Graduation 101Graduation 101

• Some tips on what to do and what Some tips on what to do and what Not to do to be sure you graduate Not to do to be sure you graduate this year and make the most of your this year and make the most of your life after High School.life after High School.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

SUBJECT AREA STANDARD HIGH SCHOOL4-YEAR PROGRAM CREDITS REQUIRED

English or English Through ESOL 4.0

Mathematics 4.0

Science 3.0

World History 1.0

American History 1.0

American Government 0.5

Economics 0.5

Fine Arts 1.0

Personal Fitness .5

Physical Education .5

Major and Minor, or ElectivesMust include one virtual course

8.0

Total Number of Credits Required 24

State Assessment Requirement Passing score on the Grade 10 FCATPass Algebra 1 EOC

GPA Requirement Earn a cumulative GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale

What Credits do you need?What Credits do you need?

• 24 CREDIT OPTION24 CREDIT OPTION• ENGLISH/ESOL ENGLISH/ESOL 4 credits (major concentration in 4 credits (major concentration in

composition & literature and reading for information)composition & literature and reading for information)• MATHEMATICS 4 MATHEMATICS 4 credits (Algebra I, Geometry, & credits (Algebra I, Geometry, &

1 courses at the Algebra I level or higher)1 courses at the Algebra I level or higher)• SCIENCE SCIENCE 3 credits (Earth/Space Science, Biology, & 3 credits (Earth/Space Science, Biology, &

Chemistry or Physical Science)Chemistry or Physical Science)• SOCIAL SCIENCE SOCIAL SCIENCE 3 credits (World History, American 3 credits (World History, American

History, American Government, & Economics)History, American Government, & Economics)• FOREIGN LANGUAGE FOREIGN LANGUAGE Not required (2 years of the Not required (2 years of the

same foreign language are required for admission to same foreign language are required for admission to State Universities.State Universities.

What Credits do you need?What Credits do you need?

• FINE ARTS 1.0 FINE ARTS 1.0 creditcredit• PHYSICAL EDUCATION 0.5 PHYSICAL EDUCATION 0.5 credit credit • PERSONAL FITNESS PERSONAL FITNESS 0.5 credit 0.5 credit • ELECTIVES ELECTIVES 8 credits (4 credits must be in the 8 credits (4 credits must be in the

student’s academy; remaining credits may be student’s academy; remaining credits may be used for another academy, other elective used for another academy, other elective courses, or intensive reading or mathematics courses, or intensive reading or mathematics courses)courses)– Must include one course on Florida VirtualMust include one course on Florida Virtual

• GRADE POINT AVERAGE (GPA) GRADE POINT AVERAGE (GPA) 2.02.0

Diploma Options:Diploma Options:Standard DiplomaStandard Diploma• A standard diploma will be awarded to graduates, if A standard diploma will be awarded to graduates, if

the student has earned the required credits and the student has earned the required credits and attained theattained thegrade point average for the graduation program grade point average for the graduation program selected. selected.

• Also, students must pass the Grade 10 FloridaAlso, students must pass the Grade 10 FloridaComprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT 2.0) and the Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT 2.0) and the Algebra 1 EOC.Algebra 1 EOC.

• The purpose of the standard diploma is to certify that The purpose of the standard diploma is to certify that the student has met all district and state standards the student has met all district and state standards for graduation. for graduation.

• A special education student will be awarded a A special education student will be awarded a standard diploma if all of the criteria for a standard standard diploma if all of the criteria for a standard diploma have been met by that student.diploma have been met by that student.

Certificate of CompletionCertificate of Completion

• A student who is enrolled in the 4-year, 24-A student who is enrolled in the 4-year, 24-credit option and has met all requirements credit option and has met all requirements for graduation except passing the Grade 10 for graduation except passing the Grade 10 FCAT, or passing the Algebra 1 EOC shall be FCAT, or passing the Algebra 1 EOC shall be awarded a certificate of completion. A awarded a certificate of completion. A student may make further attempts to meet student may make further attempts to meet the requirements for a standard diploma.the requirements for a standard diploma.

