The Beverly Institute, Inc.
Policies and Procedures
Graduation Requirements for Students Who Enter
Ninth Grade in 2007-2008 School Year:
Last Update 07/08/08
Technical Assistance High School Graduation Requirements Beginning
2007-2008
“It’s a Major Opportunity!”
Questions and Answers
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What is a “major area of interest?”
A major area of interest includes four (4) credits in a common area such as sequential courses in a
career and technical program, fine and performing arts, or academic content area, selected by the
student as part of the student’s education plan. A student must earn a total of four (4) credits in a
major area of interest. One (1) of these credits may be earned in a practicum, as described in the
Course Code Directory. Major areas of interest will be proposed by school districts to the
Commissioner of Education and, once approved, will be available for students to consider. When a
student is selecting a major area of interest, it is important for educators providing academic
advisement to review the student’s transcript to advise the student and to help ensure that the
student is on track to meet the requirements for the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program
and the 18 units course distribution requirements for state university system (SUS) admission, if
applicable, based on the student’s desired postsecondary education goals.
What are the purposes of a “major area of interest?”
The purposes of a major area of interest are to provide students:
1. Opportunities to earn additional credit toward college or technical school, or beginning
certification in an occupation
2. Opportunities to learn more in areas that students might be considering as future
professions or lifetime skills
3. Opportunities to receive credit and recognition for high level accomplishments outside of
the school day for a supervised activity directly related to the major area of interest
4. Opportunities to increase the relevance of the high school experience through more in-
depth study in an area students find engaging
5. Opportunities to increase the value of “elective” classes
6. Opportunities to increase the value of the high school diploma
What is the student’s “education plan?”
As part of the newly passed requirements for middle grades promotion, each student should be
enrolled in a career and education planning course in 7th or 8th grade. The course must include
educational planning using the online student advisement system known as Florida Academic
Counseling and Tracking for Students at the Internet Web site FACTS.org and shall result in the
completing of a personalized academic and career plan. Each student’s plan must be signed by the
student, the student’s parent, and the student’s guidance counselor or academic advisor.
How is the high school “major area of interest” different from a college “major?”
The focus is on the student’s interest. These are broader than college majors, and once a student
chooses a major area of interest in high school, they are not locked into that as a permanent
decision. Unlike a college major that is the major area of study required for the degree in a specific
area, a high school major area of interest is part of the eight (8) high school credits that are not
part of the identified core courses that students must take for completion of high school.
The high school major area of interest is a means by which a student can explore areas of interest
in depth. Students may revise major areas of interest each year as part of annual course
registration processes, without penalty. However, a student MAY choose to take courses in an
area that they will later pursue in postsecondary education.
What is a “minor area of interest?”
Minor areas of interest are composed of three credits selected by the student as part of the
education plan required by S. 1003.4156, F.S., and approved by the local district school board.
Does a student have to be enrolled in a major area of interest to graduate?
Yes, each student must identify and be enrolled in courses that are part of a major area of interest.
Does a student have to complete a major area of interest to graduate?
No, a student does not have to complete a major area of interest to graduate but does have to
be enrolled in a major area of interest each year. In addition to the sixteen (16) core curriculum
credits, students must complete eight (8) additional credits. These credits may be in any
combination of majors, minors, or electives.
Will the diploma of a student who has completed a major area of interest be any
different from that of a student who has not completed a major area of interest?
The Department of Education is currently considering ways to differentiate diplomas for students
who have completed a major area of interest as part of their graduation requirements.
Why is Florida reforming high schools by implementing major and minor areas of
interest?
This part of high school reform is designed to give students the ability to explore an area of
interest and to make their education more relevant to their lives. It empowers students to take
charge of their own education. Students are provided the opportunity to focus on one of their
interests. Students will earn four credits in a major area of interest - similar to college students -
which may be in the arts, advanced academic studies, or career preparation. There will be flexibility
so students can change their areas of emphasis, if they wish. The remaining four elective credits
may be used to earn a second major area of interest, a minor, or for other elective classes.
Where can I find examples of major areas of interest?
The Department of Education will post approved major areas of interest on the Department’s
Web site.
Where can I find the proposal form for submitting a major area of interest?
The form is available on the DOE Web site at http://www.fldoe.org/APlusPlus.
What if a district wants to create a new course for inclusion in a major area of interest?
Districts first will have to submit the course for approval through the Course Code Directory
course approval process. Once the course has been approved and added to the Course Code
Directory, it can be submitted as a course for a major area of interest, or the district can submit it
to be added to a major area of interest that has already been approved.
How often does the State Board of Education approve new courses?
The State Board of Education approves new courses three times a year, but courses must be
approved by April of each year to be part of course offerings the following school year.
Can the courses in an approved major area of interest change after a student has
enrolled in the area of interest?
Yes, courses can be added for a major area of interest to provide more options for a student.
However, once a student has begun a major area of interest, the district cannot change the
requirements to complete the major area of interest by deleting courses that were provided at the
time the student chose their major are of interest.
How will students know what new courses are approved for their major area of
interest?
Students are encouraged to meet with their guidance counselor and schools should notify
students of new courses.