HB 0901 2003
1	A bill to be entitled
2	An act relating to educational leadership; creating the
3	BEST Florida Teaching Act of 2003; creating s. 1000.041,
4	F.S.; providing legislative purposes and guiding
5	principles of the act; amending s. 1001.33, F.S.;
6	requiring cooperation to apply such guiding principles;
7	amending s. 1001.42, F.S.; requiring employment of certain
8	persons to perform tasks not related to classroom
9	instruction; requiring school district support of
10	authority; amending ss. 1001.51 and 1001.54, F.S.;
11	requiring cooperation and support of district school
12	superintendents and school principals; amending s.
13	1002.20, F.S.; providing student rights with respect to
14	classroom orderliness; amending s. 1002.42, F.S.;
15	correcting a cross reference; amending s. 1003.04, F.S.;
16	requiring specified student conduct; requiring parental
17	cooperation with school authority; amending s. 1003.31,
18	F.S.; requiring support of the authority of teachers and
19	bus drivers; amending s. 1003.32, F.S.; revising
20	provisions relating to teacher authority and
21	responsibility for control of students; designating a
22	school placement review committee to determine placement
23	for disruptive students; requiring reports; requiring
24	Commissioner of Education review of success in achieving
25	orderly classrooms and use of enforcement actions;
26	requiring reporting of knowledge or suspicion of crimes of
27	violence on school property and providing immunity;
28	amending s. 1004.04, F.S.; revising provisions relating to
29	state approval of teacher preparation programs; expanding
30	State Board of Education rules establishing core
31	curricula; requiring teacher preparation programs to
32	incorporate certain instruction; providing for guarantee;
33	providing for additional teacher training under certain
34	circumstances; authorizing pay for student teacher
35	internships; authorizing additional standards for program
36	approval and certification; providing priority
37	consideration for participation in teacher education pilot
38	programs; amending ss. 1006.08 and 1006.09, F.S.;
39	requiring district school superintendent and school
40	principal support relating to student discipline; amending
41	s. 1009.59., F.S.; renaming and revising eligibility
42	criteria and loan reimbursement of the Critical Teacher
43	Shortage Student Loan Forgiveness Program; creating s.
44	1009.591, F.S.; creating the Teaching Fellows Program to
45	encourage certain graduate students to enter the teaching
46	profession; providing for stipends, signing bonuses upon
47	employment, and waiver of tuition and fees under certain
48	circumstances; providing repayment requirements; creating
49	s. 1011.63, F.S.; creating a categorical fund to provide
50	BEST Florida Teaching bonuses to top-performing teachers;
51	amending s. 1012.05, F.S.; requiring the Department of
52	Education to provide for one-stop shopping for teacher
53	career information and on-line support; authorizing use of
54	funds to recruit and prepare teachers; creating s.
55	1012.231, F.S.; requiring district school board plans for
56	compensation of beginning classroom teachers; providing
57	performance pay to fund differentiated teacher salaries;
58	providing requirements and incentives relating to teacher
59	assignments; amending ss. 1012.27 and 1012.28, F.S.;
60	providing duties of district school superintendents and
61	school principals; amending s. 1012.56, F.S.; revising the
62	time period for which an official statement of status of
63	eligibility for certification is valid; revising
64	requirements for mastery of general knowledge, mastery of
65	subject area knowledge, and mastery of professional
66	preparation and education competence; revising provisions
67	relating to temporary certificates; amending s. 1012.57,
68	F.S.; requiring district school boards to adopt rules to
69	allow for the issuance of adjunct teaching certificates;
70	revising provisions relating to determination of expertise
71	in the subject area to be taught; amending s. 1012.585,
72	F.S.; revising certain requirements for renewal of
73	professional certificates; correcting a cross reference;
74	creating s. 1012.586, F.S.; authorizing school districts
75	to process certain applications via website; providing for
76	a fee and the uses thereof; amending s. 1012.72, F.S.;
77	expanding the Dale Hickam Excellent Teaching program to
78	provide incentives for teachers who seek or are issued
79	certain certification by the American Board for
80	Certification of Teacher Excellence; restricting bonuses
81	to certain teachers; amending s. 1012.73, F.S.; providing
82	that teacher career development does not require
83	graduation from a teacher preparation program; amending s.
84	1012.98, F.S.; revising provisions relating to the School
85	Community Professional Development Act; deleting
86	provisions relating to recruitment, preparation, and
87	professional development of school administrative
88	personnel; creating s. 1012.987, F.S.; authorizing a
89	principal leadership designation and incentives therefor;
90	requiring a system for recruitment, preparation, and
91	education leadership development of school administrative
92	personnel; authorizing request of resignation of a school
93	principal and teachers under certain circumstances;
94	providing an effective date.
95
96	Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
97
98	Section 1. This act shall be known by the popular name
99	"The BEST Florida Teaching Act of 2003."
100	Section 2. Section 1000.041, Florida Statutes, is created
101	to read:
102	1000.041 Better Educated Students and Teachers (BEST)
103	Florida Teaching Act of 2003; legislative purposes; guiding
104	principles.--The legislative purposes and guiding principles of
105	the BEST Florida Teaching Act of 2003 are:
106	(1) Teachers lead, students learn.
107	(2) Teachers maintain orderly, disciplined classrooms
108	conducive to student learning.
109	(3) Teachers are trained, recruited, well compensated, and
110	retained for quality.
111	(4) Teachers are well rewarded for their students' high
112	performance.
113	(5) Teachers are most effective when served by exemplary
114	school administrators.
115
116	Each teacher preparation program, each postsecondary educational
117	institution providing dual enrollment or other acceleration
118	programs, each district school board, and each district and
119	school-based administrator fully supports and cooperates in the
120	accomplishment of these purposes and guiding principles.
121	Section 3. Section 1001.33, Florida Statutes, is amended
122	to read:
123	1001.33 Schools under control of district school board and
124	district school superintendent.--
125	(1)Except as otherwise provided by law, all public
126	schools conducted within the district shall be under the
127	direction and control of the district school board with the
128	district school superintendent as executive officer.
129	(2) Each district school board, each district school
130	superintendent, and each district and school-based administrator
131	shall cooperate to apply the following guiding principles of the
132	Better Educated Students and Teachers (BEST) Florida Teaching
133	Act of 2003:
134	(a) Teachers lead, students learn.
135	(b) Teachers maintain orderly, disciplined classrooms
136	conducive to student learning.
137	(c) Teachers are trained, recruited, well compensated, and
138	retained for quality.
139	(d) Teachers are well rewarded for their students' high
140	performance.
141	(e) Teachers are most effective when served by exemplary
142	school administrators.
143	Section 4. Subsections (5) and (6) of section 1001.42,
144	Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
145	1001.42 Powers and duties of district school board.--The
146	district school board, acting as a board, shall exercise all
147	powers and perform all duties listed below:
148	(5) PERSONNEL.--
149	(a)Designate positions to be filled, prescribe
150	qualifications for those positions, and provide for the
151	appointment, compensation, promotion, suspension, and dismissal
152	of employees, subject to the requirements of chapter 1012. Each
153	district school board shall employ personnel who are not
154	classroom teachers to perform all paperwork and recordkeeping
155	requirements not directly related to classroom instruction.
156	(b)Notwithstanding s. 1012.55 or any other provision of
157	law or rule to the contrary, the district school board may,
158	consistent with adopted district school board policy relating to
159	alternative certification for school principals, appoint persons
160	to the position of school principal who do not hold educator
161	certification.
162	(c) Fully support and cooperate in the application of the
163	guiding principles of the Better Educated Students and Teachers
164	(BEST) Florida Teaching Act of 2003, pursuant to s. 1000.041.
165	(6) STUDENTCHILDWELFARE.--
166	(a)In accordance with the provisions of chapters 1003 and
167	1006, provide for the proper accounting for all students
168	childrenof school age, for the attendance and control of
169	students at school, and for proper attention to health, safety,
170	and other matters relating to the welfare of studentschildren.
171	(b) In accordance with the provisions of ss. 1003.31 and
172	1003.32, fully support the authority of each teacher and school
173	bus driver to remove disobedient, disrespectful, violent,
174	abusive, uncontrollable, or disruptive students from the
175	classroom and the school bus.
176	Section 5. Subsection (23) of section 1001.51, Florida
177	Statutes, is renumbered as subsection (25), and new subsections
178	(23) and (24) are added to said section to read:
179	1001.51 Duties and responsibilities of district school
180	superintendent.--The district school superintendent shall
181	exercise all powers and perform all duties listed below and
182	elsewhere in the law, provided that, in so doing, he or she
183	shall advise and counsel with the district school board. The
184	district school superintendent shall perform all tasks necessary
185	to make sound recommendations, nominations, proposals, and
186	reports required by law to be acted upon by the district school
187	board. All such recommendations, nominations, proposals, and
188	reports by the district school superintendent shall be either
189	recorded in the minutes or shall be made in writing, noted in
190	the minutes, and filed in the public records of the district
191	school board. It shall be presumed that, in the absence of the
192	record required in this section, the recommendations,
193	nominations, and proposals required of the district school
194	superintendent were not contrary to the action taken by the
195	district school board in such matters.
196	(23) QUALITY TEACHERS.--Fully support and cooperate in the
197	application of the guiding principles of the Better Educated
198	Students and Teachers (BEST) Florida Teaching Act of 2003,
199	pursuant to s. 1000.041.
200	(24) ORDERLY CLASSROOMS AND SCHOOL BUSES.--Fully support
201	the authority of each teacher and school bus driver to remove
202	disobedient, disrespectful, violent, abusive, uncontrollable, or
203	disruptive students from the classroom and the school bus.
204	Section 6. Subsection (1) of section 1001.54, Florida
205	Statutes, is amended to read:
206	1001.54 Duties of school principals.--
207	(1)(a)A district school board shall employ, through
208	written contract, public school principals.
209	(b)The school principal has authority over school
210	district personnel in accordance with s. 1012.28.
211	(c) The school principal shall fully support and cooperate
212	in the application of the guiding principles of the Better
213	Educated Students and Teachers (BEST) Florida Teaching Act of
214	2003, pursuant to s. 1000.041.
215	(d) The school principal shall fully support the authority
216	of each teacher and school bus driver to remove disobedient,
217	disrespectful, violent, abusive, uncontrollable, or disruptive
218	students from the classroom and the school bus.
219	Section 7. Subsection (22) is added to said section
220	1002.20, Florida Statutes, to read:
221	1002.20 K-12 student and parent rights.--K-12 students and
222	their parents are afforded numerous statutory rights including,
223	but not limited to, the following:
224	(22) ORDERLY, DISCIPLINED CLASSROOMS.--Public school
225	students shall be in orderly, disciplined classrooms conducive
226	to learning without the distraction caused by disobedient,
227	disrespectful, violent, abusive, uncontrollable, or disruptive
228	students, in accordance with s. 1003.32.
229	Section 8. Subsection (13) of section 1002.42, Florida
230	Statutes, is amended to read:
231	1002.42 Private schools.--
232	(13) PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SYSTEM.--An organization of
233	private schools that has no fewer than 10 member schools in this
234	state may develop a professional development system to be filed
235	with the Department of Education in accordance with the
236	provisions of s. 1012.98(6)(7).
237	Section 9. Section 1003.04, Florida Statutes, is amended
238	to read:
239	1003.04 Student conduct and parental involvement goals.--
240	(1) It is the goal of the Legislature and each district
241	school board that Each public K-12 student mustremain in
242	attendance throughout the school year, unless excused by the
243	school for illness or other good cause, and mustcomply fully
244	with the school's code of conduct.
245	(2) The parent of each public K-12 student must cooperate
246	with the authority of the student's school board,
247	superintendent, principal, teachers, and school bus drivers to
248	remove the student from the classroom or the school bus pursuant
249	to ss. 1003.31 and 1003.32 if the student is disobedient,
250	disrespectful, violent, abusive, uncontrollable, or disruptive.
