An education bill has been proposed by a Florida state senator that would drastically alter graduation requirements for those looking to enter the workforce out of high school.
The proposed bill, SB 770, provides the option for less demanding math and science courses in exchange for career and technical education and certification beginning in the 2019-2020 school year.
The bill was introduced by District 7's Republican State Senator Travis Hutson. District 7 includes St. Johns, Flagler, and parts of Volusia counties.
The Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathway requires the completion of at least 18 credits with at least a 2.0 grade point average. The current requirement for graduating high school is 24 credits. This new path would not only allow students to get a head-start in the work-force, but would allow for graduation in just three years.
Here are the specific requirements for the CTE path option:
- 3 credits in English Language Arts (ELA I, II, and III)
- 3 credits in math (One credit must come from Algebra I and another from Geometry)
- 3 credits in science (Two of the three must have a laboratory component and one of the three must be in Biology)
- 3.5 credits in social studies (1 credit in US History, 1 credit in World History, .5 credit in economics, .5 credit in financial literacy, .5 credit in US Government)
- 3 credits in career and technical education (courses must result in a program completion and industry certification)
- 2.5 credits in work-based learning programs
In addition to these credit requirements, students are still required to pass each subject's statewide, standardize tests.
You can get more information on the proposed bill here, and read the full bill here.
