HB7091/SB1076 PASSED: Florida High School Students Now Have High School Graduation Options

“I want to give a special thanks to Representative Smith for Co-Sponsoring this common sense educational bill!”

One of the best educational  legislative bills (HB 7091 / SB 1076) in many years has just passed on a vote of ‘116’ YAYS to ‘0’ NAYS, by the Florida House & Senate and is headed to the Governor’s office for signature.

This bill was Co-Sponsored by Representative Jimmie T. Smith who has been very instrumental in the development of this bill.  This bill brings some balanced and relevant approaches to high school graduation requirement options and pathways.

The bill changes standard high school diploma requirements, and creates two designations that students can earn through course choices: Scholar and Merit Designations. Further HB 7091 makes the high school experience and curriculum more relevant to our students which will result in higher levels of engagement and lower dropout rates. The bill places appropriate emphasis on digital literacy and technological competence in our students’ education. I am excited that it also expands high school student opportunities to earn industry certifications in various fields in which local school boards and private industry can work with The Florida Department of Education to develop high school courses.

Representative  Joe Saunders (D) said it well when he expressed how impressive it was to see Legislators put aside politics to develop an educational bill that worked to be student focused.

I want to give a special thanks our Representative Smith for his pushing for common sense high school and career pathways for our students and for his work and vote on this important bill.   I want to also give special thanks to Educational Chairperson Representative Marlene O’Toole and Educational Sub-Committee Chairperson Representative  Janet H. Adkins who also worked so hard to see this bill became law.

I encourage each of you to visit the links on their names and email these Representatives and thank them for the great work they did for our students.

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S.T.A.R.T. & Family Care Council Joint Meet

On Monday I took part in the first joint meeting of the Citrus County Schools S.T.A.R.T. (Student Transition & Resource Team) & the Citrus Family Care Council.  These two groups work to help provides services and education for persons and families with physical, intellectual, emotional,behavioral and other learning disabilities.

I have such great respect for these volunteers, educators and advocates who come together and find answers and solutions to very challenging and often complex issues.  These volunteers are persons who often have personal reasons that motivate them.  The educators are people who see their work as a calling and advocate and teach these persons with disabilities to be an advocate for themselves.  I am in wonder of each of them.

START is an interagency collaboration group sponsored by the Citrus County Schools ESE Department and lead by Citrus ESE Specialists and Alternate Assessment Specialist, Karl Amundson. START provides parents and students with important information about agencies that support transition from student life to adult life. START includes parents, community organization, businesses, adult agencies, schools, school district staff, and anyone interested in assisting students and families with transition.

Citrus Family Care Council is now part of the Area 13 Florida Family Care Council (FCC).   FCC assists in providing information and outreach to self-advocates and families.  FCC reviews the effectiveness of the Developmental Disabilities Program and makes recommendations with respect to implementation. The FCC advises the Developmental Disabilities Program Administrators of the community and family support systems in their area. Local FCC groups meet and share information.

Follow this link to view the presentation give during the meeting: https://www.dropbox.com/s/eaj8ys4fxsecxpw/FCC_Presentation.pdf

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Chronicle: CREST students, Key clients win the day

CRYSTAL RIVER — The grandstands at Crystal River High School were jam-packed with supporters cheering on and encouraging more than 300 student athletes from the Citrus Resource for Exceptional Student Transition (CREST) School and Key Training Center clients Tuesday.

“The students and clients look forward to this every year as a highlight to their year,” said Kiwanis Club of Homosassa Springs treasurer Jim Harris. “All you have to do is look at them when they get their medals and see the smiles on their faces. It’s terrific.”

Click here to read the rest of the story…

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