If you have Not Passed the If you have Not Passed the FCATFCAT

• In order to make sure you graduate you will:In order to make sure you graduate you will:• Take the FCAT in October and then you will Take the FCAT in October and then you will

have one more chance in March there is also a have one more chance in March there is also a June test for Seniors.June test for Seniors.

• If you still don’t pass you If you still don’t pass you maymay be able to use be able to use your SAT or ACT score to help you graduate.your SAT or ACT score to help you graduate.

• If you have not taken the SAT/ACT sign up If you have not taken the SAT/ACT sign up now!now!

• Don’t wait until you get FCAT Scores to decide Don’t wait until you get FCAT Scores to decide to take the SAT/ACT it may be too late.to take the SAT/ACT it may be too late.

If You Have Not Passed the If You Have Not Passed the Algebra 1 EOCAlgebra 1 EOC

• You will take the Algebra 1 EOC You will take the Algebra 1 EOC retakes in December and March retakes in December and March 2015.2015.

• You may also sign up to take the You may also sign up to take the PERT to see if you obtain the PERT to see if you obtain the concordant score of 97 on the math concordant score of 97 on the math portion of the PERT.portion of the PERT.

SAT & ACT Test DATESSAT & ACT Test DATES

• SATSAT ACTACT• Oct. 11Oct. 11thth Oct. 25Oct. 25thth • Nov. 8Nov. 8thth Dec. 13Dec. 13thth • Dec. 6Dec. 6thth Feb. 7Feb. 7thth • January 24January 24thth April 18April 18thth • March 14March 14thth June 13June 13thth • May 2May 2ndnd www.actstudent.orgwww.actstudent.org• June 6June 6thth • sat.collegeboard.org sat.collegeboard.org

SAT FactsSAT Facts

• The SAT is offered The SAT is offered seven timesseven times a yeara year in the United States and six times at in the United States and six times at international sites. The test: international sites. The test:

• Takes Takes three hours and 45 minutesthree hours and 45 minutes • Consists of Consists of 10 separately timed sections10 separately timed sections: :

– Three sections test critical reading (70 minutes total) Three sections test critical reading (70 minutes total) • Three sections test mathematics (70 minutes total) Three sections test mathematics (70 minutes total)

– Three sections test writing (60 minutes total) Three sections test writing (60 minutes total) – One variable (un-scored) section tests critical reading, mathematics, or One variable (un-scored) section tests critical reading, mathematics, or

writing (25 minutes total) writing (25 minutes total) • Assesses Assesses critical thinkingcritical thinking and and problem solving skillsproblem solving skills in three areas: in three areas:

– Critical reading Critical reading – Mathematics Mathematics – WritingWriting

SAT FactsSAT Facts

• Includes Includes three kinds of questionsthree kinds of questions: : – Multiple-choice questions Multiple-choice questions – Student-produced responses (mathematics only) Student-produced responses (mathematics only) – Essay question Essay question

• Is machine-scored, except for the essayIs machine-scored, except for the essay• Why should students take the SAT? Why should students take the SAT? • Students and parents often ask why it is important to take the SAT. Students and parents often ask why it is important to take the SAT.

Reasons include: Reasons include: • All colleges accept the SAT as an All colleges accept the SAT as an objective measurementobjective measurement of students' of students'

college readiness. college readiness. • Used with GPAs and high school transcripts, SAT scores allow colleges toUsed with GPAs and high school transcripts, SAT scores allow colleges to

fairlyfairly compare compare applicants. applicants. • Taking the SAT gives students Taking the SAT gives students access to scholarshipaccess to scholarship opportunities. opportunities. • Most colleges require an admissions test like the SATMost colleges require an admissions test like the SAT

ACT FACTSACT FACTS

• The ACT (No Writing) consists of four multiple-choice The ACT (No Writing) consists of four multiple-choice tests: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science. The tests: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science. The ACT Plus Writing includes the four multiple-choice tests ACT Plus Writing includes the four multiple-choice tests and a Writing Test.and a Writing Test.