251	(3)(2)It is the goal of the Legislature and each district
252	school board that the parent of each public K-12 student comply
253	with the school's reasonable and time-acceptable parental
254	involvement requests.
255	Section 10. Subsection (1) of section 1003.31, Florida
256	Statutes, is amended to read:
257	1003.31 Students subject to control of school.--
258	(1) Subject to law and rules of the State Board of
259	Education and of the district school board, each student
260	enrolled in a school shall:
261	(a) During the time she or he is being transported to or
262	from school at public expense;
263	(b) During the time she or he is attending school;
264	(c) During the time she or he is on the school premises
265	participating with authorization in a school-sponsored activity;
266	and
267	(d) During a reasonable time before and after the student
268	is on the premises for attendance at school or for authorized
269	participation in a school-sponsored activity, and only when on
270	the premises,
271
272	be under the control and direction of the principal or teacher
273	in charge of the school, and under the immediate control and
274	direction of the teacher or other member of the instructional
275	staff or of the bus driver to whom such responsibility may be
276	assigned by the principal. However, the State Board of Education
277	or the district school board may, by rules, subject each student
278	to the control and direction of the principal or teacher in
279	charge of the school during the time she or he is otherwise en
280	route to or from school or is presumed by law to be attending
281	school. Each district school board, each district school
282	superintendent, and each school principal shall fully support
283	the authority of teachers and school bus drivers to remove
284	disobedient, disrespectful, violent, abusive, uncontrollable, or
285	disruptive students from the classroom and the school bus.
286	Section 11. Section 1003.32, Florida Statutes, is amended
287	to read:
288	1003.32 Authority of teacher; responsibility for control
289	of students; district school board and principal
290	duties.--Subject to law and to the rules of the district school
291	board, each teacher or other member of the staff of any school
292	shall have such authority for the control and discipline of
293	students as may be assigned to him or her by the principal or
294	the principal's designated representative and shall keep good
295	order in the classroom and in other places in which he or she is
296	assigned to be in charge of students.
297	(1) In accordance with this section andwithin the
298	framework of the district school board's code of student
299	conduct, teachers and other instructional personnel shall have
300	the authority to undertake any of the following actions in
301	managing student behavior and ensuring the safety of all
302	students in their classes and school and their opportunity to
303	learn in an orderly and disciplined classroom:
304	(a) Establish classroom rules of conduct.
305	(b) Establish and implement consequences, designed to
306	change behavior, for infractions of classroom rules.
307	(c) Have disobedient, disrespectful, violent, abusive,
308	uncontrollable, or disruptive students temporarily or
309	permanently removed from the classroom for behavior management
310	intervention.
311	(d) Have violent, abusive, uncontrollable, or disruptive
312	students directed for information or assistance from appropriate
313	school or district school board personnel.
314	(e) Assist in enforcing school rules on school property,
315	during school-sponsored transportation, and during school-
316	sponsored activities.
317	(f) Request and receive information as to the disposition
318	of any referrals to the administration for violation of
319	classroom or school rules.
320	(g) Request and receive immediate assistance in classroom
321	management if a student becomes uncontrollable or in case of
322	emergency.
323	(h) Request and receive training and other assistance to
324	improve skills in classroom management, violence prevention,
325	conflict resolution, and related areas.
326	(i) Press charges if a crime has been committed against
327	the teacher or other instructional personnelon school property,
328	during school-sponsored transportation, or during school-
329	sponsored activities.
330	(j) Use reasonable force, according to standards adopted
331	by the State Board of Education, to protect himself or herself
332	or others from injury.
333	(k) Use corporal punishment according to school board
334	policy and at least the following procedures, if a teacher feels
335	that corporal punishment is necessary:
336	1. The use of corporal punishment shall be approved in
337	principle by the principal before it is used, but approval is
338	not necessary for each specific instance in which it is used.
339	The principal shall prepare guidelines for administering such
340	punishment which identify the types of punishable offenses, the
341	conditions under which the punishment shall be administered, and
342	the specific personnel on the school staff authorized to
343	administer the punishment.
344	2. A teacher or principal may administer corporal
345	punishment only in the presence of another adult who is informed
346	beforehand, and in the student's presence, of the reason for the
347	punishment.
348	3. A teacher or principal who has administered punishment
349	shall, upon request, provide the student's parent with a written
350	explanation of the reason for the punishment and the name of the
351	other adult who was present.
352	(2) Teachers and other instructional personnel shall:
353	(a) Set and enforce reasonable classroom rules that treat
354	all students equitably.
355	(b) Seek professional development to improve classroom
356	management skills when data show that they are not effective in
357	handling minor classroom disruptions.
358	(c) Maintain an orderly and disciplined classroom witha
359	positive and effective learning environment that maximizes
360	learning and minimizes disruption.
361	(d) Work with parents and other school personnel to solve
362	discipline problems in their classrooms.
363	(3) A teacher may send a student to the principal's office
364	to maintain effective discipline in the classroom and may
365	recommend an appropriate consequence consistent with the student
366	code of conduct under s. 1006.07. The principal shall respond by
367	employing the teacher's recommended consequence or a more
368	serious disciplinary action if the student's history of
369	disruptive behavior warrants it. If the principal determines
370	that a lesser disciplinary action is appropriate, the principal
371	shall consult with the teacher prior to taking disciplinary
372	actionappropriate discipline-management techniques consistent
373	with the student code of conduct under s. 1006.07.
374	(4) A teacher may remove from class a student whose
375	behavior the teacher determines interferes with the teacher's
376	ability to communicate effectively with the students in the
377	class or with the ability of the student's classmates to learn.
378	Each district school board, each district school superintendent,
379	and each school principal shall support the authority of
380	teachers to remove disobedient, violent, abusive,
381	uncontrollable, or disruptive students from the classroom.
382	(5) If a teacher removes a student from class under
383	subsection (4), the principal may place the student in another
384	appropriate classroom, in in-school suspension, or in a dropout
385	prevention and academic intervention program as provided by s.
386	1003.53; or the principal may recommend the student for out-of-
387	school suspension or expulsion, as appropriate. The student may
388	be prohibited from attending or participating in school-
389	sponsored or school-related activities. The principal may not
390	return the student to that teacher's class without the teacher's
391	consent unless the committee established under subsection (6)
392	determines that such placement is the best or only available
393	alternative. The teacher and the placement review committee must
394	render decisions within 5 days of the removal of the student
395	from the classroom.
396	(6)(a) Each school shall establish a placement review
397	committee to determine placement of a student when a teacher
398	withholds consent to the return of a student to the teacher's
399	class.
400	(b) The principal must report on a quarterly basis to the
401	district school superintendent and district school board each
402	incidence of a teacher's withholding consent for a removed
403	student to return to the teacher's class and the disposition of
404	the incident, and the superintendent must annually report these
405	data to the department.
406	(c) The Commissioner of Education shall annually review
407	each school district's compliance with this section, and success
408	in achieving orderly classrooms, and shall use all appropriate
409	enforcement actions up to and including the withholding of
410	disbursements from the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund until
411	full compliance is verified.
412	(d) Placement reviewcommittee membership must include at
413	least the following:
414	1.(a) Two teachers, one selected by the school's faculty
415	and one selected by the teacher who has removed the student.
416	2.(b)One member from the school's staff who is selected
417	by the principal.
418
419	The teacher who withheld consent to readmitting the student may
420	not serve on the committee. The teacher and the placement review
421	committee must render decisions within 5 days after the removal
422	of the student from the classroom. If the placement review
423	committee's decision is contrary to the decision of the teacher
424	to withhold consent to the return of the removed student to the
425	teacher's class, the teacher may appeal the committee's decision
426	to the district school superintendent.
427	(7) Any teacher who removes 25 percent of his or her total
428	class enrollment shall be required to complete professional
429	development to improve classroom management skills.
430	(8) Each teacher or other member of the staff of any
431	school who knows or has reason to suspect that any person has
432	committed, or has made a credible threat to commit, a crime of
433	violence on school property shall report such knowledge or
434	suspicion in accordance with the provisions of s. 1006.13. Each
435	district school superintendent and each school principal shall
436	fully support good faith reporting in accordance with the
437	provisions of this subsection and s. 1006.13. Any person who
438	makes a report required by this subsection in good faith shall
439	be immune from civil or criminal liability for making the
440	report.
441	(9)(8)When knowledgeable of the likely risk of physical
442	violence in the schools, the district school board shall take
443	reasonable steps to ensure that teachers, other school staff,
444	and students are not at undue risk of violence or harm.
445	Section 12. Section 1004.04, Florida Statutes, is amended
446	to read:
447	1004.04 Public accountability and state approval for
448	teacher preparation programs.--
449	(1) INTENT.--
450	(a)The Legislature recognizes that skilled teachers make
451	an important contribution to a system that allows students to
452	obtain a high-quality education.
453	(b) The intent of the Legislature is to require the State
454	Board of Education to attainestablisha system for development
455	and approval of teacher preparation programs that allowswill
456	freepostsecondary teacher preparation institutions to employ
457	varied and innovative teacher preparation techniques while being
458	held accountable for producing graduates with the competencies
459	and skills necessary to achieve the state education goals; help
460	the state's diverse student population, including students who
461	have substandard reading and computational skills andstudents
462	with limited English proficiency, meet high standards for
463	academic achievement; maintain safe, secure classroom learning
464	environments; and sustain the state system of school improvement
465	and education accountability established pursuant to ss.
466	1000.03(5) and 1008.345.
467	(2) UNIFORM CORE CURRICULA.--
468	(a)The State Board of Education shall adopt rules
469	pursuant to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 that establish uniform
470	core curricula for each state-approved teacher preparation
471	program.
472	(b) The rules to establish uniform core curricula for each
473	state-approved teacher preparation program must include, but are
474	not limited to, a State Board of Education identified foundation
475	in scientifically researched, knowledge-based reading literacy
476	and computational skills acquisition; classroom management;
477	school safety; professional ethics; educational law; human
478	development and learning; and understanding of the Sunshine
479	State Standards content measured by state achievement tests,
480	reading and interpretation of data, and use of data to improve
481	student achievement.
482	(c) These rules shall not require an additional period of
483	time-to-degree but may be phased in to enable teacher
484	preparation programs to supplant state board identified pedagogy
485	courses with the courses identified pursuant to paragraph (b).
486	(3)(2)DEVELOPMENT OF TEACHER PREPARATION PROGRAMS.--A
487	system developed by the Department of Education in collaboration
488	with postsecondary educational institutions shall assist
489	departments and colleges of education in the restructuring of
490	their programs in accordance with this sectionto meet the need
491	for producing quality teachers now and in the future.
492	(a)The system must be designed to assist teacher
493	educators in conceptualizing, developing, implementing, and
494	evaluating programs that meet state-adopted standards. These
495	standards shall emphasize quality indicators drawn from
496	research, professional literature, recognized guidelines,
497	Florida essential teaching competencies and educator-
498	accomplished practices, effective classroom practices, and the
499	outcomes of the state system of school improvement and education
500	accountability, as well as performance measures.
501	(b)Departments and colleges of education shall emphasize
502	the state system of school improvement and education
503	accountability concepts and standards, including Sunshine State
504	Standards.
505	(c)State-approved teacher preparation programs must
506	incorporate:
507	1.Appropriate English for Speakers of Other Languages
508	instruction so that program graduates will have completed the
509	requirements for teaching limited English proficient students in
510	Florida public schools.
511	2. Scientifically researched, knowledge-based reading
512	literacy and computational skills instruction so that program
513	graduates will be able to provide the necessary academic
514	foundations for their students at whatever grade levels they
515	choose to teach.
