Students Are Offered Different Paths Toward Graduation
In Florida, high school seniors are required to pass the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test to graduate.
The test is first given to 10th-graders. A student who fails one or both parts is required to pass the sections failed before receiving a high school diploma.
Students must score at least a 300 on a scale of 100 to 500 in both reading and math to pass.
After failing the FCAT three times, a high school senior may substitute a score on the SAT or ACT to qualify for a high school diploma.
In addition, a student must fulfill graduation requirements by earning either 18 or 24 credits and have a minimum grade-point average of 2.0 - a C average - on those credits.
Students must declare whether they plan to follow the 24-credit track, 18-credit college preparatory track or 18-credit career preparatory track their freshman year.
Each major will require four full-credit courses in a sequential program of study.
Majors are not part of the graduation requirements, but students will receive a diploma designations starting in 2010.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
THE 24-CREDIT TRADITIONAL TRACK
The requirements for a traditional diploma are:
Four credits in English.
Three credits in math, one of which must be Algebra I or equivalent.
Three credits in science, two of which must have a laboratory component.
Three credits in social studies, including one credit in American history, one credit of world history and credit in both economics and American government.
One credit in either the practical or performing arts or a credit in both.
One credit in physical education - a credit in personal fitness and in another physical education course.
Credit in life-management skills.
Eight credits in electives.
THE 18-CREDIT COLLEGE PREPARATORY
The requirements for a diploma are:
Four credits in English.
Three credits in math at Algebra I level or above.
Three credits in natural science, two of which must have laboratory components.
Three credits in social studies.
Two credits in a foreign language.
Three credits in electives.
THE 18-CREDIT CAREER PREPARATORY
The requirements for a diploma are:
Four credits in English.
Three credits in math, one of which must be Algebra I.
Three credits in natural science, two of which must have laboratory components.
Three credits in social studies.
Two credits in a foreign language.
Three credits in electives.
For more information, call a high school or the Polk County School District at 863-534-0624.
BRIGHT FUTURES SCHOLARSHIPS
Students who do well academically can apply for the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program.
There are three types of these state-funded scholarships: Florida Academic Scholars, Florida Medallion Scholars and Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholars.
Each has its own requirements and is designed for students seeking different kinds of careers.
For more information on requirements and the application process, call 888-827-2004 or log onto www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org/SSFAD/bf.
School guidance departments also have information on these programs.
APPLYING
A students must apply for a Bright Futures Scholarship by submitting a completed Florida Financial Aid Application during the last year in high school.
Students may apply online at www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org.
