Florida Senate - 2014 SENATOR AMENDMENT
Bill No. HB 5009
Ì256570*Î256570
LEGISLATIVE ACTION
Senate . House
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Floor: WD .
04/29/2014 05:27 PM .
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Senator Legg moved the following:
1 Senate Amendment (with title amendment)
2
3 Before line 17
4 insert:
5 Section 1. Subsection (15) is added to section 1011.62,
6 Florida Statutes, to read:
7 1011.62 Funds for operation of schools.—If the annual
8 allocation from the Florida Education Finance Program to each
9 district for operation of schools is not determined in the
10 annual appropriations act or the substantive bill implementing
11 the annual appropriations act, it shall be determined as
12 follows:
13 (15) FLORIDA DIGITAL CLASSROOMS.—
14 (a) The Florida digital classrooms allocation is created to
15 support district and school efforts and strategies to improve
16 outcomes related to student performance by integrating
17 technology in classroom teaching and learning. The outcomes must
18 be measurable and may also be unique to the needs of individual
19 schools and school districts within the general parameters
20 established by the Department of Education.
21 (b) Each district school board shall adopt a district
22 digital classrooms plan that meets the unique needs of students,
23 schools, and personnel and submit the plan for approval to the
24 department. In addition, each district school board must, at a
25 minimum, seek input from the district’s instructional,
26 curriculum, and information technology staff to develop the
27 district digital classrooms plan. The district’s plan must be
28 within the general parameters established in the Florida digital
29 classrooms plan pursuant to paragraph (c). In addition, if the
30 district participates in federal technology initiatives and
31 grant programs, the district digital classrooms plan must
32 include a plan for meeting requirements of such initiatives and
33 grant programs. Funds allocated under this subsection must be
34 used to support implementation of district digital classrooms
35 plans. By October 1, 2014, and by March 1 of each year
36 thereafter, on a date determined by the department, each
37 district school board shall submit to the department, in a
38 format prescribed by the department, a digital classrooms plan.
39 At a minimum, such plan must include, and be annually updated to
40 reflect, the following:
41 1. Measurable student performance outcomes. Outcomes
42 related to student performance, including outcomes for students
43 with disabilities, must be tied to the efforts and strategies to
44 improve outcomes related to student performance by integrating
45 technology in classroom teaching and learning. Results of the
46 outcomes shall be reported at least annually for the current
47 school year and subsequent 3 years and be accompanied by an
48 independent evaluation and validation of the reported results.
49 2. Digital learning and technology infrastructure purchases
50 and operational activities. Such purchases and activities must
51 be tied to the measurable outcomes under subparagraph 1.,
52 including, but not limited to, connectivity, broadband access,
53 wireless capacity, Internet speed, and data security, all of
54 which must meet or exceed minimum requirements and protocols
55 established by the department. For each year that the district
56 uses funds for infrastructure, a third-party, independent
57 evaluation of the district’s technology inventory and
58 infrastructure needs must accompany the district’s plan.
59 3. Professional development purchases and operational
60 activities. Such purchases and activities must be tied to the
61 measurable outcomes under subparagraph 1., including, but not
62 limited to, using technology in the classroom and improving
63 digital literacy and competency.
64 4. Digital tool purchases and operational activities. Such
65 purchases and activities must be tied to the measurable outcomes
66 under subparagraph 1., including, but not limited to,
67 competency-based credentials that measure and demonstrate
68 digital competency and certifications; third-party assessments
69 that demonstrate acquired knowledge and use of digital
70 applications; and devices that meet or exceed minimum
71 requirements and protocols established by the department.
72 5. Online assessment-related purchases and operational
73 activities. Such purchases and activities must be tied to the
74 measurable outcomes under subparagraph 1., including, but not
75 limited to, expanding the capacity to administer assessments and
76 compatibility with minimum assessment protocols and requirements
77 established by the department.
78 (c) The State Board of Education shall adopt a Florida
79 digital classrooms plan that, at a minimum, establishes minimum
80 protocols, parameters, and requirements for district-level
81 infrastructure, school-level infrastructure, and digital tools
82 that accommodate statutory requirements and timelines for
83 instruction, learning, assessments, and accountability. The
84 Department of Education may consult with qualified experts to
85 develop the Florida digital classrooms plan. The Florida digital
86 classrooms plan shall be prepared for the current school year
87 and the subsequent 5 years. The plan shall be reviewed and
88 updated annually and must specify the criteria for the annual
89 review and approval of the districts’ digital classrooms plans.
90 (d) The Legislature shall annually provide in the General
91 Appropriations Act a Florida Education Finance Program (FEFP)
92 allocation for implementation of the digital classrooms plan to
93 be calculated in an amount up to 1 percent of the base student
94 allocation multiplied by the total K-12 full-time equivalent
95 student enrollment included in the FEFP calculations for the
96 legislative appropriation or as provided in the General
97 Appropriations Act. Each school district shall be provided a
98 minimum of $250,000, with the remaining balance of the
99 allocation to be distributed based on each district’s proportion
100 of the total K-12 full-time equivalent student enrollment.
