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To:        FHSAA Member Schools From:    FHSAA Office Roger Dearing, Executive Director M. Denarvise Thornton, Jr., Associate Executive Director Michael Colby, Director of Eligibility Subject: Alachua County Home Educated Students Dually Enrolled at Santa Fe College / Bylaw 9.2 This communication serves to clarify the application of FHSAA Bylaw 9.2.2.3 as it relates to the dual enrollment program that exists at Santa Fe College, Alachua County Florida.  Bylaw 9.2.2.3 states: 9.2.2.3 Students in Dual Enrollment and Early Admission Programs. A student who attends a dual enrollment or early admission program operated by a community college or university may participate at the school the student would normally attend if: (a) The school awards credit toward graduation for the work the student completes at the community college or university; and (b) The community college or university officially issues grades on the same schedule as the school’s semester; and (c) The student takes and completes the minimum number of credits required for graduation; and (d) The student does not participate in the intercollegiate athletic programs of the community college or university; and (e) The student meets all other FHSAA eligibility requirements (no form or letter is required). For clarification, students who register or enroll in Santa Fe College and Alachua County Public Schools dual enrollment program are allowed to designate their enrollment “in name only” which is a term only used by Santa Fe College / Alachua County Public Schools.  For the purpose of applying the aforementioned bylaw and determining student athletic eligibility, this office determines students who are dual enrolled and list a public school as the school with which he/she is enrolled in addition to Santa Fe College, the student is only eligible to participate in the interscholastic program at his/her zoned school, in accordance with Alachua County Public Schools’ attendance (zone) policy. Home educated students who are dual enrolled may participate in accordance with Bylaw 9.2.2.1 and 9.2.2.1.1; however, this student must be duly registered and enrolled as a home educated student with Santa Fe College AND Alachua County School District. 9.2.2.1 Home Education Student. A legally registered home education student may participate at one of the following: (a) The public school the student normally would attend; or (b) A public school the student could choose to attend according to controlled open enrollment provisions; or (c) A private school that will accept the student for participation; or (d) A home education cooperative to which the student belongs. 9.2.2.1.1 Home Education Student Requirements. To participate in interscholastic athletics, a home education student must: (s.1006.15(3)(c)1-7, Florida Statutes) (a) register as a home education student with the district school superintendent of the county in which he/she resides; and (b) notify the school of his/her intent to participate before the beginning date of the season for the sport in which he/she wants to participate; and (c) meet the same standards of acceptance, behavior and performance as the school requires of other participating students; and (d) certify to the school at the end of each semester that he/she has the minimum cumulative grade point average required for partici­pation; and (e) meet all other FHSAA eligibility requirements; and (f) must be approved by the FHSAA Office each year using a form provided by the Association. Home educated students who are registered as home educated students with Alachua County School District but registered / listed as dual enrolled students with Santa Fe College and their zoned public school (Santa Fe College and a secondary school) shall only be eligible to participate at their zoned public school. Please share this information with any students participating in your program as a home educated and/or dual enrolled student. If you have any questions regarding this communication, please don’t hesitate to contact the FHSAA Office at 352-372-9551 x 240.

