Superintendent's Diploma of Distinction (Secondary Education)

The purpose of the Superintendent’s Diploma of Distinction (SDD) program is to recognize and honor students who have successfully completed a series of rigorous advanced placement courses and who are well prepared for their college experience. The Superintendent’s Diploma of Distinction program is designed to increase the number of minority and underrepresented students in advanced placement courses and provide a challenging academic experience recognized by the College Board and institutions of higher education. Students who complete the program will have demonstrated the commitment and ability necessary for success in college. This initiative is a major component of the Central Florida School Boards Coalition to increase student participation in advanced placement courses.

The program will be administered by the Secondary Education and Guidance Departments. The SDD complements the College Board’s AP Scholars Designation, mirrors statewide efforts to establish a regional diploma of distinction, and potentially increases the pool of district graduates earning Florida Bright Futures Academic Scholars Award (full tuition scholarships).

All District Goals and Critical Success Factors

It is estimated that 7,500 students will take 13,500 AP exams, an increase of approximately 8 percent, at a cost of $82 per exam during the 2005-2006 school year. The total estimated cost of $1,107,000 is available in the divisional general operating budget.