101 Distribution of funds for the Florida digital classrooms
102 allocation shall begin following submittal of each district’s
103 digital classrooms plan, which must include formal verification
104 of the superintendent’s approval of the digital classrooms plan
105 of each charter school in the district, and approval of the plan
106 by the department. Prior to the distribution of the Florida
107 digital classrooms allocation funds, each district school
108 superintendent shall certify to the Commissioner of Education
109 that the district school board has approved a comprehensive
110 district digital classrooms plan that supports the fidelity of
111 implementation of the Florida digital classrooms allocation.
112 District allocations shall be recalculated during the fiscal
113 year consistent with the periodic recalculation of the FEFP.
114 School districts shall provide a proportionate share of the
115 digital classrooms allocation to each charter school in the
116 district, as required for categorical programs in s.
117 1002.33(17)(b). A school district may use a competitive process
118 to distribute funds for the Florida digital classrooms
119 allocation to the schools within the school district.
120 (e) To facilitate the implementation of the district
121 digital classrooms plans and charter school digital classrooms
122 plans, the commissioner shall support statewide, coordinated
123 partnerships and efforts of this state’s education practitioners
124 in the field, including, but not limited to, superintendents,
125 principals, and teachers, to identify and share best practices,
126 corrective actions, and other identified needs.
127 (f) Beginning in the 2015-2016 fiscal year and each year
128 thereafter, each district school board shall report to the
129 department its use of funds provided through the Florida digital
130 classrooms allocation and student performance outcomes in
131 accordance with the district’s digital classrooms plan. The
132 department may contract with an independent third-party entity
133 to conduct an annual independent verification of the district’s
134 use of Florida digital classrooms allocation funds in accordance
135 with the district’s digital classrooms plan. In the event an
136 independent third-party verification is not conducted, the
137 Auditor General shall, during scheduled operational audits of
138 the school districts, verify compliance of the use of Florida
139 digital classrooms allocation funds in accordance with the
140 district’s digital classrooms plan. No later than October 1 of
141 each year, beginning in the 2015-2016 fiscal year, the
142 commissioner shall provide to the Governor, the President of the
143 Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives a
144 summary of each district’s use of funds, student performance
145 outcomes, and progress toward meeting statutory requirements and
146 timelines.
147 (g) Each school district shall provide teachers,
148 administrators, students, and parents with access to:
149 1. Instructional materials in digital or electronic format,
150 as defined in s. 1006.29.
151 2. Digital materials including those digital materials that
152 enable students to earn certificates and industry certifications
153 pursuant to ss. 1003.4203 and 1008.44.
154 3. Teaching and learning tools and resources, including the
155 ability for teachers and administrators to manage, assess, and
156 monitor student performance data.
157 (h) The State Board of Education may adopt rules pursuant
158 to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 to administer this subsection.
159 Section 2. Paragraph (b) of subsection (17) and paragraph
160 (a) of subsection (20) of section 1002.33, Florida Statutes, are
161 amended to read:
162 1002.33 Charter schools.—
163 (17) FUNDING.—Students enrolled in a charter school,
164 regardless of the sponsorship, shall be funded as if they are in
165 a basic program or a special program, the same as students
166 enrolled in other public schools in the school district. Funding
167 for a charter lab school shall be as provided in s. 1002.32.
168 (b) The basis for the agreement for funding students
169 enrolled in a charter school shall be the sum of the school
170 district’s operating funds from the Florida Education Finance
171 Program as provided in s. 1011.62 and the General Appropriations
172 Act, including gross state and local funds, discretionary
173 lottery funds, and funds from the school district’s current
174 operating discretionary millage levy; divided by total funded
175 weighted full-time equivalent students in the school district;
176 multiplied by the weighted full-time equivalent students for the
177 charter school. Charter schools whose students or programs meet
178 the eligibility criteria in law are shall be entitled to their
179 proportionate share of categorical program funds included in the
180 total funds available in the Florida Education Finance Program
181 by the Legislature, including transportation and the Florida
182 digital classrooms allocation. Total funding for each charter
183 school shall be recalculated during the year to reflect the
184 revised calculations under the Florida Education Finance Program
185 by the state and the actual weighted full-time equivalent
186 students reported by the charter school during the full-time
187 equivalent student survey periods designated by the Commissioner
188 of Education.
189 (20) SERVICES.—
190 (a)1. A sponsor shall provide certain administrative and
191 educational services to charter schools. These services shall
192 include contract management services; full-time equivalent and
193 data reporting services; exceptional student education
194 administration services; services related to eligibility and
195 reporting duties required to ensure that school lunch services
196 under the federal lunch program, consistent with the needs of
197 the charter school, are provided by the school district at the
198 request of the charter school, that any funds due to the charter
199 school under the federal lunch program be paid to the charter
200 school as soon as the charter school begins serving food under
201 the federal lunch program, and that the charter school is paid
202 at the same time and in the same manner under the federal lunch
203 program as other public schools serviced by the sponsor or the
204 school district; test administration services, including payment
205 of the costs of state-required or district-required student
206 assessments; processing of teacher certificate data services;
207 and information services, including equal access to student
208 information systems that are used by public schools in the
209 district in which the charter school is located. Student
210 performance data for each student in a charter school,
211 including, but not limited to, FCAT scores, standardized test
212 scores, previous public school student report cards, and student
213 performance measures, shall be provided by the sponsor to a
214 charter school in the same manner provided to other public
215 schools in the district.