The Florida Community College and State University System offer a wide array of independent study and distance learning options for students seeking a higher education degree. With a little research and careful planning, some students have been able to earn a college education without ever stepping foot on campus. “Such a degree is not easy to obtain,” Kathy Mears explains. “It takes a considerable amount of effort, discipline, and drive to succeed using this non-traditional path. However, the ability to tailor a college education plan to a student’s specific needs and goals can make distance learning an attractive option for students of all ages.” CLEP Before entering a higher education institution, students may want to consider the College Level Examination Program (CLEP). Most Florida schools will award college level course credits for the successful passage of CLEP exams. These are 90 minute multiple choice tests that cost $77.00. Depending on the individual college’s policy, each passing score on a CLEP test can translate into 3-12 college credits. General information about CLEP tests including how to prepare, how to sign up, and where to take the exams can be found at the College Board website www.collegeboard.com It is important to note that the State of Florida has a statutory writing requirement for most core courses known as the “Gordon Writing Rule.” In order to comply with the law, students will need to create a writing contract with an instructor at a college or university. This can be done after the completion of the CLEP exams. Students should refer to the school’s general bulletin for policies and work with a college counselor to ensure that they can meet the state requirements for full credit. Alternative Credit Programs There are a variety of other courses and exams that will count toward college credits. For example, Tallahassee Community College has an entire section of their course catalog that outlines alternative credit programs accepted by the school. Community colleges tend to provide more non-traditional credit opportunities for students than state universities. Florida has a nationally recognized matriculation system between the community colleges and state universities, therefore starting at a community college can be a great way to begin the process. Distance Learning Degrees There are hundreds of courses delivered through distance learning in Florida; some public universities offer complete Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees through distance learning. There is no distinction between a diploma earned via distance learning and a diploma earned on campus. In fact, students will be able to participate in graduation ceremonies just like all other degree recipients. Students wishing to learn more about degrees offered online in Florida can visit https://www.completeflorida.org/degree-programs. With research and resolve, it can work for you. Distance Learning Works In 1996, I decided to pursue a college education. The task seemed daunting; I had no idea where to start. I was working full-time while my husband was in law school. I learned about upon the very policies and resources mentioned in this article. Beginning with the CLEP exams, I earned over thirty college credits. Through the online, distance learning and independent courses offered at Tallahassee Community College, I completed my Associates Degree in 9 months while working full time. In 2001, I entered Florida State University and obtained my Bachelor’s Degree in just over 2 years. I will never forget the feeling of accomplishment when I received my degree. The creativity and persistence that it took to complete my goal was as valuable to me as the knowledge received through my courses. Distance learning is available in Florida – with research and resolve, it can work for you. Kathy Mears graduated from Florida State University in 2003, Summa Cum Laude, with a 4.0 GPA. She is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in Public Administration.

Editor’s Note: In 2001 HEF successfully gained free access to all of the courses offered by the Florida Virtual School for Florida home educators. For more information on their course offerings, visit www.flvs.net. Thanks to Becky Subrahmanyam for sharing her experiences and recommendations with other Florida home educators. New middle school math standards in Florida have changed the math concepts students need to know before they start high school math. Becky Subrahmanyam said, “FLVS math has proven to be a very effective tool in teaching high school-level math to my grandchildren.” For many years Becky has helped teach math to her homeschooled grandchildren. She suggests that home educators planning to use FLVS for high school math also use them for middle school math. Subrahmanyam’s two oldest students took high school math through FLVS and were very well prepared for college math courses. The first child began FLVS math with Algebra I. The second child she started with FLVS math in 8th grade to help better prepare her for Algebra I. However, when her younger twin grandchildren recently began FLVS in 8th grade, she discovered that the Florida math standards had been changed, adding many additional concepts to the 8th grade FLVS course. Even though the twins knew the same things their older siblings knew, they weren’t as well prepared as the older grandchildren had been because the new math standards introduced some Algebra concepts much earlier than the 8th grade. Subrahmanyam said, “Because some curriculums that home educators may be using for middle school math may not have incorporated the new Florida standards, some students may not be prepared for the new FLVS high school math courses.” Subrahmanyam highly recommends that home educators who are planning to use FLVS for high school level math should begin FLVS math in 6th grade to ensure their students have learned the required skills to be successful in their FLVS high school math courses.

