The Florida Senate

231.002  Teacher quality; legislative findings and purpose.--

(1)  The Legislature intends to implement a comprehensive approach to increase students' academic achievement and improve teaching quality. The Legislature recognizes that professional educators shape the future of this state and the nation by developing the knowledge and skills of our future workforce and laying the foundation for good citizenship and full participation in community and civic life. The Legislature also recognizes its critical role in meeting the state's educational goals and preparing all students to achieve at the high levels set by the Sunshine State Standards.

(2)  The purpose of this act is to raise standards for certifying professional educators, establish a statewide system for inservice professional development, increase accountability for postsecondary programs that prepare future educators, and increase accountability for administrators who evaluate teacher performance. To further this initiative, the Department of Education must review the provisions of this chapter and related administrative rules governing the certification of individuals who must hold state certification as a condition of employment in any district school system. The purpose of the review is to identify ways to make the certification process more efficient and responsive to the needs of district school systems and educators, to maintain rigorous standards for initial and continuing certification, and to provide more alternative certification options for individuals who have specific subject area expertise but have not completed a standard teacher preparation program. The department must evaluate the rigor of the assessment instruments and passing scores required for certification and should consider components of more rigorous and efficient certification systems in other states. The department may request assistance from the Education Standards Commission. By January 1, 2000, the department must submit its findings and recommendations for revision of statutes and administrative rules to the presiding officers of the Senate, the House of Representatives, and the State Board of Education.

History.--s. 45, ch. 99-398.