216 2. A total administrative fee for the provision of such
217 services shall be calculated based upon up to 5 percent of the
218 available funds defined in paragraph (17)(b) for all students,
219 except that when 75 percent or more of the students enrolled in
220 the charter school are exceptional students as defined in s.
221 1003.01(3), the 5 percent of those available funds shall be
222 calculated based on unweighted full-time equivalent students.
223 However, a sponsor may only withhold up to a 5-percent
224 administrative fee for enrollment for up to and including 250
225 students. For charter schools with a population of 251 or more
226 students, the difference between the total administrative fee
227 calculation and the amount of the administrative fee withheld
228 may only be used for capital outlay purposes specified in s.
229 1013.62(2).
230 3. For high-performing charter schools, as defined in ch.
231 2011-232, a sponsor may withhold a total administrative fee of
232 up to 2 percent for enrollment up to and including 250 students
233 per school.
234 4. In addition, a sponsor may withhold only up to a 5
235 percent administrative fee for enrollment for up to and
236 including 500 students within a system of charter schools which
237 meets all of the following:
238 a. Includes both conversion charter schools and
239 nonconversion charter schools;
240 b. Has all schools located in the same county;
241 c. Has a total enrollment exceeding the total enrollment of
242 at least one school district in the state;
243 d. Has the same governing board; and
244 e. Does not contract with a for-profit service provider for
245 management of school operations.
246 5. The difference between the total administrative fee
247 calculation and the amount of the administrative fee withheld
248 pursuant to subparagraph 4. may be used for instructional and
249 administrative purposes as well as for capital outlay purposes
250 specified in s. 1013.62(2).
251 6. For a high-performing charter school system that also
252 meets the requirements in subparagraph 4., a sponsor may
253 withhold a 2-percent administrative fee for enrollments up to
254 and including 500 students per system.
255 7. Sponsors shall not charge charter schools any additional
256 fees or surcharges for administrative and educational services
257 in addition to the maximum 5-percent administrative fee withheld
258 pursuant to this paragraph.
259 8. The sponsor of a virtual charter school may withhold a
260 fee of up to 5 percent. The funds shall be used to cover the
261 cost of services provided under subparagraph 1. and
262 implementation of for the school district’s digital classrooms
263 plan pursuant to s. 1011.62 local instructional improvement
264 system pursuant to s. 1006.281 or other technological tools that
265 are required to access electronic and digital instructional
266 materials.
267 Section 3. Paragraph (e) of subsection (1) and subsection
268 (10) of section 1002.45, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
269 1002.45 Virtual instruction programs.—
270 (1) PROGRAM.—
271 (e) Each school district shall:
272 1. Provide to the department by October 1, 2011, and by
273 each October 1 thereafter, a copy of each contract and the
274 amounts paid per unweighted full-time equivalent student for
275 services procured pursuant to subparagraphs (c)1. and 2.
276 2. Expend the difference in funds provided for a student
277 participating in the school district virtual instruction program
278 pursuant to subsection (7) and the price paid for contracted
279 services procured pursuant to subparagraphs (c)1. and 2. for
280 implementation of the school district’s digital classrooms plan
281 pursuant to s. 1011.62 the district’s local instructional
282 improvement system pursuant to s. 1006.281 or other
283 technological tools that are required to access electronic and
284 digital instructional materials.
285 3. At the end of each fiscal year, but no later than
286 September 1, report to the department an itemized list of the
287 technological tools purchased with these funds.
288 (10) MARKETING.—At the beginning of each school year, each
289 school district shall provide notification information to
290 parents and students about a the parent’s and student’s right
291 and choice to participate in a virtual instruction program under
292 this section and in courses offered by the Florida Virtual
293 School under s. 1002.37.
294 Section 4. Section 1006.281, Florida Statutes, is repealed.
295 Section 5. Section 1006.282, Florida Statutes, is repealed.
296 Section 6. Paragraph (b) of subsection (3) of section
297 1006.38, Florida Statutes, is amended:
298 1006.38 Duties, responsibilities, and requirements of
299 instructional materials publishers and manufacturers.—This
300 section applies to both the state and district approval
301 processes. Publishers and manufacturers of instructional
302 materials, or their representatives, shall:
303 (3) Submit, at a time designated in s. 1006.33, the
304 following information:
305 (b) Evidence that the publisher or manufacturer has
306 provided materials that address the performance standards
307 provided for in s. 1001.03(1) and that can be accessed through
308 the school district’s digital classrooms plan local
309 instructional improvement system and a variety of electronic,
310 digital, and mobile devices.
