Downloads
CS/CS/HB 1365 — Competency-Based Education Pilot Program
by Education Appropriations Subcommittee; Choice and Innovation Subcommittee; and Reps. Rodriguez, R., Sprowls, and others (CS/CS/SB 1714 by Appropriations Committee; Education Pre-K – 12 Committee; and Senators Brandes and Sachs)
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 promotes competency-based student learning opportunities by establishing a competency-based innovation pilot program (pilot program) within the Department of Education (department) for a period of five years. The bill specifies a purpose for the pilot program, which is to provide an educational environment that allows students to advance to higher levels of learning after demonstrating a mastery of concepts and skills.
Specifically, the bill:
- Authorizes the P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School and the Lake, Palm Beach, Pinellas, and Seminole County school districts to apply to the department to participate in the pilot program.
- Specifies pilot program-related application requirements such as the timelines for districtwide implementation of the pilot program; a list of participating schools; annual goals and performance outcomes for participating schools including, but not limited to, student performance, promotion and retention rates, graduation rates, and indicators of college and career readiness; a communication plan for parents and other stakeholders; the scope and timelines for professional development for certain school personnel; and a plan for student progression based on the mastery of content.
- Requires students participating in the pilot program at participating schools to be reported for funding in accordance with current law.
- Authorizes the State Board of Education (state board) to permit the commissioner to grant waivers from state board rules relating to student progression and the awarding of credits.
- Requires the state board to adopt rules to administer the pilot program provisions.
The bill requires the department to:
- Compile student and staff schedules of participating schools before and after implementation of the pilot program.
- Provide participating schools with access to the statewide, standardized comprehensive and end-of-course assessments.
- Provide a report annually, by June 1, summarizing the activities and accomplishments of the pilot programs and recommendations for statutory revisions for statewide implementation to the Governor, President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
If approved by the Governor, these provisions take effect July 1, 2016.
Vote: Senate 31-6; House 100-13