Scott signs high school grad bill

The bill (SB 1076) scales back some of the tougher requirements the Florida Legislature put in place in 2010 for students who want a "standard" high school diploma. It deletes from those requirements some must-pass math and science courses and some must-pass state exams. It also encourages all students to learn "high-tech" job skills while still in high school.

Some high school students should have an easier time earning diplomas under a sweeping education bill Gov. Rick Scott signed Monday.

Local administrators supported the legislative change, fearful the current requirements were unfair to youngsters not planning on a four-year college or university after high school. Orange County Superintendent Barbara Jenkins stood near Scott during his Tallahassee press event to highlight the bill signing and was one of the invited speakers.

Jenkins said districts support "rigorous standards" but saw a "danger" in the current graduation rules, fearing they "would drive more students away from high school" rather than "drawing them to success."

The new requirements create ways for students to learn skills that industries want and pay for, she said.

The tougher requirements from three years ago remain in place for those who want a diploma with a "scholar" designation, presumably students planning on a selective college or university.

The bi-partisan, multi-pronged bill also encourages schools to teach "digital skills" starting in elementary school.

But its focus is on high schools, as it alters current rules — deleting requirements that all students take classes such as algebra 2 and chemistry — and puts more emphasis on "industry certification" classes, which advocates say helps students learn skills that can lead to decent-paying jobs.

lpostal@tribune.com or 407-420-5273