311 Section 7. Section 1007.2616, Florida Statutes, is created
312 to read:
313 1007.2616 Computer science and technology instruction.—
314 (1) Public schools shall provide students in grades K-12
315 opportunities for learning computer science, including, but not
316 limited to, computer coding and computer programming. Such
317 opportunities may include coding instruction in elementary
318 school and middle school, instruction to develop students’
319 computer usage and digital literacy skills in middle school, and
320 courses in computer science, computer coding, and computer
321 programming in high school, including earning related industry
322 certifications.
323 (2) Elementary schools and middle schools may establish
324 digital classrooms in which students are provided opportunities
325 to improve digital literacy and competency; to learn digital
326 skills, such as coding, multiple media presentation, and the
327 manipulation of multiple digital graphic images; and to earn
328 digital tools, such as certificates and certifications pursuant
329 to s. 1003.4203 and grade-appropriate, technology-related
330 industry certifications.
331 (3) High schools may provide students with opportunities to
332 take computer science courses to satisfy high school graduation
333 requirements, including, but not limited to, the following:
334 (a) High school computer science courses of sufficient
335 rigor, as identified by the commissioner, such that one credit
336 in computer science and the earning of related industry
337 certifications constitute the equivalent of up to one credit of
338 mathematics requirement, with the exception of Algebra I or
339 higher level mathematics, or up to one credit of science
340 requirement, with the exception of Biology I or higher level
341 science, for high school graduation. Computer science courses
342 and technology-related industry certifications that are
343 identified as eligible for meeting mathematics or science
344 requirements for high school graduation shall be included in the
345 Course Code Directory.
346 (b) High school computer technology courses in 3D rapid
347 prototype printing of sufficient rigor, as identified by the
348 commissioner, such that one or more credits in such courses and
349 related industry certifications earned may satisfy up to two
350 credits of mathematics required for high school graduation.
351 Computer technology courses in 3D rapid prototype printing and
352 related industry certifications that are identified as eligible
353 for meeting mathematics requirements for high school graduation
354 shall be included in the Course Code Directory.
355 (4) The State Board of Education may adopt rules pursuant
356 to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 to administer this section.
357 Section 8. Section 1006.72, Florida Statutes, is repealed.
358 Section 9. Section 1006.73, Florida Statutes, is amended to
359 read:
360 (Substantial rewording of section. See
361 s. 1006.73, F.S., for present text.)
362 1006.73 Florida Library Automation Cooperative.—
363 (1) The Florida Library Automation Cooperative is
364 established to provide a single library automation system and
365 associated resources and services that all public postsecondary
366 institutions shall use to support learning, teaching, and
367 research needs.
368 (2) The Florida Library Automation Cooperative shall:
369 (a) Develop and manage a library information portal and
370 automated library management tools for use by Florida College
371 System institutions and state universities. The library
372 information portal and automated library management tools shall
373 include, but are not limited to, the following services and
374 functions:
375 1. A shared Internet-based catalog and discovery tool that
376 allows a user to search and, if authorized, access the aggregate
377 library holdings of the state’s public postsecondary education
378 institutions. The catalog and discovery tool shall allow a user
379 to search the library holdings of one institution, selected
380 institutions, or all institutions and, to the extent feasible,
381 shall include an interlibrary loan function that ensures that an
382 authorized user can access the required library holding.
383 2. An Internet-based searchable collection of electronic
384 resources which shall include, but not be limited to, full-text
385 journals, articles, databases, and electronic books licensed
386 pursuant to paragraph (b).
387 3. An integrated library management system and its
388 associated services that all public postsecondary education
389 institution academic libraries shall use for purposes of
390 acquiring, cataloging, circulating, and tracking library
391 material.
392 4. A statewide searchable database that includes an
393 inventory of digital archives and collections held by public
394 postsecondary education institutions.
395 (b) In collaboration with library staff from Florida
396 College System institutions and state universities, coordinate
397 the negotiation of statewide licensing of electronic library
398 resources and preferred pricing agreements, issue purchase
399 orders, and enter into contracts for the acquisition of library
400 support services, electronic resources, and other goods and
401 services necessary to carry out its duties under this section.
402 For purposes of licensing electronic library resources from
403 funds appropriated to the Complete Florida Plus Program, those
404 resources licensed for 4-year-degree-seeking students shall be
405 made available to all 4-year-degree-seeking students in the
406 Florida College System and the State University System.
407 (c) Promote and provide recommendations concerning the use
408 and distribution of open-access textbooks and education
409 resources as a method for reducing costs, and work with public
410 postsecondary education institutions in developing a
411 standardized process for the review and approval of open-access
412 textbooks.
413 (d) Provide appropriate help desk support and training and
414 consultation services to institutions and students using the
415 services of the Florida Library Automation Cooperative.