• The English test is a 75-question, 45-minute test, The English test is a 75-question, 45-minute test, covering: Usage/Mechanics Punctuation, grammar and covering: Usage/Mechanics Punctuation, grammar and usage, sentence structure and Rhetorical Skills, strategy, usage, sentence structure and Rhetorical Skills, strategy, and organization style. and organization style.

• The ACT Mathematics Test is a 60-question, 60-minute The ACT Mathematics Test is a 60-question, 60-minute test designed to measure the mathematical skills test designed to measure the mathematical skills students have typically acquired in courses taken by the students have typically acquired in courses taken by the end of 11th grade.end of 11th grade.

ACT FACTSACT FACTS

• The Reading Test is a 40-question, 35-minute test that The Reading Test is a 40-question, 35-minute test that measures your reading comprehension. You're asked to read measures your reading comprehension. You're asked to read four passages and answer questions that show your four passages and answer questions that show your understanding of: what is directly stated statements with understanding of: what is directly stated statements with implied meanings implied meanings

• The Science Test is a 40-question, 35-minute test that The Science Test is a 40-question, 35-minute test that measures the skills required in the natural sciences: measures the skills required in the natural sciences: interpretation, analysis, evaluation, reasoning, and problem interpretation, analysis, evaluation, reasoning, and problem solving. You are not permitted to use a calculatorsolving. You are not permitted to use a calculator on the on the Science Test.Science Test.

• The Writing Test is a 30-minute essay test that measures your The Writing Test is a 30-minute essay test that measures your writing skills—specifically those writing skills emphasized in high writing skills—specifically those writing skills emphasized in high school English classes and in entry-level college composition school English classes and in entry-level college composition courses.courses.

SAT and ACT FeesSAT and ACT Fees

• ACT regular deadline fee: $31.00 ACT regular deadline fee: $31.00 Late deadline fee: add $28.00Late deadline fee: add $28.00

• ACT Plus Writing: $54.90ACT Plus Writing: $54.90

• SAT regular deadline fee: $45.00SAT regular deadline fee: $45.00Late deadline fee: add $28.00Late deadline fee: add $28.00

• SAT Subject test fee: Varies. Basic SAT Subject test fee: Varies. Basic registration fee is $26.00 plus cost of subject registration fee is $26.00 plus cost of subject tests.tests.

Some MythsSome Myths

• An F in an elective PE, woodshop, Drivers Ed, An F in an elective PE, woodshop, Drivers Ed, art etc doesn’t count –False!art etc doesn’t count –False!

• Or an F in an elective isn’t as bad as an F in Or an F in an elective isn’t as bad as an F in the Core English math etc- So False!!the Core English math etc- So False!!

• While an Elective credit can usually be made While an Elective credit can usually be made up by another elective not necessarily the up by another elective not necessarily the same exact class, it doesn’t mean that it same exact class, it doesn’t mean that it doesn’t go into your GPA. doesn’t go into your GPA.

• All F’s go into your GPA and count the same.All F’s go into your GPA and count the same.• They are all Bad!!!!!They are all Bad!!!!!

Some MythsSome Myths

• D’s are a passing grade. So as long as I get D’s I D’s are a passing grade. So as long as I get D’s I am ok-True and False.am ok-True and False.

• While D’s are a passing grade and it means you While D’s are a passing grade and it means you got credit for the class D’s only give you 1 point got credit for the class D’s only give you 1 point for your GPA.for your GPA.

• You need a 2.0 to graduate so getting all D’s or You need a 2.0 to graduate so getting all D’s or mostly D’s will give you a 1.0 GPA or something mostly D’s will give you a 1.0 GPA or something in the 1.0 range. in the 1.0 range.

• That will not cut it for graduation!!!! That will not cut it for graduation!!!! • If you have a lot of D’s you may need to start If you have a lot of D’s you may need to start

retaking some of those classes so that you can retaking some of those classes so that you can achieve a 2.0achieve a 2.0

• Aim for at least C’s and you will be safe.Aim for at least C’s and you will be safe.

A Rule to FollowA Rule to Follow

• If your GPA is currently at a 2.0 be sure you get If your GPA is currently at a 2.0 be sure you get all C’s or better so that you will graduate. You all C’s or better so that you will graduate. You can’t afford D’s or F’s.can’t afford D’s or F’s.