Editor’s Note: The Home Education Foundation works year round with home educators, legislators and other education officials throughout the state to ensure hard-won rights of home education students and parents are preserved, expanded and/or applied correctly. Below are a few of the ways HEF has been at work since our last newsletter. Bright Futures Scholarships Brenda Dickinson has talked with people at the Bright Futures Office, the Department of Education (DOE), legislative staff and with Sen. Steven Wise, chair of the Senate PreK -12 Education Committee. Sen. Wise set up a meeting with top officials from DOE on December 8 to discuss this issue. It was agreed that the current statute does not give DOE the authority to approve the community service hours for home education students. It was agreed that legislation is needed. Brenda Dickinson provided suggested language and will work with Sen. Wise to find a way to correct the problem this year. The good news is that there will be no changes for this year’s seniors. The bad news is that if the language is not passed this year, the policy will be changed for students who graduate in 2012. Lee County The Lee County school district initiated a new practice this summer. They decided that they would terminate the home education program at the end of the year that the student turns 18. This would put some home education students at an unfair disadvantage if they need verification of enrollment in a home education program for Bright Futures Scholarships, for the FHSAA, FLVS and dual enrollment. After discussion with several district administrators, the district decided not to terminate home education students at age 18. However, through the discussions, HEF discovered a bigger threat – a new student policy which was slated for vote by the school board the following week. HEF had a hard time obtaining a copy of the policy since it was not published online and only a desk copy was available. But with the help of Lisa Schiffli, a home school leader, who drove to the district office, picked up a CD and emailed it to HEF, we were able to read the proposed policy on home education. The proposed policy completely shifted the responsibility from the parent for meeting legal requirements to the Superintendent for ensuring compliance. HEF then called one of the School Board members who set up a conference call with their attorney. HEF urged the district to pull the policy from the agenda and let home schoolers work with them on a new draft. They asked HEF to provide a sample policy from another county that HEF would recommend. The result was the proposed home education policy was pulled from the agenda. At the meeting the school board said they wanted to set up a workgroup to draft a new policy. HEF will continue to monitor the situation and work with Lee County home educators to develop a good policy. Flagler County Flagler County instituted a policy similar to Lee County’s age 18 termination (see above). HEF is working with local home education leaders and the district in the same manner as in Lee County. Brenda Dickinson met with representatives from the Department of Education on Dec. 8 to determine if districts had the authority to terminate home education programs when students turn 18. Although the DOE administrators were not attorneys, they said they did not know of a law that even permits a district to terminate a public school student as long as there was no break in attendance. If HEF cannot resolve this issue with the county, then we may have to put language in statute to specify that the district cannot terminate a home education program. We will keep you updated.

