(1) Each standard high school diploma shall include, as applicable, the following designations if the student meets the criteria set forth for the designation:

(a) Scholar designation.—In addition to the requirements of s. 1003.4282, in order to earn the Scholar designation, a student must satisfy the following requirements:

1. Mathematics.—Earn one credit in Algebra II or an equally rigorous course and one credit in statistics or an equally rigorous course. Beginning with students entering grade 9 in the 2014-2015 school year, pass the Geometry statewide, standardized assessment.

2. Science.—Pass the statewide, standardized Biology I EOC assessment and earn one credit in chemistry or physics and one credit in a course equally rigorous to chemistry or physics. However, a student enrolled in an Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), or Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) Biology course who takes the respective AP, IB, or AICE Biology assessment and earns the minimum score necessary to earn college credit as identified pursuant to s. 1007.27(2) meets the requirement of this subparagraph without having to take the statewide, standardized Biology I EOC assessment.

3. Social studies.—Pass the statewide, standardized United States History EOC assessment. However, a student enrolled in an AP, IB, or AICE course that includes United States History topics who takes the respective AP, IB, or AICE assessment and earns the minimum score necessary to earn college credit as identified pursuant to s. 1007.27(2) meets the requirement of this subparagraph without having to take the statewide, standardized United States History EOC assessment.

4. Foreign language.—Earn two credits in the same foreign language.

5. Electives.—Earn at least one credit in an Advanced Placement, an International Baccalaureate, an Advanced International Certificate of Education, or a dual enrollment course.

(b) Merit designation.—In addition to the requirements of s. 1003.4282, in order to earn the Merit designation, a student must attain one or more industry certifications from the list established under s. 1003.492.

(2) Students and parents shall be provided information about diploma designations through an online education and career planning tool, which allows students to monitor their progress toward the attainment of each designation.

(3) The State Board of Education may make recommendations to the Legislature regarding the establishment of additional designations.

History.—s. 8, ch. 2008-235; s. 4, ch. 2009-40; s. 464, ch. 2011-142; s. 18, ch. 2013-27; s. 8, ch. 2013-35; s. 41, ch. 2014-39; s. 5, ch. 2015-6; s. 34, ch. 2017-116; s. 15, ch. 2019-119.