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State-By-State Analysis |
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Released Time Laws and Guidelines for
Florida
Updated July 2009
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SUMMARY for Florida
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General Information
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The first Released Time program in Florida was established in 1991. The program, located in Melbourne, offered an off campus elective class for students at Melbourne High School. When checking with the local school board, the program organizers were pleased to learn that a Released Time policy had already been established.
The Florida law makes Released Time possible in every school district. Although a tremendous opportunity exists, few know of it and fewer still take advantage. Every High School in the state could and should have this program.
A parent from Melbourne wrote to the Released Time program organizers there:
"Thank you for all the effort in putting together the Released Time class. The course has had a very positive impact on our daughter. She is much better equipped to stand firm in her faith. I see a lot of growth in her. I believe the class helped the students to solidify their belief in Christ."
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Department of Education Website
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Florida Department of Education
Website: http://www.fldoe.org/
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DETAILS for Florida
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Statutes
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The Florida Statutes expressly provide for "absence for religious instructions" in FLA. STAT. ยง 1003.21(2)(b). It states that "Each district school board, in accordance with rules of the State Board of Education, shall adopt a policy that authorizes a parent to request and be granted permission for absence of a student from school for religious instruction or religious holidays."
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