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text](Legislative Update in second section below) John M. McKay Scholarship Deadline Approaching Deadline: June 30, 2011 T Why is this important to you? This is important to parents who did not know about the scholarship and decided to home educate or place their child in a private school at their own expense, but now would like to put the child into a private school on a McKay Scholarship. What is the McKay Scholarship? It is a scholarship which provides state-funding to a student with a disability to attend a private school or another public school of the parent(s) choice. The scholarship can vary in amount, depending on the level of the child’s disability, as indicated by their IEP. A student receiving a McKay scholarship may retain their scholarship until he/she returns to the zoned public school, graduates from high school or reaches the age of 22. What does this mean for your child? It means that any child with an IEP that was previously enrolled and reported for funding in October and February in a Florida public school any year between July 1, 2005 and June 30, 2010 is eligible to apply for a first time McKay Scholarship award.  Also, students who received specialized instructional services under the Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) Program for the entire 2010-2011 school year are eligible.  The law passed in 2010 “grandfathers” these students who may currently be enrolled in a private school or a home education program into the McKay Scholarship Program if they meet the eligibility requirements. How do I apply for the McKay Scholarship? Call the Office of Independent Education and Parental Choice at 1-800-447-1636 and ask how to apply. (Expect to leave a message so someone can get back to you.) Your immediate action is required if you want to take advantage of this scholarship because your child has to have a current IEP for you to apply. Other Deadlines Deadline:  Bright Futures scholarship applications must be submitted prior to high school graduation. June is the last opportunity to take the SAT or ACT test.  The student may be able to raise the test scores and receive a higher scholarship award.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Legislative Updates [/vc_column_text][vc_column_text] SB 2156 Reorganization of AWI Office of Early Learning Here are the key components of the Reorganization: Transfer the Office of Early Learning from the Agency of Workforce Innovation (AWI) to the Department of Education as a separate, independent entity, effective July 1, 2011. Director of the Office appointed by the Governor, confirmed by the Senate. DOE may not impose requirements or standards on Early Learning programs beyond what is authorized currently in law for VPK. Auditor General review of the programs and delivery systems (including Early Learning Coalitions). [/vc_column_text][vc_column_text] HB 7151 Bright Futures HB 7151 Online “A student must complete a program of community service work, as approved by the district school board, or the administrators of a nonpublic school, or the Department of Education for home education program students, which shall include a minimum of 75 hours of service work and require the student to identify a social problem that interests him or her, develop a plan for his or her personal involvement in addressing the problem, and, through papers or other presentations, evaluate and reflect upon his or her experience.”[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text] SB 2150 Postsecondary Education Funding SB 2150 Online Bright Futures Scholarships Increases Medallion Scholars SAT test scores for students graduating in 2013-14 from 1050 to 1170 and ACT score from 23 to 26. For home education students whose parents cannot document a college-preparatory curriculum the SAT scores increase from 1100 to 1220 or a concordant ACT score from 24 to 27. Increases Community service hours for students graduating in 2011-2012 from 75 to 100 hours for Academic Scholars and adds a requirement of 75 hours for Medallion scholars in the 2011-2012 school year. Does not give DOE the authority to approve the community service hours for home education students for the Medallion Scholarship. To be eligible for an award under the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program, a student must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) which is complete and error free prior to disbursement. State universities shall require students to pay an excess hour surcharge equal to 100% of the tuition rate for each credit hour taken in excess of 115 % of the number of credit hours required to complete the baccalaureate degree program in which the student is enrolled. Note: Students who take more than 115% will be required to pay an additional charge for tuition which is the portion that the state normally pays as a hidden cost of tuition. Bright Futures Scholarship Awards The award per credit hour for students who enroll during the 2011-2012 academic year shall be as follows: Four year institutions: Academic Scholars Award     $ 101 Medallion Scholars Award      $ 76 Two year Institutions Academic Scholars Award    $ 62 Medallion Scholars Award    $ 62 Upper Division Programs offered by Florida Colleges Academic Scholars Award     $ 70 Medallion Scholars Award     $ 52 Tuition Increases A couple of years ago because of the budget deficit the Legislature allowed state universities community colleges and Florida colleges to add a tuition differential to the base allocation in the state appropriation budget. This tuition differential is flexible and can increase up to 15% per year. Tuition will continue to rise until Florida colleges and universities are in line with national tuition rates. Florida universities tuition’s have been among the lowest in the nation. Out of state students could come to Florida, pay out of state tuition and still be less expensive than going to school in other states as a in state resident. The Florida Bright Futures award was decoupled from tuition about 3 years ago and the amount of the award has gone down each year. However, many home education families will qualify for needs-based scholarships and since the FAFSA is an application requirement Bright Futures, colleges and universities will know if you are eligible for needs-based funding.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] CS/CS/HB 7197 CS/CS/HB 7197 Online Specifies that home education students do not have to take the FCAT or EOC exams. Home Education students can enroll part-time in grades 6 -12 through FLVS but only public school students can enroll part-time in 4th and 5th grades. Any student entering kindergarten or first grade can enroll in a full-time virtual instruction program through the school district or FLVS without being enrolled during the prior school year in a public school. Requires public school students to take at least one online course prior to graduation. .[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text] HB 797 Online Establishes a statewide program for middle and high school students attending non-FHSAA private schools which do not have an athletic program and have less than 125 students to participate in athletics at their zoned public school.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text] CS/HB1329 McKay Scholarships/Students with Disabilities CS/HB1329 Online If this bill is signed into law it will: Make scholarships available to students with disabilities who have a 504 accommodation plan issued under federal law. Allow parent to request and receive a scholarship for their student to enroll and attend a private school if student has a 504 accommodation plan Allow a parent to enroll student in a public school in an adjacent district under certain conditions. [/vc_column_text][vc_column_text] SB 1550 / SB 1225 Educational Savings Account (ESA) (Died) This bill would have provided state funding to parents for the education of their child. The bill would have allowed parents to direct a financial institution trustee of his or her child’s account to use the funds for specified costs of attending a private school or participating in a dual enrollment program or to make a contribution to the child’s college savings plan or a payment to a contract under the Stanley G. Tate Florida Prepaid College Program, normally referred to as the “Florida Prepaid College Fund.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

The American Legion Oratorical Contest exists to develop deeper knowledge and appreciation for the U.S. Constitution among high school students. The 70-year-old program presents participants with an academic speaking challenge that teaches important leadership qualities, the history of our nation’s laws, the ability to think and speak clearly, and an understanding of the duties, responsibilities, rights and privileges of American citizenship. Young orators earn some of the most generous college scholarships available to high school students. High school students under age 20 are eligible. Competition begins at the post level and advances to a state competition. Speaking subjects must be on some aspect of the U.S. Constitution, with some emphasis on the duties and obligations of citizens to our government. Full article: http://www.legion.org/oratorical/about Topics for the upcoming contest: http://www.legion.org/oratorical/topics Inspiration and Ideas: Past Champs 2011 National Champion, Anisha Gururaj’s speech 2010 National Champion, Tori Black’s speech 2007 National Champion, Co’Relous Bryant’s speech (from JACKSONVILLE, FL!! BE SURE TO CHECK THE AMERICAN LEGION WEB SITE FOR COMPLETE DETAILS (DATE, DEADLINES, LOCATIONS, GUIDELINES ETC.)

