Focus Act

1. Do "Tim Tebow" students have to complete the FOCUS Act Modules?  

Answer: If students are enrolled, then they should complete the course. Students using the Tim Tebow law are enrolled and take a class at the school for which they play sports. In this case, the students should also be provided with access to the course material for the FOCUS Act to complete. 

2. Do ALL “Tim Tebow” students have to complete the FOCUS Act modules? We have students in the 9th and 10th grades.

Answer: The memo (FY25-1010) states, "Local boards of education must reasonably notify parents of the course's availability and must deliver it to all 7th grade students before they enter the 8th grade.  The course must also be available to students in Grades 8-12 who transfer to the school district or who otherwise have not completed the course; the course may be made available to other students in Grades 8-12 on a voluntary basis."

This memo was issued on July 1, 2025 for this school year.  In reference to "Tim Tebow" students having to complete the course for the 2025-2026 school year, it would apply to those students who are currently in the 7th grade.  The course should be made available for all students, including "Tim Tebow" students in grades 8-12 on a voluntary basis for this school year.

To further clarify, if next school year (2026-2027) a "Tim Tebow student enrolls in the 8th grade, then that student would need to take the FOCUS Act course because he/she would be with the 7th grade cohort that began this implementation.  This would also apply to a student who may enroll from out of state and has not completed the course.  

For this year, if you have a "Tim Tebow" student who is in the 9th grade, he or she (like all other 8th-12th grade students) should have the course made available to them, but completion and "checking the box in PowerSchool" is not a requirement for students in grades other than 7th.  Beginning next year, all 2026-2027 7th graders (unless the LEA decided to implement this requirement for grades other than just 7th this year), will be required to take the FOCUS Act Course, and any student in the 8th grade for 2026-2027 who does not show completion of the course in PS will also need to complete the requirement.  

3. Question:  Do students with disabilities, especially students who require modifications and present with severe cognitive disabilities, have to complete the FOCUS Act modules?

Answer: The course content may be delivered in a variety of instructional formats, including whole group, small group, or though individualized instruction, in order to meet the needs of all learners. Students with significant disabilities may be among our most vulnerable populations; therefore, providing access to this information—aligned with the accommodations and/or modifications outlined in each student’s IEP—is essential to ensuring that the content is delivered to all 7th graders prior to entering the 8th grade.

4. Question:  Is there a modified version of the FOCUS Act course?

Answer: The Special Education Services section is currently developing a modified version of each of the three FOCUS Act modules.  They are waiting for approval to release the information.  Once approved, the modified content will be available on the FOCUS Act Document on this page.

5. Do students who are homebound have to complete the FOCUS Act Modules?

Answer: All students in grade 7 for the 2025-2026 school year (Homebound, "Tim Tebow", Students with Special Needs, etc.) should have the course delivered to them. 

6. Do ALL students have to complete the learning activities or questions on the Google form in Schoology?

Answer: No…There is NO requirement by the ALSDE to complete any of the additional activities listed in Schoology, as those are all optional.  The only requirement is that the three FOCUS Act modules be delivered to all 7th graders prior to entering the 8th grade, beginning this school year 2025-2026. LEAs may choose to include additional requirements.  Please check with your LEA.