1. (1) Vocational dual enrollment shall be provided as a curricular option for secondary students to pursue in order to earn a series of elective credits toward the high school diploma. However, vocational dual enrollment may not supplant student acquisition of the diploma. Vocational dual enrollment must be available for a secondary student seeking a degree or certificate from a complete job-preparatory program, but may not sustain student enrollment in isolated vocational courses. It is the intent of the Legislature that student enrollment in a vocational dual enrollment program reflect the interests and aptitudes of the student. The provision of a comprehensive academic and vocational dual enrollment program within the vocational-technical center or community college is supportive of legislative intent; however, such provision is not mandatory.

2. (2) Vocational early admission is a form of vocational dual enrollment through which eligible secondary students enroll full time in an ¹area technical center or a community college in courses that are creditable toward the high school diploma and the certificate or associate degree. Participation in the vocational early admission program shall be limited to students who have completed a minimum of 6 semesters of full-time secondary enrollment, including studies undertaken in the ninth grade. Students enrolled pursuant to this section are exempt from the payment of registration, matriculation, and laboratory fees.

   ¹Note.--The term "area technical center" was substituted for the term "area vocational-technical center" by the editors pursuant to the directive of the Legislature in s. 16, ch. 94-232.

History.--s. 21, ch. 92-136.