516	(4)(3)INITIAL STATE PROGRAM APPROVAL.--
517	(a) A program approval process based on standards adopted
518	pursuant to subsectionssubsection (2) and (3)must be
519	established for postsecondary teacher preparation programs,
520	phased in according to timelines determined by the Department of
521	Education, and fully implemented for all teacher preparation
522	programs in the state. Each program shall be approved by the
523	department, consistent with the intent set forth in subsection
524	(1) and based primarily upon significant, objective, and
525	quantifiable graduate performance measures.
526	(b) Each teacher preparation program approved by the
527	Department of Education, as provided for by this section, shall
528	require students to meet the following as prerequisites for
529	admission into the program:
530	1. Have a grade point average of at least 2.5 on a 4.0
531	scale for the general education component of undergraduate
532	studies or have completed the requirements for a baccalaureate
533	degree with a minimum grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
534	from any college or university accredited by a regional
535	accrediting association as defined by State Board of Education
536	rule or otherwise approved pursuant to State Board of Education
537	rule.
538	2. Demonstrate mastery of general knowledge, including the
539	ability to read, write, and compute, by passing the College
540	Level Academic Skills Test, a corresponding component of the
541	National Teachers Examination series, or a similar test pursuant
542	to rules of the State Board of Education.
543
544	Each teacher preparation program may waive these admissions
545	requirements for up to 10 percent of the students admitted.
546	Programs shall implement strategies to ensure that students
547	admitted under a waiver receive assistance to demonstrate
548	competencies to successfully meet requirements for
549	certification.
550	(5)(4)CONTINUED PROGRAM APPROVAL.--Notwithstanding
551	subsection (4)(3), failure by a public or nonpublic teacher
552	preparation program to meet the criteria for continued program
553	approval shall result in loss of program approval. The
554	Department of Education, in collaboration with the departments
555	and colleges of education, shall develop procedures for
556	continued program approval that document the continuous
557	improvement of program processes and graduates' performance.
558	(a) Continued approval of specific teacher preparation
559	programs at each public and nonpublic postsecondary educational
560	institution within the state is contingent upon the passing of
561	the written examination required by s. 1012.56 by at least 90
562	percent of the graduates of the program who take the
563	examination. On request of an institution, the Department of
564	Education shall provide an analysis of the performance of the
565	graduates of such institution with respect to the competencies
566	assessed by the examination required by s. 1012.56.
567	(b) Additional criteria for continued program approval for
568	public institutions may be approved by the State Board of
569	Education. Such criteria must emphasize instruction in classroom
570	management and must provide for the evaluation of the teacher
571	candidates' performance in this area. The criteria shall also
572	require instruction in working with underachieving students.
573	Program evaluation procedures must include, but are not limited
574	to, program graduates' satisfaction with instruction and the
575	program's responsiveness to local school districts. Additional
576	criteria for continued program approval for nonpublic
577	institutions shall be developed in the same manner as for public
578	institutions; however, such criteria must be based upon
579	significant, objective, and quantifiable graduate performance
580	measures. Responsibility for collecting data on outcome measures
581	through survey instruments and other appropriate means shall be
582	shared by the postsecondary educational institutions and the
583	Department of Education. By January 1 of each year, the
584	Department of Education shall report this information for each
585	postsecondary educational institution that has state-approved
586	programs of teacher education to the Governor, the State Board
587	of Education, the Commissioner of Education, the President of
588	the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, all
589	Florida postsecondary teacher preparation programs, and
590	interested members of the public. This report must analyze the
591	data and make recommendations for improving teacher preparation
592	programs in the state.
593	(c) Continued approval for a teacher preparation program
594	is contingent upon the results of annual reviews of the program
595	conducted by the postsecondary educational institution, using
596	procedures and criteria outlined in an institutional program
597	evaluation plan approved by the Department of Education. This
598	plan must incorporate the criteria established in paragraphs (a)
599	and (b) and include provisions for involving primary
600	stakeholders, such as program graduates, district school
601	personnel, classroom teachers, principals, community agencies,
602	and business representatives in the evaluation process. Upon
603	request by an institution, the department shall provide
604	assistance in developing, enhancing, or reviewing the
605	institutional program evaluation plan and training evaluation
606	team members.
607	(d) Continued approval for a teacher preparation program
608	is contingent upon standards being in place that are designed to
609	adequately prepare elementary, middle, and high school teachers
610	to instruct their students in reading andhigher-level
611	mathematics concepts and in the use of technology at the
612	appropriate grade level.
613	(e) Continued approval of teacher preparation programs is
614	contingent upon compliance with the student admission
615	requirements of subsection (4)(3)and upon the receipt of at
616	least a satisfactory rating from public schools and private
617	schools that employ graduates of the program. Each teacher
618	preparation program shall guarantee the high quality of its
619	graduates during the first 2 years immediately following
620	graduation from the program or following initial certification,
621	whichever occurs first. Any educator in a Florida school who
622	fails to demonstrate the essential skills specified in
623	subparagraphs 1.-5. shall be provided additional training by the
624	teacher preparation program at no expense to the educator or the
625	employer. Such training must consist of an individualized plan
626	agreed upon by the school district and the postsecondary
627	educational institution that includes specific learning
628	outcomes. The postsecondary educational institution assumes no
629	responsibility for the educator's employment contract with the
630	employer.Employer satisfaction shall be determined by an
631	annually administered survey instrument approved by the
632	Department of Education that, at a minimum, must include
633	employer satisfaction of the graduates' ability to do the
634	following:
635	1. Write and speak in a logical and understandable style
636	with appropriate grammar.
637	2. Recognize signs of students' difficulty with the
638	reading and computational process and apply appropriate measures
639	to improve students' reading and computational performance.
640	3. Use and integrate appropriate technology in teaching
641	and learning processes.
642	4. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of Sunshine
643	State Standards.
644	5. Maintain an orderly and disciplined classroom conducive
645	to student learning.
646	(f)1. Each Florida public and private institution that
647	offers a state-approved teacher preparation program must
648	annually report information regarding these programs to the
649	state and the general public. This information shall be reported
650	in a uniform and comprehensible manner that is consistent with
651	definitions and methods approved by the Commissioner of the
652	National Center for Educational Statistics and that is approved
653	by the State Board of Education. This information must include,
654	at a minimum:
655	a. The percent of graduates obtaining full-time teaching
656	employment within the first year of graduation.
657	b. The average length of stay of graduates in their full-
658	time teaching positions.
659	c. Satisfaction ratings required in paragraph (e).
660	2. Each public and private institution offering training
661	for school readiness related professions, including training in
662	the fields of child care and early childhood education, whether
663	offering technical credit, associate in applied science degree
664	programs, associate in science degree programs, or associate in
665	arts degree programs, shall annually report information
666	regarding these programs to the state and the general public in
667	a uniform and comprehensible manner that conforms with
668	definitions and methods approved by the State Board of
669	Education. This information must include, at a minimum:
670	a. Average length of stay of graduates in their positions.
671	b. Satisfaction ratings of graduates' employers.
672
673	This information shall be reported through publications,
674	including college and university catalogs and promotional
675	materials sent to potential applicants, secondary school
676	guidance counselors, and prospective employers of the
677	institution's program graduates.
678	(6)(5)PRESERVICE FIELD EXPERIENCE.--All postsecondary
679	instructors, school district personnel and instructional
680	personnel, and school sites preparing instructional personnel
681	through preservice field experience courses and internships
682	shall meet special requirements. District school boards are
683	authorized to pay student teachers during their internships.
684	(a) All instructors in postsecondary teacher preparation
685	programs who instruct or supervise preservice field experience
686	courses or internships shall have at least one of the following:
687	specialized training in clinical supervision; a valid
688	professional teaching certificate pursuant to ss. 1012.56 and
689	1012.585; or at least 3 years of successful teaching experience
690	in prekindergarten through grade 12.
691	(b) All school district personnel and instructional
692	personnel who supervise or direct teacher preparation students
693	during field experience courses or internships must have
694	evidence of "clinical educator" training and must successfully
695	demonstrate effective classroom management strategies that
696	consistently result in improved student performance. The State
697	Board of Education shall approve the training requirements.
698	(c) Preservice field experience programs must provide
699	specific guidance and demonstration of effective classroom
700	management strategies, strategies for incorporating technology
701	into classroom instruction, and ways to link instructional plans
702	to the Sunshine State Standards, as appropriate. The length of
703	structured field experiences may be extended to ensure that
704	candidates achieve the competencies needed to meet certification
705	requirements.
706	(d) Postsecondary teacher preparation programs in
707	cooperation with district school boards and approved private
708	school associations shall select the school sites for preservice
709	field experience activities. These sites must represent the full
710	spectrum of school communities, including, but not limited to,
711	schools located in urban settings. In order to be selected,
712	school sites must demonstrate commitment to the education of
713	public school students and to the preparation of future
714	teachers.
715	(7)(6)STANDARDS OF EXCELLENCE.--The State Board of
716	Education shall approve standards of excellence for teacher
717	preparation. These standards must exceed the requirements for
718	program approval pursuant to subsection (4)(3)and must
719	incorporate state and national recommendations for exemplary
720	teacher preparation programs.
721	(8)(7) NATIONALBOARD STANDARDS.--The State Board of
722	Education shall review standards and recommendations developed
723	by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards and
724	the American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellenceand
725	may incorporate those parts deemed appropriate into criteria for
726	continued state program approval, standards of excellence, and
727	requirements for inservice education.
728	(9)(8)COMMUNITY COLLEGES.--To the extent practical,
729	postsecondary educational institutions offering teacher
730	preparation programs shall establish articulation agreements on
731	a core of liberal arts courses and introductory professional
732	courses with field experience components which shall be offered
733	at community colleges.
734	(10)(9)PRETEACHER AND TEACHER EDUCATION PILOT
735	PROGRAMS.--State universities and community colleges may
736	establish preteacher education and teacher education pilot
737	programs to encourage promising minority students to prepare for
738	a career in education. These pilot programs shall be designed to
739	recruit and provide additional academic, clinical, and
740	counseling support for students whom the institution judges to
741	be potentially successful teacher education candidates, but who
742	may not meet teacher education program admission standards.
743	Priority consideration shall be given to those pilot programs
744	that are jointly submitted by community colleges and state
745	universities.
746	(a) These pilot programs shall be approved by the State
747	Board of Education and shall be designed to provide help and
748	support for program participants during the preteacher education
749	period of general academic preparation at a community college or
750	state university and during professional preparation in a state-
751	approved teacher education program. Emphasis shall be placed on
752	development of the basic skills needed by successful teachers.
753	(b) State universities and community colleges may admit
754	into the pilot program those incoming students who demonstrate
755	an interest in teaching as a career, but who may not meet the
756	requirements for entrance into an approved teacher education
757	program.
758	1. Flexibility may be given to colleges of education to
759	develop and market innovative teacher training programs directed
760	at specific target groups such as graduates from the colleges of
761	arts and sciences, employed education paraprofessionals,
762	substitute teachers, early federal retirees, and nontraditional
763	college students. Programs must be submitted to the State Board
764	of Education for approval.
765	2. Academically successful graduates in the fields of
766	liberal arts and science may be encouraged to embark upon a
767	career in education.
768	3. Models may be developed to provide a positive initial
769	experience in teaching in order to encourage retention. Priority
770	should be given to models that encourage minority graduates.
771	(c) In order to be certified, a graduate from a pilot
772	program shall meet all requirements for teacher certification
773	specified by s. 1012.56. Should a graduate of a pilot program
774	not meet the requirements of s. 1012.56, that person shall not
775	be included in the calculations required by paragraph (5)(4)(a)
776	and State Board of Education rules for continued program
777	approval, or in the statutes used by the State Board of
778	Education in deciding which teacher education programs to
779	approve.
