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HB 7127 —School Improvement and Education Accountability
by Education Committee and Rep. Fresen (CS/SB 1522 by Education Pre-K - 12 Committee and Senator Montford)
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Education Pre-K - 12 Committee (ED)
The bill aligns Florida’s differentiated accountably system with the state’s school grading system. The bill requires the Department of Education to identify public schools in need of intervention and support to improve student performance, based on school grades. All schools earning a grade of “D” or “F” are schools in need of intervention and support. The bill requires the State Board of Education to provide the most intensive intervention strategies to schools earning an “F” grade. Additionally, the bill revises the requirements for restructuring low performing schools.
The bill targets struggling students in need of additional support to close the achievement gap for all subgroups of students, which include economically disadvantaged students, students from major racial and ethnic groups, students with disabilities, and students with limited English proficiency. The bill establishes the same differentiated accountability requirements for charter schools and traditional public schools.
Under the bill, at least 50 percent of a high school’s grade would be based on statewide assessments and the remaining percentage on additional outcomes, such as students who earn industry certifications in high demand occupations and the graduation rate of at-risk students.
For the 2012-2013 school year, the bill requires school districts to use an amount equal to 15 percent of federal funds allocated under Title I, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act for supplemental educational services, such as tutoring and summer camps in reading and mathematics, for the lowest performing students in all Title I schools.
The bill also eliminates duplicative testing for middle school students who participate in high school courses that require an end-of-course assessment in Algebra I, geometry, or Biology I, therefore limiting the amount of time a student would be tested during the school year.
If approved by the Governor, these provisions take effect July 1, 2012
Vote: Senate 40-0; House 82-31