May Session ended Attended the FPEA Convention and met leaders and parents from across the state. June Attended the FHSAA Board meeting to review policy changes and wording for the 2011-12 school year. July Attend the HERI Convention and Leadership Day. Met with the research arm of the legislature, Office of Program Policy analysis and Government Accountability (OPPAGA) to present the case of modifying the Medallion Bright Futures score for home educators to equate to the scores of public school students as the test scores are raised over the next three years. Began to investigate the Validation of Diploma policy at several State Colleges and determine why home educated students were being required to produce a transcript for admissions. Began researching the virtual options for home educators with the providers, DOE and the legislative staff. August Attended the Kick-off events for  H.E.A.R.T.S in Southwest Ranches and P.E.C. in West Palm Beach. Continued to investigate the validation of diploma issue. Handled calls from home educators regarding special education services for their children. Began tracking legislation for 2012 Legislature, contacting legislators about potential bills.

There is a distinct difference in using the virtual courses as a supplement to a home education program and using it full time as a public school at home. During the 2011 Session, the Florida Legislature expanded virtual education options to students both in the classroom and at home. Florida Virtual School can now offer a full time public option for K-12 grades to any public school student in the state or to any home education or private school student entering grades K-1 or 6-12. School districts can offer part-time courses of their own design or from an approved online provider to public school students taking grades 9-12 courses that are measured by an FCAT, an End of Course, or an AP exam. Blended virtual and traditional classroom programs can be provided by school districts. School Boards have now been authorized to approve Charter Virtual Schools and those will most likely be opening in some districts for the 2012-13 school year. So, if you think you are confused about what virtual options are available, who they serve, and what is offered, you are not alone. The virtual options are abundant, but don’t get confused about the fact that even though students are being taught at home, the program is not directed by their parents. Therefore, these students are not being home educated; they are public school students. The following information was taken from: A Parent’s Guide to Choosing the Right Online Program. A iNACOL publication, February 2010. You may read the entire publication at: http://www.inacol.org/research/promisingpractices/docs/NACOL_PP-ParentsGuide-lr.pdf How is online learning different from homeschooling? Taking an online course or attending a full-time online school is not homeschooling. The online learning options discussed in this paper are provided by school districts, charter schools, state education agencies and other entities that are part of the public education system. Because these are public school online learning opportunities, curricula must meet state academic standards; teachers must be licensed according to state requirements and specially trained in online learning; and students must take all assessments required by federal and state laws. (Page 5) While full time virtual education is not home education, it offers options that otherwise would not be available to parents who want to keep their children at home. There are two circumstances in which a parent may wish to consider one of the full time public virtual programs, including the FLVS FT Public, over a home education program: when a parent of a special needs student wishes to teach their child at home and still continue receiving the ESE services that a public school is required to provide or when a student intends to enter the military and needs to receive a high school diploma. NOTE: Parents need to understand that the newer full time models of virtual public education, including FLVS FT Public, are more attendance driven, have more regimented classes with grade-level curriculum and require that the student take all required state assessments. This might not be a good fit for struggling students or those with special needs. In addition to the FLVS FT Public Program, FLVS will be offering a full time program for home education students. In the FLVS FT Home Education Program, the student will be registered as a home education student with his/her school district and will retain home education status. However, FLVS, rather than the parent, will direct the student’s education, but the parent, rather than FLVS, will be required to provide the final transcript and diploma for their child. The student must complete all courses within the 180-day school year but will not have to take the required state assessments. Parents know their child and will have to decide which of the many options will best meet their child’s needs and goals. There are trade-offs for every choice. If a parent of a public school child with special needs is considering home education, that parent will need to decide if enrolling the child in a full time virtual program in order for the child to receive ESE services is a better fit than home education. HEF has created a chart of the virtual education options available to home education students so that parents can compare these programs. We hope this will help you clear up some of the confusion and help you make a wise choice for your child. Florida Virtual Education Chart

