Diaz sends another letter ensuring AP Psychology can be taught consistent with Florida law

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FLV) – Florida’s education commissioner sent another letter to superintendents Wednesday to “make sure there is no room for error” regarding the AP Psychology course.

The College Board, which oversees AP credit, and Florida Department of Education have released statements back-and-forth over the last several days about the legality of the course in the state.

The College Board had previously suggested it would withhold AP status from the course because the State Board of Education prohibited in April teaching gender and sexual orientation through 12th Grade.

A section of AP Psychology includes describing “how sex and gender influence socialization and other aspects of development.”

Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz Jr. had previously said the course would remain in the course catalog for students.

Individual districts have the authority to choose whether to offer AP courses. Out of caution, one school district pulled the course, and later reversed that decision.

Diaz said in the Wednesday letter that his team was tasked with reviewing the AP Psychology framework at length.

“I believe I was clear in my previous letter, but I want to make sure there is no room for misinterpretation,” he said.

The department believes that the learning target about sex and gender influencing socialization “can be taught consistent with Florida law.”

He continued to say that other college credit providers, such as AICE and IB, have confirmed they would offer the psychology course.

“Please confirm whether Florida students and their parents may expect you to provide the AP Psychology course that remains on Florida’s course code directory,” he ended.