780	(d) Institutions participating in the pilot program shall
781	submit an annual report evaluating the success of the program to
782	the Commissioner of Education by March 1 of each year. The
783	report shall include, at a minimum,contain, but shall not be
784	limited to:the number of pilot program participants, including
785	the number participating in general education and the number
786	admitted to approved teacher education programs, the number of
787	pilot program graduates, and the number of pilot program
788	graduates who met the requirements of s. 1012.56. The
789	commissioner shall consider the number of participants
790	recruited, the number of graduates, and the number of graduates
791	successfully meeting the requirements of s. 1012.56 reported by
792	each institution, and shall make an annual recommendation to the
793	State Board of Education regarding the institution's continued
794	participation in the pilot program.
795	(11)(10)TEACHER EDUCATION PILOT PROGRAMS FOR HIGH-
796	ACHIEVING STUDENTS.--Pilot teacher preparation programs shall be
797	established at the University of Central Florida, the University
798	of North Florida, and the University of South Florida. These
799	programs shall include a year-long paid teaching assignment and
800	competency-based learning experiences and shall be designed to
801	encourage high-achieving students, as identified by the
802	institution, to pursue a career in education. Priority
803	consideration shall be given to students obtaining academic
804	degrees in mathematics, science, engineering, reading, or
805	identified critical shortage areas.Students chosen to
806	participate in the pilot programs shall agree to teach for at
807	least 1 year after they receive their degrees. Criteria for
808	identifying high-achieving students shall be developed by the
809	institution and shall include, at a minimum, requirements that
810	the student have a 3.3 grade point average or above and that the
811	student has demonstrated mastery of general knowledge pursuant
812	to s. 1012.56. The year-long paid teaching assignment shall
813	begin after completion of the equivalent of 3 years of the state
814	university teacher preparation program.
815	(a) Each pilot program shall be designed to include:
816	1. A year-long paid teaching assignment at a low-
817	performing specifiedschool site during the fourth year of the
818	state university teacher preparation program, which includes
819	intense supervision by a support team trained in clinical
820	education. The support team shall include a state university
821	supervisor and experienced school-based mentors. A mentor
822	teacher shall be assigned to each fourth year employed teacher
823	to implement an individualized learning plan. This mentor
824	teacher will be considered an adjunct professor for purposes of
825	this program and may receive credit for time spent as a mentor
826	teacher in the program. The mentor teacher must have a master's
827	degree or above, a minimum of 3 years of teaching experience,
828	and clinical education training or certification by the National
829	Board forof Professional Teaching Standards or the American
830	Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence. Experiences and
831	instruction may be delivered by other mentors, assigned
832	teachers, professors, individualized learning, and
833	demonstrations. Students in this paid teaching assignment shall
834	assume full responsibility of all teaching duties.
835	2. Professional education curriculum requirements that
836	address the educator-accomplished practices and other
837	competencies specified in state board rule.
838	3. A modified instructional delivery system that provides
839	onsite training during the paid teaching assignment in the
840	professional education areas and competencies specified in this
841	subsection. The institutions participating in this pilot program
842	shall be given a waiver to provide a modified instructional
843	delivery system meeting criteria that allows earned credit
844	through nontraditional approaches. The modified system may
845	provide for an initial evaluation of the candidate's
846	competencies to determine an appropriate individualized
847	professional development plan and may provide for earned credit
848	by:
849	a. Internet learning and competency acquisition.
850	b. Learning acquired by observing demonstrations and being
851	observed in application.
852	c. Independent study or instruction by mentor teachers or
853	adjunct teachers.
854	4. Satisfactory demonstration of the educator-accomplished
855	practices and content area competencies for program completion.
856	5. For program completion, required achievement of passing
857	scores on all tests required for certification by State Board of
858	Education rules.
859	(b) Beginning in July 2003, each institution participating
860	in the pilot program shall submit to the Commissioner of
861	Education an annual report evaluating the effectiveness of the
862	program. The report shall include, but shall not be limited to,
863	the number of students selected for the pilot program, the
864	number of students successfully completing the pilot program,
865	the number of program participants who passed all required
866	examinations, the number of program participants who
867	successfully demonstrated all required competencies, and a
868	followup study to determine the number of pilot program
869	completers who were employed in a teaching position and
870	employers' satisfaction with the performance of pilot program
871	completers.
872	(c) This subsection shall be implemented to the extent
873	specifically funded in the General Appropriations Act.
874	(12)(11)RULES.--The State Board of Education shall adopt
875	necessary rules pursuant to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 to
876	implement this section.
877	Section 13. Subsection (1) of section 1006.08, Florida
878	Statutes, is amended to read:
879	1006.08 District school superintendent duties relating to
880	student discipline and school safety.--
881	(1) The district school superintendent shall recommend
882	plans to the district school board for the proper accounting for
883	all students of school age, for the attendance and control of
884	students at school, andfor the proper attention to health,
885	safety, and other matters which will best promote the welfare of
886	students. Each district school superintendent shall fully
887	support the authority of his or her principals, teachers, and
888	school bus drivers to remove disobedient, disrespectful,
889	violent, abusive, uncontrollable, or disruptive students from
890	the classroom and the school bus.When the district school
891	superintendent makes a recommendation for expulsion to the
892	district school board, he or she shall give written notice to
893	the student and the student's parent of the recommendation,
894	setting forth the charges against the student and advising the
895	student and his or her parent of the student's right to due
896	process as prescribed by ss. 120.569 and 120.57(2). When
897	district school board action on a recommendation for the
898	expulsion of a student is pending, the district school
899	superintendent may extend the suspension assigned by the
900	principal beyond 10 school days if such suspension period
901	expires before the next regular or special meeting of the
902	district school board.
903	Section 14. Paragraph (a) of subsection (1) of section
904	1006.09, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
905	1006.09 Duties of school principal relating to student
906	discipline and school safety.--
907	(1)(a) Subject to law and to the rules of the State Board
908	of Education and the district school board, the principal in
909	charge of the school or the principal's designee shall develop
910	policies for delegating to any teacher or other member of the
911	instructional staff or to any bus driver transporting students
912	of the school responsibility for the control and direction of
913	students. Each school principal shall fully support the
914	authority of his or her teachers and school bus drivers to
915	remove disobedient, disrespectful, violent, abusive,
916	uncontrollable, or disruptive students from the classroom and
917	the school bus. The principal or the principal's designee must
918	give full consideration toshall considerthe recommendation for
919	discipline made by a teacher, other member of the instructional
920	staff, or a bus driver when making a decision regarding student
921	referral for discipline.
922	Section 15. Section 1009.59, Florida Statutes, is amended
923	to read:
924	1009.59 Critical Teacher Shortage Student Loan
925	ReimbursementForgivenessProgram.--
926	(1) The Critical Teacher Shortage Student Loan
927	ReimbursementForgivenessProgram is established to encourage
928	qualified personnel with undergraduate or graduate degrees in
929	mathematics, science, engineering, reading, or State Board of
930	Education designated critical teacher shortage areasto seek
931	employment as teachers in Florida's publicly funded schoolsin
932	subject areas in which critical teacher shortages exist, as
933	identified annually by the State Board of Education. The primary
934	purposefunction of the program is to enhance the quality of
935	Florida's teacher workforce by makingmakerepayments toward
936	loans received by the selectedstudents from federal programs or
937	commercial lending institutions for the support of postsecondary
938	education study. Repayments are intended to be made to qualified
939	applicants with undergraduate or graduate degrees in
940	mathematics, science, engineering, reading, or State Board of
941	Education designated critical teacher shortage areaswho begin
942	teaching for the first time in designated subject areas, andwho
943	apply during their first full year of teaching in a publicly
944	funded school in Floridaas certified teachers in these subject
945	areas. Repayment shall be prorated if a teacher teaches at least
946	90 days during the first year of teaching.
947	(2) From the funds available, the Department of Education
948	may make loan principal repayments on behalf of persons with
949	degrees in mathematics, science, engineering, reading, or state
950	board designated critical teacher shortage areas who are
951	certified to teach in Florida public schools. The repayments may
952	be madeas follows:
953	(a) Up to $1,500 the first year the person is employed as
954	a teacher in a publicly funded school in Florida$2,500 a year
955	for up to 4 years on behalf of selected graduates of state-
956	approved undergraduate postsecondary teacher preparation
957	programs, persons certified to teach pursuant to any applicable
958	teacher certification requirements, or selected teacher
959	preparation graduates from any state participating in the
960	Interstate Agreement on the Qualification of Educational
961	Personnel.
962	(b) Up to $2,500 for the second year the person is
963	employed as a teacher in a publicly funded school in Florida
964	$5,000 a year for up to 2 years on behalf of selected graduates
965	of state-approved graduate postsecondary teacher preparation
966	programs, persons with graduate degrees certified to teach
967	pursuant to any applicable teacher certification requirements,
968	or selected teacher preparation graduates from any state
969	participating in the Interstate Agreement on the Qualification
970	of Educational Personnel.
971	(c) Up to $3,500 for the third year the person is employed
972	as a teacher in a publicly funded school in Florida.
973	(d) Up to $4,500 for the fourth year and each subsequent
974	year, up to a maximum of 10 years, the person is employed as a
975	teacher in a publicly funded school in Florida.
976	(e)(c)All repayments shall be contingent on continued
977	proof of satisfactory employment in a teacher positionthe
978	designated subject areas in a publicly funded school inthis
979	state and shall be made directly to the holder of the loan or
980	the applicant. The state shall not bear responsibility for the
981	collection of any interest charges or other remaining balance.
982	In the event that designated critical teacher shortage subject
983	areas are changed by the State Board of Education,A teacher
984	shall continue to be eligible for loan reimbursement in
985	accordance with paragraphs (a)-(d) for up to the maximum of 10
986	years if forgiveness as long as he or she continues to teach in
987	a subject area or in a critical shortage area pursuant to this
988	section at a publicly funded school in Floridain the subject
989	area for which the original loan repayment was madeand
990	otherwise meets all conditions of eligibility.
991	(3) Students receiving a statescholarship loan or a
992	fellowship loan are not eligible to participate in the Critical
993	Teacher Shortage Student Loan ReimbursementForgiveness Program.
994	(4) The Department of Education must advertise the
995	availability of this program and must advise school districts,
996	postsecondary educational institutions, and the public of the
997	criteria and application procedures.
998	(5)(4)The State Board of Education may adopt rules
999	pursuant to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 necessary for the
1000	administration of this program.
1001	(6)(5)This section shall be implemented only to the
1002	extent as specifically funded and authorized by law.
1003	Section 16. Section 1009.591, Florida Statutes, is created
1004	to read:
1005	1009.591 Teaching Fellows Program.--There is created the
1006	Teaching Fellows Program to encourage graduate students in
1007	mathematics, science, or engineering disciplines or state board
1008	designated critical teacher shortage areas to enter the teaching
1009	profession in public schools in Florida. The program shall be
1010	administered by the Department of Education.
1011	(1) The Teaching Fellows Program shall provide an annual
1012	stipend of $5,000 for each approved teaching fellow who is
1013	enrolled full-time in one of Florida's public or private
1014	universities in a graduate program in a mathematics, science, or
1015	engineering discipline or a state board designated critical
1016	teacher shortage area and commits to teach in a publicly funded
1017	school in Florida for 5 consecutive years immediately following
1018	completion of the graduate program.
1019	(2) It is the intent of the Legislature that the total
1020	amount appropriated annually for the program be sufficient to
1021	provide 200 teaching fellows with stipends of $5,000 per year
1022	and to provide a $5,000 signing bonus to each fellow upon
1023	initial employment as a teacher in a Florida public school
1024	graded "A," "B," or "C," or a $10,000 signing bonus upon
1025	employment in a Florida public school graded "D" or "F" with
1026	$5,000 at initial employment and $5,000 upon completion of the
1027	first year of teaching.
1028	(3) A teaching fellow may receive a stipend from the
1029	program for up to 4 consecutive years if the teaching fellow
1030	remains enrolled full-time in an eligible program and makes
1031	satisfactory progress toward a graduate degree in a program in a
1032	mathematics, science, or engineering discipline or a state board
1033	designated critical teacher shortage area.