Florida Statute Dual Enrollment: Non-traditional Private School Students Dual Enrollment Programs 1007.271 DOE Dual Enrollment FAQ Dual Enrollment Equivalency List

Could you explain the basic guidelines for the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship for home educated children? Bright Futures Scholarships, for home education students, require that the student be registered with the county (under the Home Ed. statutes) for both their 11th & 12th grade years. Your best reference would be this page: http://www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org/ssfad/bf/, which states: Students Completing a Home Education Program All home-educated students must meet the general requirements for the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program, except the requirement to earn a standard Florida high school diploma. In lieu of the diploma, all home-educated students must be registered with the district in which they reside for grades 11 and 12. For the Florida Academic Scholars award, a home-educated student must provide official documentation of: registration with the district for grades 11 and 12, either a 1270 SAT or a 28 ACT test score, and 75 hours of community service. (1) – community service must be served outside of the home (2) – a student cannot receive monetary compensation for community service (3) – documentation must be provided on letterhead of the business or organization served For the Florida Medallion Scholars award, a home-educated student must provide official documentation of: registration with the district for grades 11 and 12; and either a 1290 SAT or a 26 ACT test score For home educated students who cannot document a college preparatory curriculum of the 16 required core courses in a public or private school, dual enrollment or FLVS,  the student can earn a higher test score of 1220 SAT or 27 ACT and meet the examination score requirement.

No. the “Letter of Termination” is given to the District Superintendent in order to terminate your student’s home education program. It is required by Florida law and does not need to be notarized. If parents fail to submit this document, it appears that home educators are not in compliance with the law when they fail to submit an annual evaluation. This letter simply closes the student’s home education file for purposes of compulsory attendance. The “Signed Affidavit,” however, is a legal document and requires notarization. The Florida law states that parents can provide a signed affidavit attesting that the student has completed their home education program. In Florida law it is equivalent for purposes of admission to a Florida state college to a high school diploma or a GED. You can find a sample “letter of termination” and a sample “signed affidavit” on the www.flhef.org website under forms.

For students who know their career plans, foreign languages may be an important part of reaching those goals. For other students taking a foreign language is just a requirement for graduation or university admission. However we live in a global society where many jobs, even here in the United States, require fluency in a second language. After 911, President Bush along with the Secretaries of State, Education and Defense and the Director of National Intelligence developed a comprehensive plan focused on expanding foreign languages beginning in kindergarten. The purpose of this program is to encourage reform, promote understanding and convey respect and understanding of America and its citizens. To do this Americans need to be able to communicate in other languages. http://www.thelanguageflagship.org focuses on intense instruction by native speaking instructors, studies abroad and exchange programs. Immersion better prepares students to understand the culture, speak with superior fluency, and establish relationships that foster respect and understanding of America and its culture. There are scholarships to bring native speaking teachers to the United States and scholarships to pay for summer and full-year immersion studies abroad. Students will be immersed in the language program while at the same time pursuing a degree in the major(s) of their choice. The students completing this program are considered professionals in the global economy and are offered employment by private companies, the US government, agencies and commissions. If your child is interested in exchange opportunities to learn a language abroad, you might want to explore these websites. https://www.thelanguageflagship.org/content/flagship-k-12-initiatives and  http://educationusa.state.gov Any student planning to attend a Florida college or university is required to have taken two sequential courses in a foreign language before entering the upper division of a state university. It is also a requirement of the Medallion Bright Futures Scholarship IF a home education student chooses to apply for the award based on the lower SAT/ACT score by validating the 16 required courses in a Florida public or a Florida private school. So, what choices do home educated students have to obtain those credits? Since the credits will only be accepted from a Florida public or private school, the two best options would be FLVS or Dual Enrollment in a Florida college. Dual enrollment may be a good option for students who want to fulfill the requirement and get college credit at the same time. However, proximity to a college, selection of courses and quality of instruction should also be considered. FLVS may be a better option for students who live at a distance from the college, may not be able to get the language he or she wants or who may be considering foreign language as a major. Not all languages are taught at every institution so deciding what you plan to use the language for may determine whether you take the language through dual enrollment or FLVS.