High School Graduation Requirements
The implications of HB 0979 extend to how high school education is structured for students with disabilities, especially in relation to their Individual Education Plans (IEPs). The bill underscores the importance of preparing students not just academically but also financially, by encouraging them to apply for federal aid, which may provide scholarships or financial support for their post-secondary education. High schools will now have a responsibility to enforce this new requirement and ensure compliance, thus potentially changing how schools guide students in their graduation processes.
House Bill 0979 aims to amend the graduation requirements for high school students in Florida, particularly focusing on those with disabilities. Under this bill, a significant new requirement mandates that students submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to be awarded a standard high school diploma. This change is poised to impact students entering grade 9 from the 2022-2023 school year onwards. However, there is an exception which allows for a signed waiver to be submitted instead, indicating that the student or their parent has opted not to apply for federal aid.
One point of contention with HB 0979 may stem from concerns about accessibility and the equity of the new FAFSA requirement. Some critics argue that mandating FAFSA submissions could place an additional burden on students and families who may already be navigating complex educational needs. Advocates may express worries that this requirement could inadvertently hinder graduation for students who, due to personal circumstances or misunderstandings, do not complete the FAFSA process, despite the existence of the waiver option.