• If your GPA is below a 2.0 you will need to get A’s If your GPA is below a 2.0 you will need to get A’s and B’s this year and try to retake some classes and B’s this year and try to retake some classes for forgiveness.for forgiveness.

• Otherwise you will not make the 2.0 mark by Otherwise you will not make the 2.0 mark by June.June.

• Remember A’s and B’s boost your GPA C’s only Remember A’s and B’s boost your GPA C’s only keep your GPA at the same level,keep your GPA at the same level,

• D’s and F’s lower your GPA.D’s and F’s lower your GPA.• The better you do now the less you will have to The better you do now the less you will have to

worry about at the end of the year.worry about at the end of the year.

Passing your classesPassing your classes

• In order to pass an annual course in grades 9-12, In order to pass an annual course in grades 9-12, a student will earn a minimum of 10 grade points, a student will earn a minimum of 10 grade points, of which a minimum of five must be earned in the of which a minimum of five must be earned in the second semester. second semester.

10 Point Rule10 Point Rule

• According to Miami-Dade County Public According to Miami-Dade County Public Schools in order to pass a class for the Schools in order to pass a class for the year you must earn a total of 10 points in year you must earn a total of 10 points in that class for the year. that class for the year.

• However, However, at least 5 pointsat least 5 points must be must be earned in the second semester earned in the second semester (Jan.-(Jan.-June)June) to pass. to pass.

• This is how it is calculated: Whatever you This is how it is calculated: Whatever you earn in Grading Period 1,2,3,4 earn in Grading Period 1,2,3,4 multiply by 2.5.multiply by 2.5.

10 Point Rule10 Point Rule

• Get good grades every grading period so it Get good grades every grading period so it all doesn’t have to ride on one test or on all doesn’t have to ride on one test or on one grading period. one grading period.

• Be consistent. If you started the school Be consistent. If you started the school year bad its important for you to know year bad its important for you to know what grades you need from here on out to what grades you need from here on out to pass. pass.

10 Point Rule10 Point Rule

• EX: You earn a C in English in the 1st EX: You earn a C in English in the 1st Grading Period you multiply by 2.5 Grading Period you multiply by 2.5 which equals 5 pts. You earn a D in which equals 5 pts. You earn a D in the 2nd GP (x2.5)=2.5 pts. You earn the 2nd GP (x2.5)=2.5 pts. You earn a B in 3rd GP (x2.5) =7.5 pts. Earn a a B in 3rd GP (x2.5) =7.5 pts. Earn a C in the 4th GP (x2.5) = 7.5 pts. Add C in the 4th GP (x2.5) = 7.5 pts. Add it all up. It equals 22.5 points.it all up. It equals 22.5 points.

5 Point Rule5 Point Rule

• Use this formula with your own grades to Use this formula with your own grades to know if you will have enough points to passknow if you will have enough points to pass. .

• Many students fail a class because Many students fail a class because they do not earn 5 points in the second they do not earn 5 points in the second semester or because they have had semester or because they have had low grades all year and NEED a high low grades all year and NEED a high grade on the Final to pass the year grade on the Final to pass the year and they don’t get it.and they don’t get it.

• Don’t put yourself in that situation. Don’t put yourself in that situation.

5 Point Rule5 Point Rule

• Let me give you an example of a Let me give you an example of a senior who didn’t graduate last year senior who didn’t graduate last year because he thought he was passing because he thought he was passing English and he didn’t!English and he didn’t!

• GP1= GP1= BB, GP2=, GP2=CC GP3= GP3=DD GP4= GP4=FF Total Total Points for the year=15Points for the year=15

• So why did he fail? So why did he fail?

5 Point Rule5 Point Rule

• He only had 2.5 points for the second He only had 2.5 points for the second semester!semester!

Forgiveness PolicyForgiveness Policy

• For senior high school students the forgiveness policy for required For senior high school students the forgiveness policy for required courses is limited to replacing a grade of “D”or “F” with a grade of courses is limited to replacing a grade of “D”or “F” with a grade of “C” or higher earned subsequently in the same or comparable “C” or higher earned subsequently in the same or comparable course. course.

