SB 556 — Requirements for a Standard High School Diploma

Florida Senate - 2026 CS for SB 556 By Senatorthe BermanCommittee 26-00148-26on 2026556__Education APre-K bill- to12; be entitled An act relating to requirements for a standard high school diploma;

and Senator Berman 581-01915-26 2026556c1 A bill to be entitled An act relating to requirements for a standard high school diploma;

providing that students can substitute marching band experience for physical education and performing fine arts credit requirements for a standard high school diploma;

9 Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:

Paragraph (f) of subsection (3) and paragraph (b) of subsection (8) of section 1003.4282, Florida Statutes, isare amended to read:

1003.4282 Requirements for a standard high school diploma.— (8)(3) STUDENTSSTANDARD WITHHIGH DISABILITIES.—BeginningSCHOOL withDIPLOMA; students entering grade 9 in the 2014-2015 school year, this subsection applies to a student with a disability.

COURSE AND ASSESSMENT REQUIREMENTS.— (f) One credit in physical education.—Physical education must include the integration of health.

Participation in an interscholastic sport at the junior varsity or varsity level for two full seasons shall satisfy the one-credit requirement in physical education.

A district school board may not require that the one credit in physical education be taken during the 9th grade year.

Completion of 2 years of marching band shall satisfy the one-credit requirement in physical education and or the one- credit requirement in performing arts.

This credit may not be used to satisfy the personal fitness requirement or the Page 1 of 4 CODING:

Words stricken are deletions;

words underlined are additions.

Florida Senate - 2026 CS for SB 556 581-01915-26 2026556c1 requirement for adaptive physical education under an individual education plan (IEP) or 504 plan.

Completion of one semester with a grade of “C” or better in a marching band class, in a physical activity class that requires participation in marching band activities as an extracurricular activity, or in a dance class shall satisfy one-half credit in physical education or one-half credit in performing arts.

This credit may not be used to satisfy the personal fitness requirement or the requirement for adaptive physical education under an IEP or 504 plan.

Completion of 2 years in a Reserve Officer Training Corps (R.O.T.C.) class, a significant component of which is drills, shall satisfy the one-credit requirement in physical education and the one-credit requirement in performing arts.

This credit may not be used to satisfy the personal fitness requirement or the requirement for adaptive physical education under an IEP or 504 plan.

(8) STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES.—Beginning with students entering grade 9 in the 2014-2015 school year, this subsection applies to a student with a disability.

A combination of course substitutions, assessments, industry certifications, other acceleration options, or occupational completion points appropriate to the student’s uniquePage skills2 and abilities that meet the criteria established by State Board of Education4 rule.CODING:

b.

A portfolio of quantifiable evidence that documents a Page 1 of 3 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2026 CS for SB 556 26-00148-26581-01915-26 2026556__2026556c1 student’sunique masteryskills ofand academicabilities standardsthat throughmeet rigorousthe metricscriteria established by State Board of Education rule.

b.

A portfolio of quantifiable evidence that documents a student’s mastery of academic standards through rigorous metrics established by State Board of Education rule.

Documented successful employment for the number of hours per week specified in the student’s transition plan, for the equivalent of 1 semester, and payment of a minimum wage in compliance with the requirements of the federal Fair Labor StandardsPage Act.3 of 4 CODING:

d.

Documented mastery of the academic and employment competencies, industry certifications, and occupational Page 2 of 3 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2026 CS for SB 556 26-00148-26581-01915-26 2026556__2026556c1 completionStandards pointsAct. specified in the student’s transition plan.

d.

Documented mastery of the academic and employment competencies, industry certifications, and occupational completion points specified in the student’s transition plan.

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