1. Emerald Coast Middle School September 25, 2013

2.  FLVC.org  Postsecondary planning in Middle School  High School Credit Opportunities while in Middle School  College Credit Opportunities for High School Students  High School Graduation Options

3.  By the time a child is in 6 th grade, families should start talking about career interests and postsecondary education options such as career and technical centers, colleges, and universities  During the middle grades, students and their parents shall develop a four to five year academic and career plan based on postsecondary and career goals in preparation for entering the 9 th grade. (F.S. 1007.21)

4.  Approved high school courses may be taken while in middle school (see your guidance counselor for courses offered by ECMS and the associated end-of-course (EOC) exam or comprehensive final exam requirements)  The required personalized academic and career plan is reviewed annually and will inform students of high school graduation requirements, high school assessment and college entrance test requirements, Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program requirements, and state university and Florida college admission requirements. The plan will inform students about programs through which a high school student can earn college credit, including, but not limited to: Advanced Placement (AP) International Baccalaureate (IB) Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) Dual Enrollment Career Academy and career themed course opportunities, and courses that lead to industry certification.

5.  www.flvc.org www.flvc.org  Personal Education Plan ◦ The new legislation still requires students to explore career options and complete a personalized academic and career plan while in middle school, which must be signed by the student and students’ parents; ◦ School districts now have greater flexibility to choose the type of personalized academic and career plan that best suits student needs, which may or may not be an online system. –THIS IS A PLAN, NOT A CONTRACT!

6.  In place of the ePEP, a new College & Career Planner is available in a PDF format; no ID or passwords are required to access it. The document includes a four year high school planning worksheet that can be printed and used to fulfill the middle school career and education planning course requirement (usually in 8 th grade during/after career explorations course is completed) This is a PLAN, not a CONTRACT

7.  The required personalized academic and career plan informs students of ◦ high school graduation requirements ◦ high school assessment and college entrance test requirements, ◦ Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program requirements ◦ state university and Florida college admission requirements.  While in high school, the student can earn college credit (where offered) ◦ Advanced Placement (AP) ◦ International Baccalaureate (IB) ◦ Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE), ◦ Dual enrollment ◦ Career academy and career themed course opportunities ◦ Courses that lead to industry certification

8.  CHALLENGING COURSES HELP STUDENTS ENTER AND SUCCEED IN COLLEGE  The most important thing students can do to prepare for any postsecondary education is to enroll in the appropriate courses and maintain good academic performance throughout their middle and high school experiences.  A student’s program of study (POS) should lead to successful completion of requirements for the student’s chosen postsecondary goals.

9. Middle school counselors help students and their parents understand what is included in high school programs of study, the courses that link a student’s academic and career interests, and where to obtain additional information.

10.  24 Credit Standard High School Diploma ◦ Scholar Designation ◦ Merit Designation

11.  Dual enrollment (beginning summer between 9 th & 10 th grade year – a waiver may be granted to begin during 9 th grade year)  Technical dual enrollment (available at the Walton Career Development Center only – program completion and designated industry certification may be eligible for college credit in A.S. and A.A.S. degree programs)  Early Admission – full time dual enrolled  Virtual Instruction (Florida Virtual School/Walton Virtual School)  Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB) and Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) – policies are set by participating colleges and universities for awarding postsecondary credit  Credit by Examination – “Challenging” the course  Home Education

12.  See the Walton County Student Progression Plan for other Alternative methods such as: ◦ Performance Based Exit Option ◦ GED, Credit by Examination ◦ Additional Year of School ◦ Adult High School Diploma option ◦ Credit Acceleraton Program (CAP) ◦ Job Preparatory Program

13. Resources  ACT for Parents http://www.act.org/path/parenthttp://www.act.org/path/parent  ACT for Students http://wwwactstudent.orghttp://wwwactstudent.org  College Board.com for Parents http://www.collegeboard.com/parentshttp://www.collegeboard.com/parents  College Board.com for Students http://www.collegeboard.com/studenthttp://www.collegeboard.com/student  Florida Virtual Campus www.flvc.orgwww.flvc.org  Florida Prepaid College Plans http://www.myfloridaprepaid.com Your child’s guidance counselor!

15. If you would like to make an appointment to meet concerning your child’s individual needs, need a copy of this presentation or if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me

16. Information for this presentation was taken from: Florida Counseling for Future Education Handbook 2012-13 Walton County Student Progression Plan 2013-14 School Year