Page 37 - FY24_Student AndFamilyHandbookEnglish_9-26_23
P. 37
on the student’s transcript.” For additional information, contact the Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student
Services at Florida Department of Education - Exceptional Student Education.
● Alternative Assessment Graduation Pathways for Students Enrolled in the ESOL Program - Pursuant to Section
1003.433(3), F.S., beginning with the 2022-23 school year, students who have been enrolled in an English Speakers
of Other Languages (ESOL) program for less than 2 school years and have met all requirements for the standard
high school diploma except for passage of any assessment required for graduation as specified by Section
1003.4282 or 1008.22, F.S., or alternative assessment is eligible for a standard high school diploma if the student
passes the required or alternative assessment or demonstrates grade-level expectations on a formative
assessment.
● High School Equivalency Diploma Program (2014 GED® Test)—The High School Equivalency Diploma Program is
designed to provide an opportunity for adults who have not graduated from high school to earn a State of Florida
High School Diploma, the State’s equivalency diploma, by measuring the major academic skills and knowledge
associated with a high school program of study that graduating seniors should know and be able to do, with
increased emphasis on workplace and higher education. The State selected the 2014 GED® test as the assessment
for the High School Equivalency Program during a competitive process conducted in 2014. The 2014 GED® Test
includes four required content area tests: Reasoning through Language Arts, Mathematical Reasoning, Science,
and Social Studies. It is a computer-based test. Passing the test may require some preparation. Local adult
education programs sponsored by school districts, colleges, and community organizations may assist students
with determining how to best prepare for the test. Additional information and resources regarding the GED® Test
and the High School Equivalency Program may be accessed at High School Equivalency Diploma Program.
Frequently Asked Questions about Required Assessments
Why do students take the State Assessments? To meet the complex challenges of today’s workplace, students must be
skilled in mathematics and science, have knowledge of the world in which they live, be able to read and understand
difficult texts, and be able to write well. Test questions are designed to measure the reading, writing, mathematics,
science, and social studies skills and knowledge that students should acquire. The tests help teachers, principals,
superintendents, community, and business stakeholders determine the level of success students have with all the State
Standards.
What Florida Statewide Assessments will my child take? All students enrolled in grades K through 10 and/or applicable
courses that include an End-of-Year exam are required to take a Florida Statewide Assessment. Additional information on
the state assessments administered is available at Statewide Assessment Program Information Guide.
Why are State Tests Important? All assessment results guide the course of your child’s education from year to year. If
your child scores below the levels of proficiency in reading, math, science, or history he/she will be given additional help.
Will students be required to pass the new assessments in order to meet promotion and graduation requirements? The
guidelines for promotion and graduation are largely the same. Students entering 3 rd grade in 2022-23 and beyond, who
have only been taught using the Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T) since kindergarten, will be required
to achieve an achievement level 2 or higher on the 3rd grade ELA assessment in order to meet promotion requirements.
Students not achieving the required score may still meet promotion requirements through any one of six good cause
exemptions. Students entering grade 10 t and/or taking Algebra 1 in 2022-23 and beyond will be required to achieve an
achievement level 3 or higher on the respective FAST Grade 10 ELA test and the B.E.S.T Algebra 1 assessment in order to
meet graduation requirements. These students will continue to have the opportunity for retakes.
FY24 Student and Family Handbook 29 | Page
