FL H0143

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 beginning in the 2020-2021 school year.

Exempt ELLs must instead demonstrate sufficient Learning Gains in English Language Arts on the WIDA test at thresholds established 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.

School grading calculations now include ELLs who enrolled in grade 9 or later and passed the grade 10 ELA assessment as part of the college and career credit component for high schools.

The act takes effect July 1, 2020.