416 (e) Receive all data center services from the Northwest
417 Regional Data Center established pursuant to s. 1004.649.
418 (3) The University of West Florida shall hire a director
419 for the Florida Library Automation Cooperative, who shall report
420 to and is under the supervision and direction of the director of
421 the Complete Florida Plus Program established pursuant to s.
422 1006.735. The director of the Florida Library Automation
423 Cooperative shall:
424 (a) Exercise all powers, duties, and functions of the
425 cooperative prescribed by law.
426 (b) Administer the operational requirements of the
427 cooperative.
428 (c) Hire professional and administrative staff necessary to
429 carry out the duties of the cooperative. The director shall hire
430 the minimum administrative staff necessary to administer the
431 duties of the cooperative.
432 (4) Beginning December 31, 2014, and each year thereafter,
433 the University of West Florida shall submit a report to the
434 President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of
435 Representatives describing the implementation and operation of
436 the Florida Library Automation Cooperative to include, but not
437 be limited to, information and associated costs relating to the
438 services and functions identified in subsection (2).
439 Section 10. Section 1006.735, Florida Statutes, is amended
440 to read:
441 1006.735 Complete Florida Plus Degree Program.—The Complete
442 Florida Plus Program is created at the University of West
443 Florida.
444 (1) PURPOSE.–The purpose of the Complete Florida Plus
445 Program is to:
446 (a) Facilitate degree completion for the state’s adult
447 learners through the Complete Florida Degree Initiative.
448 (b) Provide information regarding and access to distance
449 learning courses and degree programs offered by public
450 postsecondary education institutions within the state.
451 (c) Coordinate with the Florida College System and the
452 State University System to identify and provide online academic
453 support services and resources when the multi-institutional
454 provision of such services and resources is more cost-effective
455 or operationally effective.
456 (d) Administer the Florida Library Automation Cooperative
457 established in s. 1006.73 and consult with the chancellors of
458 the Florida College System and State University System regarding
459 the implementation and operations of the cooperative.
460 (2)(1) COMPLETE FLORIDA DEGREE INITIATIVE.—The Complete
461 Florida Degree Initiative Program is established within the
462 Complete Florida Plus Program for the purpose of recruiting,
463 recovering, and retaining the state’s adult learners and
464 assisting them in completing an associate degree or a
465 baccalaureate degree that is aligned to high-wage, high-skill
466 workforce needs. As used in this section, the term “adult
467 learner” means a student who has successfully completed college
468 level coursework in multiple semesters but has left an
469 institution in good standing before completing his or her
470 degree. The initiative program shall give priority to adult
471 learners who are veterans or active duty members of the United
472 States Armed Forces.
473 (a)(2) The Complete Florida Degree Initiative Program shall
474 be implemented by the University of West Florida, acting as the
475 lead institution, in coordination with Florida College System
476 institutions, state universities, and private postsecondary
477 institutions, as appropriate. The initiative program shall
478 include the associate, applied baccalaureate, and baccalaureate
479 degree programs that these institutions have selected. Other
480 partnering public postsecondary education institutions shall
481 provide areas of specialization or concentration.
482 (b)(3) In determining For purposes of selecting the degree
483 programs that will be given priority, in the Complete Florida
484 Degree Initiative Program, the institutions identified in
485 subsection (2) shall partner with public and private job
486 recruitment and placement agencies and shall use labor market
487 data and projections, including those identified in the Board of
488 Governors’ gap analysis, to identify the specific workforce
489 needs and targeted occupations of the state.
490 (c)(4) The Complete Florida Degree Initiative Program shall
491 provide adult learners with a single point of access to
492 information and links to innovative online and accelerated
493 distance learning courses, student and library support services,
494 and electronic resources that will guide the adult learner
495 toward the successful completion of a postsecondary degree.
496 (5) By the end of the 2013-2014 academic year, the Complete
497 Florida Degree Program shall be implemented and must:
498 (a) Use the distance learning course catalog established
499 pursuant to s. 1006.73 to communicate course availability to the
500 adult learner.
501 (b) Develop and implement an advising and student support
502 system that includes the use of degree completion specialists,
503 is based upon best practices and processes, and includes
504 academic and career support services designed specifically for
505 the adult learner. The program must identify proposed changes to
506 the statewide computer-assisted student advising system
507 established pursuant to s. 1006.73 to assist the adult learner
508 in using the system.
509 (c) Use the streamlined, automated, online admissions
510 application process for transient students established pursuant
511 to s. 1006.73. The program shall identify any additional
512 admissions and registration policies and practices that could be
513 further streamlined and automated for purposes of assisting the
514 adult learner.