1034	(4) A teaching fellow who receives a stipend pursuant to
1035	this section and attends a state university shall also receive a
1036	waiver of tuition and out-of-state fees, if applicable, at that
1037	university.
1038	(5) If a teaching fellow graduates and is employed
1039	following graduation as a teacher in a publicly funded school in
1040	Florida for 5 consecutive years, the teaching fellow is not
1041	required to repay the amount received as stipends, bonus, or
1042	tuition and fee waivers pursuant to this program.
1043	(6) If a teaching fellow does not obtain a graduate degree
1044	within 4 years, or if the fellow graduates but does not teach in
1045	a publicly funded school in Florida for 5 consecutive years
1046	following graduation, the teaching fellow must repay the
1047	Department of Education, on a schedule to be determined by the
1048	department, the total amount awarded for stipends, bonus, and
1049	tuition and fee waivers received pursuant to this program plus
1050	annual interest of 8 percent accruing from the date of the
1051	scholarship payment. Moneys repaid shall be deposited into the
1052	State Student Financial Assistance Trust Fund established in s.
1053	1010.73. However, the department may provide additional time for
1054	repayment if the department finds that circumstances beyond the
1055	control of the recipient caused or contributed to default on the
1056	repayment.
1057	(7) Recipients under this program are not eligible to
1058	participate in the Teacher Student Loan Reimbursement Program.
1059	(8) The department must advertise the availability of this
1060	program and advise school districts, postsecondary educational
1061	institutions, and the public of the criteria and application
1062	procedures.
1063	(9) The State Board of Education may adopt rules pursuant
1064	to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 necessary for the administration of
1065	this program.
1066	(10) This section shall be implemented only to the extent
1067	as specifically funded and authorized by law.
1068	Section 17. Section 1011.63, Florida Statutes, is created
1069	to read:
1070	1011.63 Better Educated Students and Teachers (BEST)
1071	Florida Teaching bonuses; categorical fund.--
1072	(1) There is created a categorical fund to provide
1073	performance bonuses to reward the top-performing 10 percent of
1074	classroom teachers in each school district with an annual
1075	performance bonus based on outstanding performance pursuant to
1076	s. 1012.34(3)(a).
1077	(2) Categorical funds for BEST Florida Teaching bonuses
1078	shall be allocated annually to each school district in the
1079	amount provided in the General Appropriations Act. These funds
1080	shall be in addition to the funds appropriated on the basis of
1081	full-time equivalent student membership in the Florida Education
1082	Finance Program and shall be included in the total potential
1083	funds of each school district. These funds shall be used only to
1084	provide BEST Florida Teaching bonuses to full-time K-12
1085	classroom teachers who demonstrate outstanding performance in
1086	each category itemized in s. 1012.34(3)(a)1.-7.
1087	(3) To be eligible for categorical funds, each district
1088	school superintendent shall submit to the Commissioner of
1089	Education, and receive the commissioner's approval of, a plan
1090	detailing the school district's methodology for selecting the
1091	teachers who receive the bonuses.
1092	(4) Each BEST Florida Teaching bonus shall be in the
1093	amount of $5,000, unless the teacher has taught for the full
1094	school year in a school that was graded "D" or "F" the prior
1095	school year, in which case the bonus shall be in the amount of
1096	$10,000. Any teacher who is not a mentor teacher and who
1097	receives a bonus 2 years in a 4-year period shall be promoted to
1098	the next higher classroom teacher category which reflects
1099	differentiated salary levels, pursuant to s. 1012.231(2).
1100	Section 18. Section 1012.05, Florida Statutes, is amended
1101	to read:
1102	1012.05 Teacher recruitment and retention.--
1103	(1) The Department of Education, in cooperation with
1104	teacher organizations, district personnel offices, and schools,
1105	colleges, and departments of alleducation inpublic and
1106	nonpublic postsecondary educational institutions, shall
1107	concentrate on the recruitment of qualified teachers.
1108	(2) The Department of Education shall:
1109	(a) Develop and implement a system for posting teaching
1110	vacancies and establish a database of teacher applicants that is
1111	accessible within and outside the state.
1112	(b) Advertise in major newspapers, national professional
1113	publications, and other professional publications and in public
1114	and nonpublic postsecondary educational institutionsschools of
1115	education.
1116	(c) Utilize state and nationwide toll-free numbers.
1117	(d) Conduct periodic communications with district
1118	personnel directors regarding applicants.
1119	(e) Provide district access to the applicant database by
1120	computer or telephone.
1121	(f) Develop and distribute promotional materials related
1122	to teaching as a career.
1123	(g) Publish and distribute information pertaining to
1124	employment opportunities, application procedures, all routes
1125	toward teacher certification, in Florida,and teacher salaries.
1126	(h) Provide information related to certification
1127	procedures.
1128	(i) Develop and sponsor the Florida Future Educator of
1129	America Program throughout the state.
1130	(j) Develop, in consultation with school district staff
1131	including, but not limited to, district school superintendents,
1132	district school board members, and district human resources
1133	personnel, a long-range plan for educator recruitment and
1134	retention.
1135	(k) Identify best practices for retaining high-quality
1136	teachers.
1137	(l) Develop, in consultation with Workforce Florida, Inc.,
1138	and the Agency for Workforce Innovation, created pursuant to ss.
1139	445.004 and 20.50, respectively, a plan for accessing and
1140	identifying available resources in the state's workforce system
1141	for the purpose of enhancing teacher recruitment and retention.
1142	(m) Develop and implement a First Response Center to
1143	provide educator candidates one-stop shopping for information on
1144	teaching careers in Florida and establish the Teacher Lifeline
1145	Network to provide on-line support to beginning teachers.
1146	(3) The Department of Education, in cooperation with
1147	district personnel offices, shall sponsor a job fair in a
1148	central part of the state to match in-state educators and
1149	potential educators and out-of-state educators and potential
1150	educatorswith teaching opportunities in this state.
1151	(4) Subject to proviso in the General Appropriations Act,
1152	the Commissioner of Education may use funds appropriated by the
1153	Legislature and funds from federal grants and other sources to
1154	provide incentives for teacher recruitment and preparation
1155	programs. The purpose of the use of such funds is to recruit and
1156	prepare individuals who do not graduate from state-approved
1157	teacher preparation programs to teach in a Florida public
1158	school. The commissioner may contract with entities other than,
1159	and including, approved teacher preparation programs to provide
1160	intensive teacher training leading to passage of the required
1161	certification exams for the desired subject area or coverage.
1162	The commissioner shall survey school districts to evaluate the
1163	effectiveness of such programs.
1164	Section 19. Section 1012.231, Florida Statutes, is created
1165	to read:
1166	1012.231 Teacher compensation; assignment of teachers.--
1167	(1) STARTING SALARY.--Beginning with the 2003-2004
1168	academic year, each district school board shall develop, and
1169	shall present to the State Board of Education by June 30, 2004,
1170	a plan, to be implemented beginning with the 2004-2005 academic
1171	year, for compensation of beginning classroom teachers at no
1172	less than the amount of $31,000, in 2003 dollars, indexed to the
1173	Consumer Price Index thereafter, pursuant to legislative
1174	appropriations. The plan shall provide for phased-in incremental
1175	implementation that maintains separation between years of
1176	service for each differentiated classroom teacher category as
1177	required pursuant to subsection (2). Effective the 2004-2005
1178	academic year, this minimum beginning salary shall be considered
1179	a statewide minimum standard similar to minimum number of school
1180	days, designation of duties of instructional personnel, and
1181	minimum certification standards, and as such shall not be
1182	subject to collective bargaining under chapter 447.
1183	(2) PERFORMANCE PAY.--Beginning with the 2003-2004
1184	academic year, each district school board shall use a portion of
1185	its teacher salary supplement categorical to fund differentiated
1186	teacher salaries, with the highest level of differentiation
1187	based on outstanding performance and assignment of additional
1188	duties. Performance shall be defined as designated in s.
1189	1012.34(3) and shall also include course pretests and posttests
1190	to determine student learning gains in grades and classes not
1191	measured by the FCAT. District school boards shall designate
1192	categories of classroom teachers reflecting these differentiated
1193	salary levels as follows:
1194	(a) Associate Teacher.--Classroom teachers who have not
1195	yet fully validated all essential teaching competencies,
1196	including the educator-accomplished practices as established in
1197	State Board of Education rule, or who have not qualified through
1198	reciprocal certification options identified in s. 1012.56(4).
1199	(b) Teacher.--Classroom teachers who have fully validated
1200	all essential teaching competencies, including the educator-
1201	accomplished practices as established in State Board of
1202	Education rule, or who have qualified through reciprocal
1203	certification options identified in s. 1012.56(4).
1204	(c) Senior Teacher.--Classroom teachers who have
1205	demonstrated outstanding performance as evidenced by improved
1206	student achievement and who are responsible for leading others
1207	in the school as department chair, lead teacher, grade-level
1208	leader, intern coordinator, or professional development
1209	coordinator. Senior teachers must serve as faculty for
1210	professional development activities as determined by the State
1211	Board of Education.
1212	(d) Mentor Teacher.--Classroom teachers who have
1213	demonstrated sustained outstanding performance as evidenced by
1214	improved student achievement and other factors as defined by the
1215	State Board of Education and who serve as regular mentors to
1216	other teachers who are either not performing satisfactorily or
1217	who strive to become more proficient. Mentor teachers must serve
1218	as faculty-based professional development coordinators and
1219	regularly demonstrate and share their expertise with other
1220	teachers in order to remain mentor teachers.
1221	(3) TEACHER ASSIGNMENT.--School districts may not assign a
1222	higher percentage of first-time teachers, temporarily certified
1223	teachers, teachers in need of improvement, or out-of-field
1224	teachers to schools with above the school district average of
1225	minority and economically disadvantaged students or schools that
1226	are graded "D" or "F." District school boards are authorized to
1227	provide salary incentives to meet this requirement. No district
1228	school board shall sign a collective bargaining agreement that
1229	fails to provide sufficient incentives to meet this requirement.
1230	Section 20. Section 1012.27, Florida Statutes, is amended
1231	to read:
1232	1012.27 Public school personnel; powers and duties of
1233	district school superintendent.--The district school
1234	superintendent isshall be responsible, as required herein,for
1235	directing the work of the personnel, subject to the requirements
1236	of this chapter, and in addition the district school
1237	superintendent shall performhave the following duties:
1238	(1) POSITIONS, QUALIFICATIONS, AND NOMINATIONS.--
1239	(a) Recommend to the district school board duties and
1240	responsibilities which need to be performed and positions which
1241	need to be filled to make possible the development of an
1242	adequate school program in the district. Beginning with the
1243	2003-2004 academic year, this recommendation shall provide for
1244	the employment of OPS personnel who are not classroom teachers
1245	to perform all paperwork and recordkeeping requirements not
1246	directly related to classroom instruction.
1247	(b) Recommend minimum qualifications of personnel for
1248	these various positions, and nominate in writing persons to fill
1249	such positions.
1250
1251	The district school superintendent's recommendations for filling
1252	instructional positions at the school level must consider
1253	nominations received from school principals of the respective
1254	schools. Before transferring a teacher who holds a professional
1255	teaching certificate from one school to another, the district
1256	school superintendent shall consult with the principal of the
1257	receiving school and allow the principal to review the teacher's
1258	records and interview the teacher. If, in the judgment of the
1259	principal, students would not benefit from the placement, an
1260	alternative placement may be sought.
1261	(2) COMPENSATION AND SALARY SCHEDULES.--Prepare and
1262	recommend to the district school board for adoption a salary
1263	schedule or salary schedules. The district school superintendent
1264	must recommend a salary schedule for instructional personnel
1265	which bases a portion of each employee's compensation on
1266	performance demonstrated under s. 1012.34. In developing the
1267	recommended salary schedule, the district school superintendent
1268	shall include input from parents, teachers, and representatives
1269	of the business community. Beginning with the 2003-2004 academic
1270	year, the recommended salary schedule for classroom teachers
1271	shall be consistent with the requirements of s. 1012.231.
