Page 40 - Superintendent Annual Report 2023-24

Advanced International Certificate of Education Diploma

As the masterboard process matures, the District is shifting its strategic focus from course access to a successful course
completion mindset for college-level coursework. This shift is driven by the recognition that students’ successful completion
of the requirements for an AICE diploma is a key indicator of their readiness for college. The AICE diploma, which is the
District’s primary focus in the masterboard program process, is a program that exists in all of our high schools, unlike the
International Baccalaureate program, and can result in Bright Futures Scholarships, unlike Advanced Placement courses.

Between FY19 and FY23, there was a 58% increase in the total number of AICE diplomas* awarded.

Table 7
Comparison of AICE Diploma Counts by Subgroup (FY19 to FY23)
Change Change from
Group FY19 FY20 FY21 FY22 FY23
from 2022 2019
Total Count 1,128 1,464 1,726 1,623 1,785 162 657
Black Female 48 68 106 81 95 14 47
Hispanic Female 218 287 308 279 327 48 109
White Female 360 476 508 531 522 -9 162
ELL Female 3 2 2 10 6 -4 3
SWD Female 7 11 14 20 7 -13 0
FRL Female 211 270 361 276 265 -11 54
Black Male 20 28 32 30 37 7 17
Hispanic Male 120 156 196 160 229 69 109
White Male 245 315 395 404 408 4 163
ELL Male 2 1 1 0 4 4 8
SWD Male 9 11 6 17 16 -1 7
FRL Male 105 138 221 156 149 -7 44
*AICE diploma data is lagging data.

Essential Characteristics of a Palm Beach Schools Graduate

During FY24, defining the essential characteristics of a Palm Beach Schools graduate came to fruition. The journey was
driven by extensive collaboration across our stakeholder community. The work began by reflecting on insights collected
from students, parents, and staff during the creation of the strategic plan, recognizing that “educated” goes beyond just book
knowledge. Student voices were central throughout the process as the inaugural representatives on the Superintendent’s
Student Advisory Committee shared their impactful K-12 experiences. This input was used to create a survey where over
3,000 high school students provided feedback. The draft characteristics were further refined based on the survey feedback
and through ongoing reflection and leadership input. Student and adult representatives from each region and community
stakeholders provided additional feedback and shaped the final graphic.

The defined essential characteristics are a reflection of our District Mission to educate, affirm, and inspire every student in
an equity-embedded school system. Fostering these characteristics in students before graduation is the expected outcome of
our Mission. These are the hallmarks of a future Palm Beach Schools graduate – well-rounded, and empowered individuals
prepared to thrive in a dynamic world.

40 Superintendent Annual Report 2023 - 2024