FL S1036

Terminates administration of the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) to students in grades 9 through 12.

Replaces the grade 10 FCAT with either the PSAT/NMSQT (taken in grade 10) or ACT's EXPLORE and PLAN tests (taken in grades 9 and 10 respectively) to measure student knowledge and skills in reading, mathematics, and writing.

Requires students to earn passing scores on the PSAT/NMSQT or ACT's EXPLORE and PLAN tests to qualify for a standard high school diploma, with passing scores designated by the State Board of Education aligned to Next Generation Sunshine State Standards.

Uses student performance on PSAT/NMSQT or ACT's EXPLORE and PLAN tests in place of FCAT performance for public school grading purposes under Florida Statutes sections 1008.34 and 1008.341.

Applies to public school students entering grade 9 in the 2013-2014 school year and thereafter, effective July 1, 2012.