1272	(3) CONTRACTS AND TERMS OF SERVICE.--Recommend to the
1273	district school board terms for contracting with employees and
1274	prepare such contracts as are approved.
1275	(4) TRANSFER.--Recommend employees for transfer and
1276	transfer any employee during any emergency and report the
1277	transfer to the district school board at its next regular
1278	meeting.
1279	(5) SUSPENSION AND DISMISSAL.--Suspend members of the
1280	instructional staff and other school employees during
1281	emergencies for a period extending to and including the day of
1282	the next regular or special meeting of the district school board
1283	and notify the district school board immediately of such
1284	suspension. When authorized to do so, serve notice on the
1285	suspended member of the instructional staff of charges made
1286	against him or her and of the date of hearing. Recommend
1287	employees for dismissal under the terms prescribed herein.
1288	(6) DIRECT WORK OF EMPLOYEES AND SUPERVISE
1289	INSTRUCTION.--Direct or arrange for the proper direction and
1290	improvement, under rules of the district school board, of the
1291	work of all members of the instructional staff and other
1292	employees of the district school system, supervise or arrange
1293	under rules of the district school board for the supervision of
1294	instruction in the district, and take such steps as are
1295	necessary to bring about continuous improvement.
1296	Section 21. Subsections (3) and (4) of section 1012.28,
1297	Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
1298	1012.28 Public school personnel; duties of school
1299	principals.--
1300	(3) Each school principal is responsible for the
1301	performance of all personnel employed by the district school
1302	board and assigned to the school to which the principal is
1303	assigned. The school principal shall faithfully and effectively
1304	apply the personnel assessment system approved by the district
1305	school board pursuant to s. 1012.34 and, beginning with the
1306	2003-2004 academic year, s. 1012.231.
1307	(4) Each school principal shall assist the teachers within
1308	the school to use student assessment data, as measured by
1309	student learning gains pursuant to s. 1008.22, for self-
1310	evaluation. Each school principal shall also ensure that OPS
1311	school personnel who are not classroom teachers perform all
1312	paperwork and recordkeeping requirements not directly related to
1313	classroom instruction.
1314	Section 22. Subsections (1) through (6) of section
1315	1012.56, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
1316	1012.56 Educator certification requirements.--
1317	(1) APPLICATION.--Each person seeking certification
1318	pursuant to this chapter shall submit a completed application
1319	containing the applicant's social security number to the
1320	Department of Education and remit the fee required pursuant to
1321	s. 1012.59 and rules of the State Board of Education. Pursuant
1322	to the federal Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity
1323	Reconciliation Act of 1996, each party is required to provide
1324	his or her social security number in accordance with this
1325	section. Disclosure of social security numbers obtained through
1326	this requirement isshall belimited to the purpose of
1327	administration of the Title IV-D program of the Social Security
1328	Act for child support enforcement. Pursuant to s. 120.60, the
1329	department shall issue within 90 calendar days after the stamped
1330	receipted date of the completed application:
1331	(a) A certificate covering the classification, level, and
1332	area for which the applicant is deemed qualified; or
1333	(b) An official statement of status of eligibility. The
1334	statement of status of eligibility must advise the applicant of
1335	any qualifications that must be completed to qualify for
1336	certification. Each statement of status of eligibility is valid
1337	for 32years after its date of issuance, except as provided in
1338	paragraph (2)(d). A statement of status of eligibility may be
1339	reissued for one additional 2-year period if application is made
1340	while the initial statement of status of eligibility is valid or
1341	within 1 year after the initial statement expires, and if the
1342	certification subject area is authorized to be issued by the
1343	state board at the time the application requesting a reissued
1344	statement of status of eligibility is received.
1345	(2) ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA.--To be eligible to seek
1346	certification pursuant to this chapter, a person must:
1347	(a) Be at least 18 years of age.
1348	(b) File a written statement, under oath, that the
1349	applicant subscribes to and will uphold the principles
1350	incorporated in the Constitution of the United States and the
1351	Constitution of the State of Florida.
1352	(c) Document receipt of a bachelor's or higher degree from
1353	an accredited institution of higher learning, or a nonaccredited
1354	institution of higher learning that the Department of Education
1355	has identified as having a quality program resulting in a
1356	bachelor's degree, or higher. Each applicant seeking initial
1357	certification must have attained at least a 2.5 overall grade
1358	point average on a 4.0 scale in the applicant's major field of
1359	study. The applicant may document the required education by
1360	submitting official transcripts from institutions of higher
1361	education or by authorizing the direct submission of such
1362	official transcripts through established electronic network
1363	systems. The bachelor's or higher degree may not be required in
1364	areas approved in rule by the State Board of Education as
1365	nondegreed areas.
1366	(d) Submit to a fingerprint check from the Department of
1367	Law Enforcement and the Federal Bureau of Investigation pursuant
1368	to s. 1012.32. If the fingerprint reports indicate a criminal
1369	history or if the applicant acknowledges a criminal history, the
1370	applicant's records shall be referred to the Bureau of Educator
1371	Standards for review and determination of eligibility for
1372	certification. If the applicant fails to provide the necessary
1373	documentation requested by the Bureau of Educator Standards
1374	within 90 days after the date of the receipt of the certified
1375	mail request, the statement of eligibility and pending
1376	application shall become invalid.
1377	(e) Be of good moral character.
1378	(f) Be competent and capable of performing the duties,
1379	functions, and responsibilities of an educator.
1380	(g) Demonstrate mastery of general knowledge, pursuant to
1381	subsection (3).
1382	(h) Demonstrate mastery of subject area knowledge,
1383	pursuant to subsection (4).
1384	(i) Demonstrate mastery of professional preparation and
1385	education competence, pursuant to subsection (5).
1386	(3) MASTERY OF GENERAL KNOWLEDGE.--Acceptable means of
1387	demonstrating mastery of general knowledge are:
1388	(a) Achievement of passing scores on basic skills
1389	examination required by state board rule;
1390	(b) Achievement of passing scores on the College Level
1391	Academic Skills Test earned prior to July 1, 2002;
1392	(c) A valid professionalstandard teaching certificate
1393	issued by another state that requires an examination of mastery
1394	of general knowledge;
1395	(d) A valid standard teaching certificate issued by
1396	another state andvalid certificate issued by the National Board
1397	for Professional Teaching Standards or other such nationally
1398	recognized organization as determined by the State Board of
1399	Education; or
1400	(e) Documentation of two semesters of successful teaching
1401	in a community college, state university, or private college or
1402	university that awards an associate or higher degree and is an
1403	accredited institution or an institution of higher education
1404	identified by the Department of Education as having a quality
1405	program.A valid standard teaching certificate issued by another
1406	state and documentation of 2 years of continuous successful
1407	full-time teaching or administrative experience during the 5-
1408	year period immediately preceding the date of application for
1409	certification.
1410	(4) MASTERY OF SUBJECT AREA KNOWLEDGE.--Acceptable means
1411	of demonstrating mastery of subject area knowledge are:
1412	(a) Achievement of passing scores on subject area
1413	examinations required by state board rule;
1414	(b) Completion of the subject area specialization
1415	requirements specified in state board rule and verification of
1416	the attainment of the essential subject matter competencies by
1417	the district school superintendent of the employing school
1418	district or chief administrative officer of the employing state-
1419	supported or private school for a subject area for which a
1420	subject area examination has not been developed and required by
1421	state board rule;
1422	(c) Completion of the graduate levelsubject area
1423	specialization requirements specified in state board rule for a
1424	subject coverage requiring a master's or higher degree and
1425	achievement of a passing score on the subject area examination
1426	specified in state board rule;
1427	(d) A valid professionalstandard teaching certificate
1428	issued by another state that requires an examination of mastery
1429	of subject area knowledge; or
1430	(e) A valid standard teaching certificate issued by
1431	another state andvalid certificate issued by the National Board
1432	for Professional Teaching Standards or other such nationally
1433	recognized organization as determined by the State Board of
1434	Education.; or
1435	(f) A valid standard teaching certificate issued by
1436	another state and documentation of 2 years of continuous
1437	successful full-time teaching or administrative experience
1438	during the 5-year period immediately preceding the date of
1439	application for certification.
1440	(5) MASTERY OF PROFESSIONAL PREPARATION AND EDUCATION
1441	COMPETENCE.--Acceptable means of demonstrating mastery of
1442	professional preparation and education competence are:
1443	(a) Completion of an approved teacher preparation program
1444	at a postsecondary educational institution within this state and
1445	achievement of a passing score on the professional education
1446	competency examination required by state board rule;
1447	(b) Completion of a teacher preparation program at a
1448	postsecondary educational institution outside Florida and
1449	achievement of a passing score on the professional education
1450	competency examination required by state board rule;
1451	(c) A valid professionalstandard teaching certificate
1452	issued by another state that requires an examination of mastery
1453	of professional education competence;
1454	(d) A valid standard teaching certificate issued by
1455	another state andvalid certificate issued by the National Board
1456	for Professional Teaching Standards or other such nationally
1457	recognized organization as determined by the State Board of
1458	Education;
1459	(e) Documentation of two semesters of successful teaching
1460	in a community college, state university, or private college or
1461	university that awards an associate or higher degree and is an
1462	accredited institution or an institution of higher education
1463	identified by the Department of Education as having a quality
1464	programA valid standard teaching certificate issued by another
1465	state and documentation of 2 years of continuous successful
1466	full-time teaching or administrative experience during the 5-
1467	year period immediately preceding the date of application for
1468	certification;
1469	(f) Completion of professional preparation courses as
1470	specified in state board rule, successful completion of a
1471	professional education competence demonstration program pursuant
1472	to paragraph (7)(b), and achievement of a passing score on the
1473	professional education competency examination required by state
1474	board rule; or
1475	(g) Successful completion of a professional preparation
1476	alternative certification and education competency program,
1477	outlined in paragraph (7)(a).
1478
1479	State Board of Education rule governing mastery of professional
1480	preparation and education competence shall be revised as
1481	necessary in accordance with s. 1004.04(2).
1482	(6) TYPES AND TERMS OF CERTIFICATION.--
1483	(a) The Department of Education shall issue a professional
1484	certificate for a period not to exceed 5 years to any applicant
1485	who meets all the requirements outlined in subsection (2).
1486	(b) The department shall issue a temporary certificate to
1487	any applicant who completes the requirements outlined in
1488	paragraphs (2)(a)-(f) and completes the subject area content
1489	requirements specified in state board rule or demonstrates
1490	mastery of subject area knowledge pursuant to subsection (4) and
1491	holds an accredited degree or a degree approved by the
1492	Department of Education at the level required for the subject
1493	area specialization in state board rule.
1494	(c) The department shall issue one nonrenewable 2-year
1495	temporary certificate and one nonrenewable 5-year professional
1496	certificate to a qualified applicant who holds a bachelor's
1497	degree in the area of speech-language impairment to allow for
1498	completion of a master's degree program in speech-language
1499	impairment.
1500
1501	Each temporary certificate is valid for 3 school fiscal years
1502	and is nonrenewable. However, the requirement in paragraph
1503	(2)(g) must be met within 1 calendar year of the date of
1504	employment under the temporary certificate. Individuals who are
1505	employed under contract at the end of the 1 calendar year time
1506	period may continue to be employed through the end of the school
1507	year in which they have been contracted. A school district shall
1508	not employ, or continue the employment of, an individual in a
1509	position for which a temporary certificate is required beyond
1510	this time period if the individual has not met the requirement
1511	of paragraph (2)(g).The State Board of Education shall adopt
1512	rules to allow the department to extend the validity period of a
1513	temporary certificate for 2 years when the requirements for the
1514	professional certificate, not including the requirement in
1515	paragraph (2)(g),were not completed due to the serious illness
1516	or injury of the applicant or other extraordinary extenuating
1517	circumstances. Based on emergency need,the department shall
1518	reissue the temporary certificate for 2 additional years upon
1519	approval by the Commissioner of Education. A written request for
1520	such reissuance must firstof the certificate shallbe
1521	submitted, stating the basis for the emergency need,by the
1522	district school superintendent, the governing authority of a
1523	university lab school, the governing authority of a state-
1524	supported school, or the governing authority of a private
1525	school.