• The forgiveness policy for elective courses is limited to replacing a The forgiveness policy for elective courses is limited to replacing a grade of “D” or “F” with a grade of “C” or higher earned grade of “D” or “F” with a grade of “C” or higher earned subsequently in another course. subsequently in another course.

• In either situation when a student attempts forgiveness for a In either situation when a student attempts forgiveness for a grade, the higher of the two grades will be used to compute the grade, the higher of the two grades will be used to compute the student’s GPA. student’s GPA.

• When it is replaced, the lower grade will not be used to compute When it is replaced, the lower grade will not be used to compute the student’s GPA, but will remain on the student’s transcript and the student’s GPA, but will remain on the student’s transcript and in the student’s permanent record. in the student’s permanent record.

• Any course not replaced according to this policy shall be included Any course not replaced according to this policy shall be included in the calculation of the cumulative grade point average required in the calculation of the cumulative grade point average required for graduation.for graduation.

Florida Virtual SchoolFlorida Virtual School

• Senior high school students are eligible to enroll in the Senior high school students are eligible to enroll in the Florida Virtual School. Florida Virtual School.

• All students must take one virtual course to graduate high All students must take one virtual course to graduate high school with a 24-credit standard diploma.school with a 24-credit standard diploma.

• The courses offered are teacher facilitated and available The courses offered are teacher facilitated and available throughout the state.throughout the state.

• Courses are based upon the same criteria as those taught Courses are based upon the same criteria as those taught in the standard high school program and, therefore, in the standard high school program and, therefore, generate the same credit for students. Students must generate the same credit for students. Students must visit the Florida Virtual School website at www.FLVS.NET visit the Florida Virtual School website at www.FLVS.NET to enroll in courses. to enroll in courses.

• A guidance counselor and a parent/guardian must also A guidance counselor and a parent/guardian must also visit the website to finalize the registration process for the visit the website to finalize the registration process for the student.student.

Adult Education/Night Adult Education/Night SchoolSchool• A good way to make up credits is by attending A good way to make up credits is by attending

night school.night school.• Falcons can attend night school right here at Falcons can attend night school right here at

Ferguson.Ferguson.• The next semester starts in January the same The next semester starts in January the same

week we return from Winter break so be sure to week we return from Winter break so be sure to sign up with your counselor before the break.sign up with your counselor before the break.

• Registration usually starts the first week of Registration usually starts the first week of December so make an appointment with your December so make an appointment with your counselor early so you can get a spot!counselor early so you can get a spot!

ATTENDANCE POLICY*ATTENDANCE POLICY*

• There is probably no factor more important to successful There is probably no factor more important to successful school progress than regular school attendance.school progress than regular school attendance.

• Students who are absent excessively from the instructional Students who are absent excessively from the instructional program will fall behind in academic achievement.program will fall behind in academic achievement.

• Excessive school absenteeism can result in course failure.Excessive school absenteeism can result in course failure.• The attendance policy is established by the School Board. The attendance policy is established by the School Board.

Highlights of the attendance rules are as follows:Highlights of the attendance rules are as follows:• A secondary student accumulating ten or more unexcused A secondary student accumulating ten or more unexcused

class absences in an annual course or five or more class absences in an annual course or five or more unexcused absences in a semester course will be subject to unexcused absences in a semester course will be subject to the withholding of final credit, pending a student/parent-the withholding of final credit, pending a student/parent-requested administrative screening and/or review of all requested administrative screening and/or review of all absences by the attendance review committee.absences by the attendance review committee.

ATTENDANCE ReviewATTENDANCE Review

• An attendance review committee is established in An attendance review committee is established in each school. each school.

• The committee consists of three or more school The committee consists of three or more school personnel who have the responsibility to review personnel who have the responsibility to review student attendance petitions during the last week student attendance petitions during the last week of theof thecourse(s) and recommend the:course(s) and recommend the:

• • • Issuing of final grades;Issuing of final grades;• • • Temporary withholding of final grades pending Temporary withholding of final grades pending

makeup assignments; ormakeup assignments; or• • • Permanent withholding of final grades and credit.Permanent withholding of final grades and credit.

