The Florida Senate

236.025  Revised funding model for exceptional student education programs.--

(1)  The revised funding model for exceptional student education programs is designed to: be better for students than the existing funding system by encouraging school districts and schools to identify and implement educationally effective instructional delivery models; simplify funding by utilizing five weighted cost factors; provide fiscal support for exceptional students in general education classes; be outcome driven; and be revenue neutral. This funding model is designed to support both traditional and new service delivery models along the continuum of services required for exceptional students. It is the intent of the Legislature, through the General Appropriations Act, to minimize the fiscal impact on school districts of the implementation of this funding model.

(2)(a)  The revised funding model uses five Florida Education Finance Program cost factors for exceptional student education programs. Cost factors are determined by using a matrix of services to document the services that each exceptional student will receive. The nature and intensity of the services indicated on the matrix shall be consistent with the services described in each exceptional student's individual education plan.

(b)  A matrix of services must be completed at least once each year by public school personnel who have received approved training. Additionally, each time an exceptional student's individual education plan, family support plan, or education plan is reviewed, the matrix of services must also be reviewed. Nothing listed in the matrix shall be construed as limiting the services a school district must provide in order to ensure that exceptional students are provided a free, appropriate public education.

(3)  The Department of Education shall revise its monitoring systems for exceptional student education programs to include a review of delivery of services as indicated on the matrix of services.

(4)  The Department of Education shall promulgate rules necessary to implement the revised funding model.

(5)  The funding level in the 1997-1998 FEFP for exceptional student education shall be guaranteed for 3 years so that no district will have a financial uncertainty during the initial implementation of the revised funding model.

History.--s. 41, ch. 97-307.