EOC Information from the FL Dept of Ed.

End of Course (EOCs) exams are gaining importance in the state of Florida.  In order to have an idea on what to expect on the Algebra 1, Geometry and Biology EOCs take a look at the link below.  There, you will find practice questions so that your student can become familiar with the format of the exams.

http://fcat.fldoe.org/eoc/

For our current 9th graders who entered high school during 2011-2012, the Algebra 1 EOC will determine whether or not the student earns the credit for the course.  The Geometry EOC will count for 30% of the final grade.  The Biology EOC will count for 30% of the final grade.

For 9th graders entering in 2012-2013, the Algebra 1 EOC, Geometry EOC, and Biology EOC will determine whether or not the student earns the credit for the course.  The US History EOC will count for 30% of the final grade.

Postsecondary Ready

KNOW THE SCORES!

Dual Enrollment eligibility scores, Postsecondary Ready scores needed for seniors, and MINIMUM scores for admissions to a community or state college:

SAT		ACT		PERT
Critical Reading *	440	Reading *	18	Reading *	104
Math *	440	Math *	19	Math *	113
		English	17	Writing	99

*Counts for the Postsecondary Readiness portion of your school’s grade.

What does it mean to you if you are NOT postsecondary ready?

Ø  If you do not have Postsecondary Ready scores by the start of your senior year the state requires that you be scheduled into remedial courses in Reading, Writing and/or Math to help you become Postsecondary Ready by the time you graduate.

Ø  There is no waiver for this state requirement. You will be losing opportunities for electives.

Ø  After graduation, if you enroll at a community or state college you will have to take additional remedial courses, PAY for the remedial courses (they may not be covered by financial aid), and you WILL NOT receive college credit for the remedial courses.

MINIMUM Admissions Scores required for the

State University System (SUS):

SAT		ACT
Critical Reading	460	Reading	19
Math	460	Math	19
Writing	440	English/Writing	18

Ø  These are MINIMUM scores, many state universities will require higher score for admissions purposes.

Ø  GPA , rigor of courses taken, extracurricular activities and community involvement will also be taken into consideration.

Ø  Please visit the Bright Futures Scholarship website for information on scores needed for scholarship eligibility

http://www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org/ssfad/PDF/BFEligibilityAwardChart.pdf

Summer Ideas

Fast Facts about…

Summer Activities and Reminders

for High School Students

Graduating Seniors

·      Make sure you have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid application (FAFSA) and received a response from colleges.  Bright futures funds will not be released in the fall without this.

·      Amend your Bright Futures application to show the college you actually plan to attend.

·      If you plan to play sports in college make sure you have a final transcript sent to the NCAA Clearinghouse.

Rising 9-12^th graders

·      Research colleges over the summer. Who offers a degree program you are interested in? What are the application deadlines? What does the college’s Freshman Profile look like (GPA, test scores)?   www.facts.org , www.campustours.com, and www.collegeboard.com are great resources.

·      Still need higher ACT or SAT scores for college admissions, graduation, post secondary readiness or Bright Futures? Try these FREE websites for test prep www.majortests.com    www.SoarAtHome.org www.March2Success.com

·      Research Bright Futures eligibility requirements  http://www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org/ssfad/bf/

·      Start doing community service work. Bright Futures now requires community service for all three levels of their scholarship. Once a student is promoted to ninth grade they can start earning hours. Check out the district guidelines online at http://www.duvalschools.org/static/aboutdcps/departments/acadprog/guidance_services/downloads/Community%20Service%2012-11.pdf , or get the verification form at http://www.duvalschools.org/static/aboutdcps/departments/acadprog/guidance_services/downloads/serviceverif.pdf

·      Need ideas for community service? Try Hands On Jacksonville www.handsonjacksonville.org

·      Create a portfolio of all the different activities you have participated  in- clubs, sports, community service, and work activities. Make sure to include any leadership roles you have taken on.

Bright Futures Scholarship

Students are now required to submit a complete, error-free FAFSA for Bright Futures, Florida Resident Access Grant, and Access to Better Learning and Education Grant initial and renewal eligibility any time prior to disbursement. No FAFSA = No $$.
The awards amounts have also changed. Go to:
http://www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org/SSFAD/bf/awardamt.htm
to get complete information.