Amid statewide concerns that aspects of the course might be illegal to teach under new Florida laws, Volusia County Schools will not offer AP Psychology as a course for high-school students in the county’s public schools.
Advanced placement classes offer college credit to students who pass exams at the end of the school year. For the 2023-24 school year, Volusia County Schools will offer similar courses offering college credit.
“Shifting to either Cambridge AICE Psychology or IB Psychology will ensure our students have the opportunity to earn college credit,” a statement from Volusia County Schools read. “The district has already been in contact with Cambridge AICE to ensure a collaborative transition and certification of our schools. All necessary actions are being put in place to ensure a seamless transition and student schedules will reflect this change.”
The 2023-24 school year begins next Monday, Aug. 14, and students who signed up to take AP Psychology will be automatically enrolled in the Cambridge AICE Psychology course or the IB Psychology course.
According to Volusia County Schools, only five high schools in the school district will be affected by the change in courses.
Previously, the Department of Education flagged content in the psychology course referencing sexual orientation and gender identity as running afoul of Florida’s laws on the subjects. However, earlier this week, Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. said the course could be taught in its entirety in Florida classrooms.
Still, Volusia County Schools joins districts across the state including Hillsborough County, Lake County and more in offering the alternative courses rather than the standard College Board course.