Florida Senate - 2014                                    SB 1506
       
       
        
       By Senator Montford
       
       
       
       
       
       3-01453A-14                                           20141506__
    1                        A bill to be entitled                      
    2         An act relating to a pilot program for improving low
    3         performing schools; requiring the Department of
    4         Education to establish the pilot program; providing
    5         requirements for the pilot program; providing an
    6         implementation schedule for the pilot program;
    7         requiring a report to the Governor and the Legislature
    8         at the conclusion of the pilot program; requiring the
    9         State Board of Education to adopt rules; providing an
   10         effective date.
   11          
   12  Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
   13  
   14         Section 1. Pilot program for improving low-performing
   15  schools.—
   16         (1) Beginning in the 2014-2015 school year, the Department
   17  of Education shall implement a 4-year pilot program in each of
   18  the state’s lowest-performing traditional public schools that
   19  have a large population of low-income, failing, or at-risk
   20  students in kindergarten through grade 3. The Commissioner of
   21  Education shall establish criteria for participation in the
   22  program.
   23         (2) The pilot program shall consist of a summer school
   24  program that provides additional school hours with a certified
   25  classroom teacher who is physically present with the students.
   26         (3) The pilot program shall focus on improving academic
   27  achievement by providing instruction that helps students develop
   28  strong literacy, mathematical, and other academic skills.
   29         (4) The pilot program shall be implemented as follows:
   30         (a) During the first year of summer school operation, a
   31  school shall work with the local school district and local
   32  teachers and parents to advertise the program, establish
   33  baseline data, begin offering the academic instructional
   34  services, and report costs and benefits.
   35         (b) During the second, third, and fourth years of operation
   36  of the pilot program, a school shall continue offering the
   37  academic and instructional services during the summer months;
   38  seek input and feedback for, and refine, the services that are
   39  offered; and report progress, costs, and benefits to the State
   40  Board of Education.
   41         (5) At the conclusion of the pilot program, the Department
   42  of Education shall submit to the Governor, the President of the
   43  Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives a review
   44  of the program, which must include successful practices and the
   45  impact on student performance and success, and shall make a
   46  recommendation for continuing or terminating the program.
   47         (6) The State Board of Education shall adopt rules to
   48  administer this section.
   49         Section 2. This act shall take effect July 1, 2014.