1526	Section 23. Subsection (1) of section 1012.57, Florida
1527	Statutes, is amended to read:
1528	1012.57 Certification of adjunct educators.--
1529	(1) Notwithstanding the provisions of ss. 1012.32,
1530	1012.55, and 1012.56, or any other provision of law or rule to
1531	the contrary, district school boards shall adopt rules to allow
1532	for the issuance ofmay issuean adjunct teaching certificate to
1533	any applicant who fulfills the requirements of s. 1012.56(2)(a)-
1534	(f) and who has expertise in the subject area to be taught. An
1535	applicant shall be considered to have expertise in the subject
1536	area to be taught if the applicant has at least a majorminorin
1537	the subject area or demonstrates sufficient subject area mastery
1538	through passage of a subject area testas determined by district
1539	school board policy. The adjunct teaching certificate shall be
1540	used for part-time teaching positions. The intent of this
1541	provision is to allow school districts to tap the wealth of
1542	talent and expertise represented in Florida's citizens who may
1543	wish to teach part-time in a Florida public school by permitting
1544	school districts to issue adjunct certificates to qualified
1545	applicants. Adjunct certificateholders should be used as a
1546	strategy to reduce the teacher shortage; thus, adjunct
1547	certificateholders should supplement a school's instructional
1548	staff, not supplant it. Each school principal shall assign an
1549	experienced peer mentor to assist the adjunct teaching
1550	certificateholder during the certificateholder's first year of
1551	teaching, and an adjunct certificateholder may participate in a
1552	district's new teacher training program. District school boards
1553	shall provide the adjunct teaching certificateholder an
1554	orientation in classroom management prior to assigning the
1555	certificateholder to a school. Each adjunct teaching certificate
1556	is valid for 5 school years and is renewable if:
1557	(a) The applicant completes a minimum of 60 inservice
1558	points or 3 semester hours of college credit. The earned credits
1559	must include instruction in classroom management, district
1560	school board procedures, school culture, and other activities
1561	that enhance the professional teaching skills of the
1562	certificateholder.
1563	(b) The applicant has received satisfactory performance
1564	evaluations during each year of teaching under adjunct teaching
1565	certification.
1566	Section 24. Paragraph (a) of subsection (1), subsection
1567	(2), and paragraph (a) of subsection (3) of section 1012.585,
1568	Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
1569	1012.585 Process for renewal of professional
1570	certificates.--
1571	(1)(a) District school boards in this stateshall renew
1572	state-issued professional certificates as follows:
1573	1. Each district school board shall renew state-issued
1574	professional certificates for individuals who hold a state-
1575	issued professional certificate by this stateand are employed
1576	by that district pursuant to criteria established in subsections
1577	(2), (3), and (4) and rules of the State Board of Education.
1578	2. The employing school district may charge the individual
1579	an application fee not to exceed the amount charged by the
1580	Department of Education for such services, including associated
1581	late renewal fees. Each district school board shall transmit
1582	monthly to the department a fee in an amount established by the
1583	State Board of Education for each renewed certificate. The fee
1584	shall not exceed the actual cost for maintenance and operation
1585	of the statewide certification database and for the actual costs
1586	incurred in printing and mailing such renewed certificates. As
1587	defined in current rules of the state board, the department
1588	shall contribute a portion of such fee for purposes of funding
1589	the Educator Recovery Network established in s. 1012.798. The
1590	department shall deposit all funds into the Educational
1591	Certification Trust Fund for use as specified in s. 1012.59.
1592	(2)(a) All professional certificates, except a
1593	nonrenewable professional certificate, shall be renewable for
1594	successive periods not to exceed 5 years after the date of
1595	submission of documentation of completion of the requirements
1596	for renewal provided in subsection (3). Only one renewal may be
1597	granted during each 5-year validity period of a professional
1598	certificate.
1599	(b) A teacher with national certification from the
1600	National Board for Professional Teaching Standards is deemed to
1601	meet state renewal requirements for the life of the teacher's
1602	national certificate in the subject shown on the national
1603	certificate. A complete renewal application and fee shall be
1604	submitted.
1605	(c) As authorized by State Board of Education rule, a
1606	teacher with a valid certificate issued by the American Board
1607	for Certification of Teacher Excellence is deemed to meet state
1608	renewal requirements for the life of the teacher's American
1609	Board certificate in the subject shown on the American Board
1610	certificate. A complete renewal application and fee shall be
1611	submitted.
1612	(d)(c)If the renewal application form is not received by
1613	the department or by the employing school district before the
1614	expiration of the professional certificate, the application
1615	form, application fee, and a late fee must be submitted before
1616	July 1 of the year following expiration of the certificate in
1617	order to renew the professional certificate.
1618	(e)(d)The State Board of Education shall adopt rules to
1619	allow a 1-year extension of the validity period of a
1620	professional certificate in the event of serious illness,
1621	injury, or other extraordinary extenuating circumstances of the
1622	applicant. The department shall grant such 1-year extension upon
1623	written request by the applicant or by the district school
1624	superintendent or the governing authority of a university lab
1625	school, state-supported school, or private school that employs
1626	the applicant.
1627	(3) For the renewal of a professional certificate, the
1628	following requirements must be met:
1629	(a) The applicant must earn a minimum of 6 college credits
1630	or 120 inservice points or a combination thereof. For each area
1631	of specialization to be retained on a certificate, the applicant
1632	must earn at least 3 of the required credit hours or equivalent
1633	inservice points in the specialization area. Education in
1634	"clinical educator" training pursuant to s. 1004.04(6)(b)
1635	1004.04(5)(b)and credits or points that provide training in the
1636	area of exceptional student education, normal child development,
1637	and the disorders of development may be applied toward any
1638	specialization area. Credits or points that provide training in
1639	the areas of drug abuse, child abuse and neglect, strategies in
1640	teaching students having limited proficiency in English, or
1641	dropout prevention, or training in areas identified in the
1642	educational goals and performance standards adopted pursuant to
1643	ss. 1000.03(5) and 1001.23 may be applied toward any
1644	specialization area. Credits or points earned through approved
1645	summer institutes may be applied toward the fulfillment of these
1646	requirements. Inservice points may also be earned by
1647	participation in professional growth components approved by the
1648	State Board of Education and specified pursuant to s. 1012.98 in
1649	the district's approved master plan for inservice educational
1650	training, including, but not limited to, serving as a trainer in
1651	an approved teacher training activity, serving on an
1652	instructional materials committee or a state board or commission
1653	that deals with educational issues, or serving on an advisory
1654	council created pursuant to s. 1001.452.
1655	Section 25. Section 1012.586, Florida Statutes, is created
1656	to read:
1657	1012.586 Additions or changes to certificates; duplicate
1658	certificates.--A school district may process via a Department of
1659	Education website certificates for the following applications of
1660	public school employees:
1661	(1) Addition of a subject coverage or endorsement to a
1662	valid Florida certificate on the basis of the completion of the
1663	appropriate subject area testing requirements of s.
1664	1012.56(4)(a) or the completion of the requirements of an
1665	approved school district program or the inservice components for
1666	an endorsement.
1667	(2) A reissued certificate to reflect a name change.
1668	(3) A duplicate certificate to replace a lost or damaged
1669	certificate.
1670
1671	The employing school district shall charge the employee a fee
1672	not to exceed the amount charged by the Department of Education
1673	for such services. Each district school board shall retain a
1674	portion of the fee as defined in the rules of the State Board of
1675	Education. The portion sent to the department shall be used for
1676	maintenance of the technology system, the web application, and
1677	posting and mailing of the certificate.
1678	Section 26. Subsections (1) and (2) and paragraph (a) of
1679	subsection (3) of section 1012.72, Florida Statutes, are amended
1680	to read:
1681	1012.72 Dale Hickam Excellent Teaching Program.--
1682	(1) The Legislature recognizes that teachers play a
1683	critical role in preparing students to achieve the high levels
1684	of academic performance expected by the Sunshine State
1685	Standards. The Legislature further recognizes the importance of
1686	identifying and rewarding teaching excellence and of encouraging
1687	good teachers to become excellent teachers. The Legislature
1688	finds that the National Board forofProfessional Teaching
1689	Standards (NBPTS) has established high and rigorous standards
1690	for accomplished teaching and has developed a national voluntary
1691	system for assessing and certifying teachers who demonstrate
1692	teaching excellence by meeting those standards. It is therefore
1693	the Legislature's intent to provide incentives for teachers to
1694	seek NBPTS certification and to reward teachers who demonstrate
1695	teaching excellence by attaining NBPTS certification and sharing
1696	their expertise with other teachers. Contingent upon approval by
1697	the State Board of Education, the incentives and privileges
1698	extended to the NBPTS and to a teacher who holds a valid
1699	certificate issued by the NBPTS shall be extended to the
1700	American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence (ABCTE)
1701	and to a teacher who holds a valid Master Teacher Certificate
1702	issued by the ABCTE.
1703	(2) The Dale Hickam Excellent Teaching Program is created
1704	to provide categorical funding for monetary incentives and
1705	bonuses for teaching excellence. The Department of Education
1706	shall distribute to each school district or to the NBPTS, or to
1707	the ABCTE if approved by the State Board of Education,an amount
1708	as prescribed annually by the Legislature for the Dale Hickam
1709	Excellent Teaching Program. For purposes of this section, the
1710	Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind shall be considered a
1711	school district. Unless otherwise provided in the General
1712	Appropriations Act, each distribution shall be the sum of the
1713	amounts earned for the following incentives and bonuses:
1714	(a) A fee subsidy to be paid by the Department of
1715	Education to the NBPTS, or to the ABCTE if approved by the State
1716	Board of Education,on behalf of each individual who is an
1717	employee of a district school board or a public school within
1718	the school district, who is certified by the district to have
1719	demonstrated satisfactory teaching performance pursuant to s.
1720	1012.34 and who satisfies the prerequisites for participating in
1721	the NBPTS certification program, or the ABCTE master teacher
1722	certification program if approved by the State Board of
1723	Education, and who agrees, in writing, to pay 10 percent of the
1724	NBPTS or ABCTEparticipation fee and to participate in the NBPTS
1725	certification program, or the ABCTE master teacher certification
1726	program if approved by the State Board of Education,during the
1727	school year for which the fee subsidy is provided. The fee
1728	subsidy for each eligible participant shall be an amount equal
1729	to 90 percent of the fee charged for participating in the NBPTS
1730	certification program. The fee subsidy is a one-time award and
1731	may not be duplicated for any individual.
1732	(b) A portfolio-preparation incentive of $150 paid by the
1733	Department of Education to each teacher employed by a district
1734	school board or a public school within a school district who is
1735	participating in the NBPTS certification program, or the ABCTE
1736	master teacher certification program if approved by the State
1737	Board of Education. The portfolio-preparation incentive is a
1738	one-time award paid during the school year for which the NBPTS
1739	fee subsidy is provided.
1740	(c) An annual bonus equal to 10 percent of the prior
1741	fiscal year's statewide average salary for classroom teachers to
1742	be distributed to the school district to be paid to each
1743	individual who holds NBPTS certification, or ABCTE master
1744	teacher certification if approved by the State Board of
1745	Education,and is employed by the district school board or by a
1746	public school within the school district. The district school
1747	board shall distribute the annual bonus to each individual who
1748	meets the requirements of this paragraph and who is certified
1749	annually by the district to have demonstrated satisfactory
1750	teaching performance pursuant to s. 1012.34. The annual bonus
1751	may be paid as a single payment or divided into not more than
1752	three payments.