515 (d) The Complete Florida Degree Initiative must:
516 1. Use existing and, if necessary, develop new competency
517 based instructional and evaluation tools to assess prior
518 performance, experience, and education for the award of college
519 credit in order to reduce the time required for adult learners
520 to complete their degrees. The tools may include the use of the
521 American Council on Education’s collaborative link between the
522 United States Department of Defense and higher education through
523 the review of military training and experiences for the award of
524 equivalent college credit for members of the United States Armed
525 Forces.
526 2.(e) Develop and implement an evaluation process that
527 collects, analyzes, and provides to the chancellors of the
528 Florida College System and the State University System, the
529 participating postsecondary education institutions, the chairs
530 of the legislative appropriations committees, and the Executive
531 Office of the Governor information on the effectiveness of the
532 initiative program and the attainment of its goals. Such a
533 process shall include a management information system that
534 collects the appropriate student, programmatic, and fiscal data
535 necessary to complete the evaluation of the initiative program.
536 Institutions involved in the initiative program shall also
537 collect job placement and employment data on the adult learners
538 who have completed their degrees as a result of the initiative
539 program.
540 3.(f) Develop and implement a statewide student recruitment
541 campaign targeted toward adult learners, particularly veterans
542 and active duty members of the United States Armed Forces, for
543 enrollment in the degree programs offered through the initiative
544 program.
545 (e)(6) For purposes of the Complete Florida Degree
546 Initiative Program, each institution’s current tuition and fee
547 structure shall be used. However, all participating institutions
548 shall collaboratively identify the applicable cost components
549 involved in the development and delivery of distance learning
550 courses, collect information on these cost components, and
551 submit the information to the chancellors of the Florida College
552 System and the State University System. The chancellors shall
553 submit a report to the chairs of the legislative appropriations
554 committees no later than December 31, 2014, on the need for a
555 differentiated tuition and fee structure for the development and
556 delivery of distance learning courses.
557 (3) STATEWIDE INTERNET-BASED CATALOG OF DISTANCE LEARNING
558 COURSES.—The Complete Florida Plus Program shall develop and
559 manage a statewide Internet-based catalog of distance learning
560 courses, degree programs, and resources offered by public
561 postsecondary education institutions which is intended to assist
562 in the coordination and collaboration of articulation and access
563 pursuant to parts II and III of chapter 1007. The program shall
564 establish operational procedures for the catalog which must:
565 (a) Require participating institutions to provide specific
566 information concerning the distance learning course or degree
567 program, including course number, classification of
568 instructional programs number, and information on the
569 availability of the course or degree program; any prerequisite
570 course or technology competency or skill; the availability of
571 academic support services and financial aid resources; and
572 course costs, fees, and payment policies.
573 (b) Require that distance learning courses and degree
574 programs meet applicable accreditation standards and criteria.
575 (c) Require that the catalog is reviewed and updated
576 frequently to ensure that distance learning courses and degree
577 programs comply with operational procedures.
578 (d) Define and describe the catalog’s search and retrieval
579 options that, at a minimum, will allow users to search by
580 academic term or course start date; institution, multiple
581 institutions, or all institutions; and course or program
582 delivery methods, course type, course availability, subject or
583 discipline, and course number or classification of instructional
584 programs number.
585 (e) Use an Internet-based analytic tool that allows for the
586 collection and analysis of data, including, but not limited to:
587 1. The number and type of students who use the catalog to
588 search for distance learning courses and degree programs.
589 2. The number and type of requests for information about
590 distance learning courses and degree programs that are not
591 listed in the catalog.
592 3. A summary of specific requests by course type or course
593 number, delivery method, offering institution, and semester.
594 (4) STATEWIDE ONLINE STUDENT ADVISING SERVICES AND
595 SUPPORT.—The Complete Florida Plus Program shall make available
596 to all postsecondary students on a statewide basis online
597 services and support, and the program shall, at a minimum:
598 (a) Streamline online admissions application process, which
599 shall be used by all postsecondary institutions, for
600 undergraduate transient students currently enrolled and pursuing
601 a degree at a public postsecondary education institution who
602 enroll in a course offered by a public postsecondary education
603 institution that is not the student’s degree-granting
604 institution. The University of West Florida shall work with
605 Florida College System institutions and state universities to:
606 1. Use the transient student admissions application
607 available through the statewide computer-assisted student
608 advising system established pursuant to paragraph (b). This
609 admissions application is the only application required for
610 enrollment of a transient student as described in this
611 paragraph.
612 2. Implement the financial aid procedures required by the
613 transient student admissions application process.
614 3. Transfer credit awarded by the institution offering the
615 course to the transient student’s degree-granting institution.
616 4. Provide an interface between the institutional advising
617 system and the statewide computer-assisted student advising
618 system established pursuant to paragraph (b) in order to
619 electronically send, receive, and process the transient student
620 admissions application.
621 (b) Manage a K-20 statewide computer-assisted student
622 advising system. The system shall support career and education
623 planning for the K-12 system, and the process of advising,
624 registering, and certifying postsecondary students for
625 graduation and include a degree audit and an articulation
626 component. Florida College System institutions and state
627 universities shall interface institutional advising systems with
628 the statewide computer-assisted student advising system. At a
629 minimum, the statewide computer-assisted student advising system
630 shall:
631 1. Allow a student to access the system at any time.
