(1) Secondary schools offering career-themed courses, as defined in s. 1003.493(1)(b), and career and professional academies shall be coordinated with the relevant and appropriate industry to prepare a student for further education or for employment in that industry. (2) Industry certification as used in this section is a voluntary process through which students are assessed by an independent, third-party certifying entity using predetermined standards for knowledge, skills, and competencies, resulting in the award of a credential that is identified on the Master Credentials List under s. 445.004(4). (3) The Department of Education shall collect student achievement and performance data in industry-certified career education programs and career-themed courses that includes, but need not be limited to, graduation rates, retention rates, Florida Bright Futures Scholarship awards, additional educational attainment, employment records, earnings, industry certification, return on investment, and employer satisfaction.
