Florida Proposes New FELE Passing Standards for School Leadership Certification
The Florida State Board of Education has proposed amendments to Rule 6A-4.00821 that would establish new passing scores for the updated Florida Educational Leadership Examination (FELE), the assessment required for individuals seeking educational leadership certification in Florida.
The proposed rule aligns the FELE with the revised Florida Educational Leadership Standards and the new competencies and skills framework adopted in 2024. While the updated competencies will become effective on January 1, 2026, the proposed passing scores would take effect on January 1, 2027.
Key Proposed Changes
The rule formally transitions the FELE from the previous leadership competencies to the new Fifth Edition (2024) Competencies and Skills Required for Certification in Educational Leadership in Florida. The updated examination will assess candidates in four areas:
- Foundational Policies and Practices of School Leadership
- Leadership Practices for Student Learning
- Leadership Development
- Leadership Communication
New FELE Cut Scores
Beginning January 1, 2027, candidates would be required to meet the following passing standards:
|
FELE Subtest |
Proposed Passing Score |
|
Subtest 1: Foundational Policies and Practices of School Leadership |
Scaled score of 200 (equivalent to 34 correct items on the standard-setting form) |
|
Subtest 2: Leadership Practices for Student Learning |
Scaled score of 200 (equivalent to 34 correct items on the standard-setting form) |
|
Subtest 3: Leadership Development |
Minimum score of 5 out of 8 on the written performance assessment |
|
Subtest 4: Leadership Communication |
Minimum score of 5 out of 8 on the written performance assessment |
The Department of Education stated that the proposed changes are needed to establish passing standards for the revised examination and ensure alignment between certification requirements and Florida's updated educational leadership expectations. The agency also determined that the rule is not expected to create high regulatory costs or require legislative ratification.
A public hearing on the proposed rule is scheduled for September 16, 2026, in Winter Haven, providing stakeholders an opportunity to offer feedback before the rule is finalized.