632 2. Support K-12 career and education planning required by
633 s. 1003.4156(1)(e).
634 3. Allow a student to search public postsecondary education
635 institutions and identify course options that will meet the
636 requirements of a selected path toward a degree.
637 4. Audit transcripts of students enrolled in a public
638 postsecondary education institution to assess current academic
639 standing, the requirements for a student to transfer to another
640 institution, and all requirements necessary for graduation.
641 5. Serve as the official statewide repository for the
642 common prerequisite manual, admissions information for
643 transferring programs, foreign language requirements, residency
644 requirements, and statewide articulation agreements.
645 6. Provide information relating to career descriptions and
646 corresponding educational requirements, admissions requirements,
647 and available sources of student financial assistance.
648 7. Provide the admissions application for transient
649 students pursuant to paragraph (a) which must include the
650 electronic transfer and receipt of information and records for:
651 a. Admissions and readmissions.
652 b. Financial aid.
653 c. Transfer of credit awarded by the institution offering
654 the course to the transient student’s degree-granting
655 institution.
656 (c) Identify and evaluate new technologies and
657 instructional methods for improving distance learning
658 instruction and development for faculty, student learning
659 outcomes, student access, the efficient delivery of student
660 support services, the alignment of degrees to career needs, and
661 the overall quality of postsecondary distance learning courses
662 and degree programs.
663 (d) Provide appropriate help desk support and training and
664 consultation services to institutions and students using the
665 services and resources of the Complete Florida Plus Program.
666 (e) Coordinate the negotiation of statewide licensing
667 resources and preferred pricing agreements, issue purchase
668 orders, and enter into contracts for the acquisition of distance
669 learning resources, student and support services, electronic
670 resources, and other goods and services necessary to carry out
671 duties under this section.
672 (f) In consultation with public postsecondary education
673 institutions, develop and implement a plan that describes the
674 services and resources available through the Complete Florida
675 Plus Program to encourage current and prospective students’ use
676 of such services and resources.
677 (5) REPORT.—Beginning December 31, 2014, and each year
678 thereafter, the University of West Florida shall submit a report
679 to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of
680 Representatives regarding the implementation and operation of
681 all components of the Complete Florida Plus Program, including,
682 but not limited to, information and associated costs relating to
683 the services and functions of the program.
684 (6) DATA CENTER SERVICES.—The Northwest Regional Data
685 Center established pursuant to s. 1004.649 shall provide all
686 data center services necessary to support the statewide
687 Internet-based catalog established in subsection (3) and the
688 statewide online student advising services and support
689 established in subsection (4).
690 (7) The University of West Florida, in collaboration with
691 its partners, shall submit to the chairs of the Board of
692 Governors, the State Board of Education, and the legislative
693 appropriations committees no later than September 1, 2013, a
694 detailed program plan that defines the major work activities,
695 student eligibility criteria, timeline, and cost for
696 implementing the Complete Florida Degree Program.
697 Section 11. Paragraph (h) of subsection (3) of section
698 1007.01, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
699 1007.01 Articulation; legislative intent; purpose; role of
700 the State Board of Education and the Board of Governors;
701 Articulation Coordinating Committee.—
702 (3) The Commissioner of Education, in consultation with the
703 Chancellor of the State University System, shall establish the
704 Articulation Coordinating Committee, which shall make
705 recommendations related to statewide articulation policies and
706 issues regarding access, quality, and reporting of data
707 maintained by the K-20 data warehouse, established pursuant to
708 ss. 1001.10 and 1008.31, to the Higher Education Coordination
709 Council, the State Board of Education, and the Board of
710 Governors. The committee shall consist of two members each
711 representing the State University System, the Florida College
712 System, public career and technical education, K-12 education,
713 and nonpublic postsecondary education and one member
714 representing students. The chair shall be elected from the
715 membership. The Office of K-20 Articulation shall provide
716 administrative support for the committee. The committee shall:
717 (h) Recommend roles and responsibilities of public
718 education entities in interfacing with the single, statewide
719 computer-assisted student advising system established pursuant
720 to s. 1006.735 1006.73.
721 Section 12. Subsection (1) of section 1007.27, Florida
722 Statutes, is amended to read:
723 1007.27 Articulated acceleration mechanisms.—
724 (1) It is the intent of the Legislature that a variety of
725 articulated acceleration mechanisms be available for secondary
726 and postsecondary students attending public educational
727 institutions. It is intended that articulated acceleration serve
728 to shorten the time necessary for a student to complete the
729 requirements associated with the conference of a high school
730 diploma and a postsecondary degree, broaden the scope of
731 curricular options available to students, or increase the depth
732 of study available for a particular subject. Articulated
733 acceleration mechanisms shall include, but are not limited to,
734 dual enrollment and early admission as provided for in s.
