Approve District-Proposed High School Major Areas of Interest, 2009/2010 (Secondary Education)

We request approval of the attached district-proposed high school Major Areas of Interest (MAI) for 2009/2010 and the authority to offer any majors approved by the State Department of Education at the high schools, career centers, ESE centers, alternative programs, and charter schools that service our high school students.

A major component of the 2006 A++ legislation (House Bill 7087) addresses the need for middle school students to participate in career development activities, create an educational planner, and select a high school Major Area of Interest. Through these initiatives, students are more likely to see the relevance of their educational experiences to a future career.

Beginning with the 2007/2008 school year, all students entering Grade 9 select a high school career focus during middle school. The major is reviewed in 8th grade, as well as annually, and may be changed as needed. Each student is required to complete four classes in a major, but they are allowed to change majors as they progress through high school. The four credits need not be in the same major.

In addition, students are engaged in career exploration and planning during Grade 7 as part of their M/J Geography and Career Planning course. The career course will utilize the electronic Florida Academic Counseling and Tracking for Students (FACTS.org) which will result in an electronic Personal Education Plan (ePEP.) The ePEP must be signed by the parent, student, and counselor, and reviewed annually.

Continued on attachment.

All Strategic Objectives

The cost of administrative staff time to develop and market new MAI options or courses currently offered is covered through the general operating budget. There is no additional cost to the district.

An annual report will be developed by the Florida Department of Education indicating the number of students in our district who have completed the required ePEP.