Excused AbsencesExcused Absences

• The following are considered excused absences:The following are considered excused absences:• Student illnessStudent illness• Medical appointmentMedical appointment• Death in familyDeath in family• Observance of a religious holiday or service when it is Observance of a religious holiday or service when it is

mandated for all members of a faith that such a holiday or mandated for all members of a faith that such a holiday or service be observedservice be observed

• School sponsored event or activity previously approvedSchool sponsored event or activity previously approved• Educational or enrichment activity that is not a school-Educational or enrichment activity that is not a school-

sponsored event, as determined and approved by the principal sponsored event, as determined and approved by the principal or designeeor designee

• Other individual student absences or tardies beyond the Other individual student absences or tardies beyond the control of the parent or the student as approved by the control of the parent or the student as approved by the principal.principal.

• Subpoena by law enforcement agency or mandatory court Subpoena by law enforcement agency or mandatory court appearance.appearance.

Absences DefinedAbsences Defined

• Student illness: Students missing 5 or more consecutive Student illness: Students missing 5 or more consecutive days of school due to illness or injury are required to days of school due to illness or injury are required to provide a written statement from a health care provider. provide a written statement from a health care provider.

• The written statement must include all days the student The written statement must include all days the student has been absent from school. has been absent from school.

• If a student is continually sick and repeatedly absent from If a student is continually sick and repeatedly absent from school due to a specific medical condition, he or she must school due to a specific medical condition, he or she must be under the supervision of a health care provider in order be under the supervision of a health care provider in order to receive excused absences from school.to receive excused absences from school.

• Medical appointment: If a student is absent from school due Medical appointment: If a student is absent from school due to a medical appointment a written statement from a health to a medical appointment a written statement from a health care provider indicating the date and time of the care provider indicating the date and time of the appointment must be submitted.appointment must be submitted.

Unexcused AbsencesUnexcused Absences

• All other absences or tardies not listed above are considered unexcused.All other absences or tardies not listed above are considered unexcused.• The student is expected to:The student is expected to:• Take advantage of his/her educational opportunity by attending all classes Take advantage of his/her educational opportunity by attending all classes

punctually on a daily basis.punctually on a daily basis.• Provide the school with a written explanation for any absence/tardiness.Provide the school with a written explanation for any absence/tardiness.• Any student who has been absent from school will be marked unexcused Any student who has been absent from school will be marked unexcused

absent until he/she submits required documentation,absent until he/she submits required documentation,• Failure to provide required documentation within three school daysFailure to provide required documentation within three school days

upon the return to school will result in an unexcused absence.upon the return to school will result in an unexcused absence.• Request the make-up assignment for all excused absences/tardies from his/her Request the make-up assignment for all excused absences/tardies from his/her

teachers upon his/her return to school or class. teachers upon his/her return to school or class. • It should be noted that all class work, due to the nature instruction, is not It should be noted that all class work, due to the nature instruction, is not

readily subject to make-up work.readily subject to make-up work.• Complete the make-up assignments for classes missed within a reasonable Complete the make-up assignments for classes missed within a reasonable

amount of time. amount of time. • Failure to make up all assignments will result in lower assessment of the Failure to make up all assignments will result in lower assessment of the

student’s academic and/or effort grade.student’s academic and/or effort grade.• Submit a completed “Submit a completed “Petition to Appeal Withholding of Final Passing GradesPetition to Appeal Withholding of Final Passing Grades” to ” to

the individual responsible for the screening process if needed.the individual responsible for the screening process if needed.

Recognition at GraduationRecognition at Graduation

• The levels of the Academic Recognition Program The levels of the Academic Recognition Program are as follows:are as follows:

• Cum LaudeCum Laude: : the upper 15% of the graduating the upper 15% of the graduating class, excluding the class, excluding the Summa Summa and and Magna Cum LaudeMagna Cum Laudestudents, using a weighted GPA or students who students, using a weighted GPA or students who have a 4.0 GPA or higher.have a 4.0 GPA or higher.