1753	(d) An annual bonus equal to 10 percent of the prior
1754	fiscal year's statewide average salary for classroom teachers to
1755	be distributed to the school district to be paid to each
1756	individual who meets the requirements of paragraph (c) and
1757	agrees, in writing, to provide the equivalent of 12 workdays of
1758	mentoring and related services to public school teachers within
1759	the state who do not hold NBPTS certification or ABCTE
1760	certification if approved by the State Board of Education. The
1761	district school board shall distribute the annual bonus in a
1762	single payment following the completion of all required
1763	mentoring and related services for the year. It is not the
1764	intent of the Legislature to remove excellent teachers from
1765	their assigned classrooms; therefore, credit may not be granted
1766	by a school district or public school for mentoring or related
1767	services provided during student contact time during the 196
1768	days of required service for the school year.
1769
1770	Beginning with the 2003-2004 academic year, annual bonuses
1771	pursuant to this section shall be limited to teachers who
1772	demonstrate outstanding performance in teaching subjects in
1773	student performance measurable areas, as measured by the FCAT,
1774	and who also demonstrate significant successful efforts in
1775	mentoring beginning or struggling teachers.A teacher for whom
1776	the state pays the certification fee and who does not complete
1777	the certification program or does not teach in a public school
1778	of this state for at least 1 year after completing the
1779	certification program must repay the amount of the certification
1780	fee to the state. However, a teacher who completes the
1781	certification program but fails to be awarded NBPTS
1782	certification, or ABCTE master teacher certification if approved
1783	by the State Board of Education,is not required to repay the
1784	amount of the certification fee if the teacher meets the 1-year
1785	teaching requirement. Repayment is not required of a teacher who
1786	does not complete the certification program or fails to fulfill
1787	the teaching requirement because of the teacher's death or
1788	disability or because of other extenuating circumstances as
1789	determined by the State Board of Education.
1790	(3)(a) In addition to any other remedy available under the
1791	law, any person who is a recipient of a certification fee
1792	subsidy paid to the NBPTS, or the ABCTE if approved by the State
1793	Board of Education,and who is an employee of the state or any
1794	of its political subdivisions is considered to have consented,
1795	as a condition of employment, to the voluntary or involuntary
1796	withholding of wages to repay to the state the amount of such a
1797	certification fee subsidy awarded under this section. Any such
1798	employee who defaults on the repayment of such a certification
1799	fee subsidy must, within 60 days after service of a notice of
1800	default by the Department of Education to the employee,
1801	establish a repayment schedule which must be agreed to by the
1802	department and the employee, for repaying the defaulted sum
1803	through payroll deductions. The department may not require the
1804	employee to pay more than 10 percent of the employee's pay per
1805	pay period under such a repayment schedule or plan. If the
1806	employee fails to establish a repayment schedule within the
1807	specified period of time or fails to meet the terms and
1808	conditions of the agreed upon or approved repayment schedule as
1809	authorized by this subsection, the employee has breached an
1810	essential condition of employment and is considered to have
1811	consented to the involuntary withholding of wages or salary for
1812	the repayment of the certification fee subsidy.
1813	Section 27. Subsection (3) of section 1012.73, Florida
1814	Statutes, is amended to read:
1815	1012.73 Florida Mentor Teacher School Pilot Program.--
1816	(3) The five teacher career development positions and
1817	minimum requirements are:
1818	(a) Education paraprofessional learning guide.--An
1819	education paraprofessional learning guide must hold an associate
1820	degree from a postsecondary educational institution and must
1821	demonstrate appropriate writing, speaking, and computation
1822	skills.
1823	(b) Associate teacher.--An associate teacher must hold a
1824	bachelor's degree from a postsecondary educational institution
1825	and a valid Florida teaching certificate as provided by s.
1826	1012.56.
1827	(c) Teacher.--A teacher must hold a bachelor's degree or
1828	higher from a postsecondary educational institution and a valid
1829	Florida teaching certificate, have a minimum of 3 years' full-
1830	time teaching experience, document satisfactory teaching
1831	performance, and document evidence of positive student learning
1832	gains, when data become available.
1833	(d) Lead teacher.--A lead teacher must hold a bachelor's
1834	degree or higher from a postsecondary educational institution
1835	and a valid Florida professional teaching certificate, have a
1836	minimum of 3 years' full-time teaching experience, document
1837	exemplary teaching performance, and document evidence of
1838	significant positive student learning gains, when data become
1839	available. A lead teacher shall provide intensive support for
1840	associate teachers and teachers.
1841	(e) Mentor teacher.--A mentor teacher must:
1842	1. Hold a bachelor's degree or higher from a postsecondary
1843	educational institution and a valid Florida professional
1844	teaching certificate.
1845	2. Have a minimum of 5 years' full-time teaching
1846	experience.
1847	3. Document exemplary teaching performance.
1848	4. Document evidence of significant positive student
1849	learning gains, when data become available.
1850	5. Hold a valid National Board for Professional Teaching
1851	Standards certificate; have been selected as a school, district,
1852	or state teacher of the year; or hold an equivalent status as
1853	determined by the commissioner.
1854	6. Demonstrate expertise as a staff developer.
1855
1856	Teacher career development does not require graduation from a
1857	teacher preparation program.
1858	Section 28. Subsection (2), paragraph (b) of subsection
1859	(3), and subsections (5) through (10) of section 1012.98,
1860	Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
1861	1012.98 School Community Professional Development Act.--
1862	(2) The school community includes students and parents,
1863	administrative personnel, managers, instructional personnel,
1864	support personnel, members of district school boards, members of
1865	school advisory councils, parents,business partners, and
1866	personnel that provide health and social services to students
1867	school children. School districts may identify and include
1868	additional members of the school community in the professional
1869	development activities required by this section.
1870	(3) The activities designed to implement this section
1871	must:
1872	(b) Assist the school community in providing stimulating,
1873	scientifically research-basededucational activities that
1874	encourage and motivate students to achieve at the highest levels
1875	and to become active learners.
1876	(5)(a) The Department of Education shall provide a system
1877	for the recruitment, preparation, and professional development
1878	of school administrative personnel. This system shall:
1879	1. Identify the knowledge, competencies, and skills
1880	necessary for effective school management and instructional
1881	leadership that align with student performance standards and
1882	accountability measures.
1883	2. Include performance evaluation methods.
1884	3. Provide for alternate means for preparation of school
1885	administrative personnel which may include programs designed by
1886	school districts and postsecondary educational institutions
1887	pursuant to guidelines developed by the commissioner. Such
1888	preparation programs shall be approved by the Department of
1889	Education.
1890	4. Provide for the hiring of qualified out-of-state school
1891	administrative personnel.
1892	5. Provide advanced educational opportunities for school-
1893	based instructional leaders.
1894	(b) The Commissioner of Education shall appoint a task
1895	force that includes a district school superintendent, a district
1896	school board member, a principal, an assistant principal, a
1897	teacher, a dean of a college of education, and parents. The task
1898	force shall convene periodically to provide recommendations to
1899	the department in the areas of recruitment, certification,
1900	preparation, professional development, and evaluation of school
1901	administrators.
1902	(5)(6)Each district school board shall provide funding
1903	for the professional development system as required by s.
1904	1011.62 and the General Appropriations Act, and shall direct
1905	expenditures from other funding sources to strengthen the system
1906	and make it uniform and coherent. A school district may
1907	coordinate its professional development program with that of
1908	another district, with an educational consortium, or with a
1909	community college or university, especially in preparing and
1910	educating personnel. Each district school board shall make
1911	available inservice activities to instructional personnel of
1912	nonpublic schools in the district and the state certified
1913	teachers who are not employed by the district school board on a
1914	fee basis not to exceed the cost of the activity per all
1915	participants.
1916	(6)(7)An organization of private schools which has no
1917	fewer than 10 member schools in this state, which publishes and
1918	files with the Department of Education copies of its standards,
1919	and the member schools of which comply with the provisions of
1920	part II of chapter 1003, relating to compulsory school
1921	attendance, may also develop aprofessional development system
1922	that includes a master plan for inservice activities. The system
1923	and inservice plan must be submitted to the commissioner for
1924	approval pursuant to rules of the State Board of Education.
1925	(7)(8)The Department of Education shall design methods by
1926	which the state and district school boards may evaluate and
1927	improve the professional development system. The evaluation must
1928	include an annual assessment of data that indicate progress or
1929	lack of progress of all students. If the review of the data
1930	indicates progress, the department shall identify the best
1931	practices that contributed to the progress. If the review of the
1932	data indicates a lack of progress, the department shall
1933	investigate the causes of the lack of progress, provide
1934	technical assistance, and require the school district to employ
1935	a different approach to professional development. The department
1936	shall report annually to the State Board of Education and the
1937	Legislature any school district that, in the determination of
1938	the department, has failed to provide an adequate professional
1939	development system. This report must include the results of the
1940	department's investigation and of any intervention provided.
1941	(8)(9)The State Board of Education may adopt rules
1942	pursuant to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 to administer this
1943	section.
1944	(9)(10)This section does not limit or discourage a
1945	district school board from contracting with independent entities
1946	for professional development services and inservice education if
1947	the district school board can demonstrate to the Commissioner of
1948	Educationbelievesthat, through such a contract, a better
1949	product can be acquired or its goals for education improvement
1950	can be better met.
1951	(10)(11)For teachers, managers, and administrative
1952	personnel who have been evaluated as less than satisfactory, a
1953	district school board shall require participation in specific
1954	professional development programs as part of the improvement
1955	prescription.
1956	Section 29. Section 1012.987, Florida Statutes, is created
1957	to read:
1958	1012.987 Education leadership development.--
1959	(1) The State Board of Education shall adopt rules through
1960	which school principals may earn a principal leadership
1961	designation based on teacher retention, overall student
1962	performance, and school grade. The State Board of Education must
1963	designate incentives available to personnel who earn a principal
1964	leadership designation including, but not limited to, merit pay,
1965	expanded discretionary spending flexibility, relaxed regulation
1966	or reporting requirements, additional professional development
1967	resources, and public recognition.
1968	(2)(a) The Department of Education shall provide a system
1969	for the recruitment, preparation, and education leadership
1970	development of school administrative personnel. This system
1971	shallbe based on standards adopted by the State Board of
1972	Education that include, but are not limited to:
1973	1. Improved student achievement.
1974	2. Increased emphasis on reading using the latest
1975	scientific knowledge-based research in reading and the
1976	administrator's role as a successful school leader in reading
1977	reform efforts.
1978	3. Instructional leadership.
1979	4. Data analysis.
1980	5. School safety.
1981	6. Community and family involvement.
1982	7. Operational management.
1983	8. School finance.
1984
1985	(b) Each education leadership development program must
1986	provide all program participants full information on not less
1987	than an annual basis to update the participants on the status
1988	of, and rationale for changes to, state and federal law and
1989	funding policies.
1990	(c) Education leadership development programs must be
1991	consistent with standards adopted by the State Board of
1992	Education and must be approved by the department.
1993	(d) Alternative education leadership development programs
1994	that meet the standards of, and are approved by, the Department
1995	of Education may be offered by a school district or
1996	postsecondary educational institution.
1997	(e) The Commissioner of Education may conduct K-20
1998	education leadership institutes for the purpose of communicating
1999	the state's education priorities, best practices, and other
2000	related research and facilitating the formation of a K-20
2001	partnership.
2002	Section 30. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the
2003	contrary, when a school is graded "F" or receives a second
2004	consecutive grade of "D," the elected district school
2005	superintendent, or if the district school superintendent is
2006	appointed, the district school board, may request the
2007	resignation of the school principal and teachers.
2008	Section 31. This act shall take effect upon becoming a
2009	law.