduation with a special diploma are proposed for revision beginning with the 2012-2013 school year. Language within the rule has been updated to correspond to the names of current disability categories. The proposed rule removes obsolete language regarding student performance standards that were based on specific disability categories. The proposed rule identifies specific course and credit requirements for any student with a disability who is eligible for a special diploma based on the statutory and rule requirements. The rule retains two pathways for graduation with a special diploma referenced as “option one” and “option two.” Option one mirrors the course credit requirements for a standard diploma, with specific required courses and a minimum grade point average (GPA) requirement of 2.0. The second diploma option also includes course requirements and a minimum GPA of 2.0, but primarily focuses on preparation for employment and outlines a training plan in which the student will participate in on-the-job training and earn at or above minimum wage. Districts are required to offer both options. The decision for a student to work toward a special diploma is made by the student’s individual educational plan (IEP) team, and must be documented in the IEP. General education, career and technical, and exceptional student education courses may be used to meet the course requirements for options one and two.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY:

1001.02(1), 1003.438 FS.

LAW:

1001.02(1), 1003.438 FS.

PRINT PUBLISH DATE:

2/24/2012 Vol. 38/08

COMMENTS:

From 2/24/2012 To 3/16/2012 (21 Days)
The public comment period for this notice has already expired.

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

No reference(s).

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