• Magna Cum LaudeMagna Cum Laude: : the upper 10% of the the upper 10% of the graduating class, excluding the graduating class, excluding the Summa Cum LaudeSumma Cum Laudestudents, using a weighted GPA.students, using a weighted GPA.

• Summa Cum LaudeSumma Cum Laude: : the upper 5% of the the upper 5% of the graduating class using a weighted GPA.graduating class using a weighted GPA.

Superintendent's Diploma Superintendent's Diploma of Distinctionof Distinction

• This diploma will be awarded to students who are enrolled in the This diploma will be awarded to students who are enrolled in the 4-year, 24-credit option and complete an academically rigorous 4-year, 24-credit option and complete an academically rigorous course of study. course of study.

• The requirements include at least four honors, Advanced The requirements include at least four honors, Advanced Placement,Placement,International Baccalaureate and/or Advanced International International Baccalaureate and/or Advanced International Certificate of Education courses;Certificate of Education courses;

• Completion of 75 hours of community service, which includes Completion of 75 hours of community service, which includes identification of a social problem of interest, development of aidentification of a social problem of interest, development of aplan for personal involvement in addressing the problem and, plan for personal involvement in addressing the problem and, through papers and other presentationsthrough papers and other presentations, , evaluate, and reflect evaluate, and reflect upon the experience. upon the experience.

• All students must earn a 3.5 GPA (weighted scale) by the end of All students must earn a 3.5 GPA (weighted scale) by the end of the first semester of the senior year with no final grade less the first semester of the senior year with no final grade less than a "C."than a "C."

CAREER PLANNING / CAREER PLANNING / COLLEGE ENTRANCE COLLEGE ENTRANCE EXAMINATIONSEXAMINATIONS• In completing their postsecondary education plans, students may find In completing their postsecondary education plans, students may find

it advisable to complete one or more of the standardized tests listed it advisable to complete one or more of the standardized tests listed below which are used for college admissions, career planning, below which are used for college admissions, career planning, placement inplacement incollege courses, and/or eligibility for scholarships. college courses, and/or eligibility for scholarships.

• Recommended grade levels during which tests should be taken are Recommended grade levels during which tests should be taken are shown in parenthesis ( ).shown in parenthesis ( ).

• 1. ACT: American College Testing Program (11, 12)1. ACT: American College Testing Program (11, 12)• 2. ASVAB: Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (11, 12)2. ASVAB: Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (11, 12)• 3. PLAN : Preliminary ACT (10)3. PLAN : Preliminary ACT (10)• 4. PSAT: Preliminary SAT (10, 11)4. PSAT: Preliminary SAT (10, 11)• 5. SAT I: Reasoning Test – formerly the Scholastic Assessment Test (11, 5. SAT I: Reasoning Test – formerly the Scholastic Assessment Test (11,

12)12)• 6. SAT II: Subject Tests – formerly the Scholastic Assessment Test (11, 6. SAT II: Subject Tests – formerly the Scholastic Assessment Test (11,

12)12)• 7. PERT: College Placement Test (10, 11, or 12)7. PERT: College Placement Test (10, 11, or 12)

Florida's Bright Futures Florida's Bright Futures Scholarship ProgramScholarship Program

• The Bright Futures Scholarship Program The Bright Futures Scholarship Program establishes a lottery-funded scholarship for establishes a lottery-funded scholarship for Florida high school graduates based on academic Florida high school graduates based on academic achievement, who enroll in eligible Florida achievement, who enroll in eligible Florida postsecondary institutions. postsecondary institutions.

• The scholarship may be used for either full-time The scholarship may be used for either full-time or part-time enrollment and is renewable. or part-time enrollment and is renewable.

