AP Psychology Update

Sanford, FL: On the evening of August 9^th, Seminole County Public Schools received a letter from Florida Education Commissioner, Manny Diaz which affirmed that Florida Public School Districts were able to provide the AP Psychology course and still meet the requirements of state law.
 
Since the receipt of that letter, our team has been working closely with our school principals, AP Psychology teachers and engaging in conversations that reflect how best to serve our students and provide them with opportunities while remaining in compliance with State Law.
 
After careful consideration, Seminole County Public Schools is pleased to announce the reintroduction of the AP Psychology course utilizing a common multi-district lesson plan for Topic 6.7 to ensure compliance with the Florida Law and College Board requirements. 
 
“We are committed to continuing our legacy of being a unified school district that listens and keeps students first in our decision-making.” – Superintendent Serita Beamon
 
Parent Communication:
 
Dear AP Psychology Families,  
 
You received a letter on August 3^rd, advising you that in order to comply with Florida Law and College Board requirements, AP Psychology would not be offered in SCPS for the 2023-24 school year. Families had options for remaining enrolled in AP Seminar with psychology principles or selecting another AP course or other course.  
 
On the evening of August 9^th, Florida Education Commissioner Manny Diaz, sent a letter to Superintendents regarding AP Psychology stating that, “the learning target, 6.P “Describe how sex and gender influence socialization and other aspects of development,” within Topic 6.7, can be taught consistent with Florida law.” Due to SCPS starting school on August 10^th, I made the decision to maintain the students’ schedules and investigate options for re-considering offering AP Psychology. 
 
In light of this new information, I have met with all SCPS high school principals, all supervising assistant principals, all AP Psychology teachers and relevant district staff. I have also networked with Central Florida and other Florida Superintendents. SCPS teachers agree that a common lesson plan for Topic 6.7 will be used to ensure compliance with Florida Law and College Board Requirements. 
 
I have made the decision to offer our students the AP Psychology course for the 2023-24 school year. College Board has confirmed that they will continue to offer the AP Psychology exam to students in Florida.   
 
By choosing to enroll your student in AP Psychology, we trust that you have considered your educational options and accept the AP Psychology curriculum, including topic 6.7, understanding that AP Psychology is a college-level course, and you are in agreement that the content is age-appropriate for your student. 
 
Thank you for your understanding and patience as we worked through this unique situation. My goal, as always, is to prioritize benefits to our students, and simultaneously ensure our teachers are informed and supported.  
 
We anticipate that your student’s schedule will be updated no later than Monday, August 21^st, to reflect your decision. To assist with scheduling, we ask that all families click this link to select one of the following options by noon on Thursday, August 17^th. 
 
 
Scheduling Options: 

• Option 1 - Drop AP Seminar with psychology principles and add AP Psychology 
• Option 2 - Drop AP Seminar with psychology principles and add a different course (School counselor will contact your student to discuss available courses) 
• Option 3 - Drop an elective course and add AP Psychology (Indicate elective to be dropped) 
• Option 4 - Keep currently enrolled courses (Students enrolled in AP Seminar with psychology principles will be moved to the traditional AP Seminar course.) 
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