FL S1768

English Language Learners (ELLs) who enroll in Florida public schools in grade 9 or later are exempt from the grade 10 ELA assessment graduation requirement, effective with the 2019-2020 school year.

Exempt ELLs must instead demonstrate sufficient Learning Gains in English Language Arts as measured by the WIDA test at thresholds set by the State Board of Education to earn a standard high school diploma.

Exempt ELLs must still take the grade 10 ELA assessment and any necessary retakes for progress monitoring purposes, despite being exempted from the graduation requirement.

School grades for high schools are modified to include ELLs who enroll in grade 9 or later and pass the grade 10 ELA assessment as eligible students for college and career credit components.

The bill takes effect July 1, 2019.