• Requirements for all scholarship levels include:Requirements for all scholarship levels include:• Be a Florida resident and a U. S. citizen or eligible Be a Florida resident and a U. S. citizen or eligible

non-citizen;non-citizen;• Authorize the release of eligibility information to Authorize the release of eligibility information to

the Florida Department of Education;the Florida Department of Education;

Florida's Bright Futures Florida's Bright Futures Scholarship ProgramScholarship Program• Earn a Florida high school diploma or its equivalent from a Earn a Florida high school diploma or its equivalent from a

Florida public or private high school;Florida public or private high school;• Successfully complete certain courses while attaining the Successfully complete certain courses while attaining the

grade point average specified in the scholarship type;grade point average specified in the scholarship type;• Be accepted by and enroll in an eligible Florida Be accepted by and enroll in an eligible Florida

postsecondary education program;postsecondary education program;• Be enrolled for at least six (6) semester credit hours or the Be enrolled for at least six (6) semester credit hours or the

equivalent;equivalent;• Not have been found guilty of, nor pled no contest to a Not have been found guilty of, nor pled no contest to a

felony charge;felony charge;• Apply for a scholarship from the program prior to high Apply for a scholarship from the program prior to high

school graduation by completing the online Florida school graduation by completing the online Florida Financial Aid Application.Financial Aid Application.

• Use the award within three years of high school graduation.Use the award within three years of high school graduation.

Florida Academic Scholars Florida Academic Scholars (FAS)(FAS)• 15 College Preparatory Credits15 College Preparatory Credits• 3.5 Weighted GPA (based on the Statewide Florida 3.5 Weighted GPA (based on the Statewide Florida

Bright Futures Scholarship Program WeightingBright Futures Scholarship Program Weighting• System)System)• 1290 SAT or 29 ACT1290 SAT or 29 ACT• 100 Community Service Hours100 Community Service Hours• Students who earn the Florida Academic Scholars Students who earn the Florida Academic Scholars

award and attend a Florida technical center, award and attend a Florida technical center, communitycommunity

college, or university will receive: Public Institution college, or university will receive: Public Institution – 100% program of study up to 72 credit hours.– 100% program of study up to 72 credit hours.

Florida Academic Scholars Florida Academic Scholars (FAS)(FAS)• Private Institution – Fixed award amount based on Private Institution – Fixed award amount based on

100% of the average tuition and fees covered at 100% of the average tuition and fees covered at aacomparable Florida public institution including the comparable Florida public institution including the $300 per semester provided for college-related $300 per semester provided for college-related expensesexpensesprorated by term and hours. prorated by term and hours.

• For more information please visit:For more information please visit:http://www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org/http://www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org/

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Florida Gold Seal Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholars (GSV)Vocational Scholars (GSV)• 3.0 weighted GPA (based on the Statewide Florida 3.0 weighted GPA (based on the Statewide Florida

Bright Futures Scholarship Program Weighting Bright Futures Scholarship Program Weighting System) in the non-elective high school courses .System) in the non-elective high school courses .

• A minimum of 3 Career Technical Education Job-A minimum of 3 Career Technical Education Job-Preparatory or Career Technical Education credits Preparatory or Career Technical Education credits in one career technical education program in one career technical education program

• 3.5 un-weighted GPA in a minimum of 3 3.5 un-weighted GPA in a minimum of 3 vocational credits in one vocational programvocational credits in one vocational program

• Earn a minimum score on each subsection of the Earn a minimum score on each subsection of the P.E.R.T (Reading-106, Writing-105, Math-114), P.E.R.T (Reading-106, Writing-105, Math-114), SAT(Verbal-440, Math-440), or ACT(English-17, SAT(Verbal-440, Math-440), or ACT(English-17, Reading-19,Math-19)Reading-19,Math-19)

Florida Gold Seal Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholars (GSV)Vocational Scholars (GSV)• Students who earn the Florida Gold Seal Students who earn the Florida Gold Seal

Vocational Scholars award and attend a Vocational Scholars award and attend a Florida technical center, community college, Florida technical center, community college, or university will receive:or university will receive:

• Public Institution – 75% of tuition and fees Public Institution – 75% of tuition and fees (including lab fees up to $300 per (including lab fees up to $300 per semester).semester).

• Private Institution – Fixed award amount Private Institution – Fixed award amount based on 75% of the average tuition and based on 75% of the average tuition and fees coveredfees coveredat a comparable Florida public institution at a comparable Florida public institution prorated by term and hours.prorated by term and hours.