735 1007.271, advanced placement, credit by examination, the
736 International Baccalaureate Program, and the Advanced
737 International Certificate of Education Program. Credit earned
738 through the Florida Virtual School shall provide additional
739 opportunities for early graduation and acceleration. Students of
740 Florida public secondary schools enrolled pursuant to this
741 subsection shall be deemed authorized users of the state-funded
742 electronic library resources that are licensed for Florida
743 College System institutions and state universities by the
744 Florida Library Automation Cooperative Florida Virtual Campus.
745 Verification of eligibility shall be in accordance with rules
746 established by the State Board of Education and regulations
747 established by the Board of Governors and processes implemented
748 by Florida College System institutions and state universities.
749 Section 13. Paragraphs (a) and (c) of subsection (16) and
750 subsection (17) of section 1009.23, Florida Statutes, are
751 amended to read:
752 1009.23 Florida College System institution student fees.—
753 (16)(a) Each Florida College System institution may assess
754 a student who enrolls in a course listed in the distance
755 learning catalog, established pursuant to s. 1006.735 1006.73, a
756 per-credit-hour distance learning course user fee. For purposes
757 of assessing this fee, a distance learning course is a course in
758 which at least 80 percent of the direct instruction of the
759 course is delivered using some form of technology when the
760 student and instructor are separated by time or space, or both.
761 (c) If an institution assesses the distance learning fee,
762 the institution must provide a The link to for the catalog must
763 be prominently displayed within the advising and distance
764 learning sections of the institution’s website, using a graphic
765 and description provided by the Complete Florida Plus Program
766 Florida Virtual Campus, to inform students of the catalog.
767 (17) Each Florida College System institution that accepts
768 transient students, pursuant to s. 1006.735 1006.73, may
769 establish a transient student fee not to exceed $5 per course
770 for processing the transient student admissions application.
771 Section 14. Paragraph (t) of subsection (14) and paragraphs
772 (a) and (c) of subsection (17) of section 1009.24, Florida
773 Statutes, are amended to read:
774 1009.24 State university student fees.—
775 (14) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (15), each
776 university board of trustees is authorized to establish the
777 following fees:
778 (t) A transient student fee that may not exceed $5 per
779 course for accepting a transient student and processing the
780 transient student admissions application pursuant to s. 1006.735
781 1006.73.
782
783 With the exception of housing rental rates and except as
784 otherwise provided, fees assessed pursuant to paragraphs (h)-(s)
785 shall be based on reasonable costs of services. The Board of
786 Governors shall adopt regulations and timetables necessary to
787 implement the fees and fines authorized under this subsection.
788 The fees assessed under this subsection may be used for debt
789 only as authorized under s. 1010.62.
790 (17)(a) A state university may assess a student who enrolls
791 in a course listed in the distance learning catalog, established
792 pursuant to s. 1006.735 1006.73, a per-credit-hour distance
793 learning course fee. For purposes of assessing this fee, a
794 distance learning course is a course in which at least 80
795 percent of the direct instruction of the course is delivered
796 using some form of technology when the student and instructor
797 are separated by time or space, or both.
798 (c) If an institution assesses the distance learning fee,
799 the institution must provide a The link to for the catalog must
800 be prominently displayed within the advising and distance
801 learning sections of the institution’s website, using a graphic
802 and description provided by the Complete Florida Plus Program
803 Florida Virtual Campus, to inform informing students of the
804 catalog.
805 Section 15. (1) All records, personnel, property, pending
806 issues, and unexpended balances of appropriations, allocations,
807 and other funds of the Florida Virtual Campus are transferred to
808 the University of West Florida.
809 (2) Except for the service agreement executed July 1, 2012,
810 between the University of Florida Board of Trustees and the
811 Florida Virtual Campus for the University of Florida to be the
812 administrative contract institution of the Florida Virtual
813 Campus, all other binding contracts or agreements entered into
814 and between the Florida Virtual Campus or an entity or agent of
815 the campus and any other agency, entity, or person shall
816 continue as a binding contract or agreement with the University
817 of West Florida for the remainder of the term of such contract
818 or agreement.
819 (3) The service agreement executed July 1, 2012, between
820 the University of Florida Board of Trustees and the Florida
821 Virtual Campus for the University of Florida to be the
822 administrative contract institution for the Florida Virtual
823 Campus shall terminate December 31, 2014, or upon the transfer,
824 whichever occurs first.
825 (4) It is the intent of the Legislature that the changes
826 made by this act be accomplished with minimal disruption of
827 services provided to Florida College System institutions, state
828 universities, and their staffs and students. Therefore, the
829 Legislature finds that the transition period between July 1,
830 2014, and December 31, 2014, is appropriate and warranted.
831 (5) The Board of Governors, on behalf of the University of
832 West Florida, shall develop and submit to the Legislative Budget
833 Commission a budget amendment that includes a transition plan
834 for absorbing the transfer of the Florida Virtual Campus
835 resources to the University of West Florida.
836 Section 16. Paragraph (d) of subsection (2) of section
837 1011.71, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
838 1011.71 District school tax.—
839 (2) In addition to the maximum millage levy as provided in
840 subsection (1), each school board may levy not more than 1.5
841 mills against the taxable value for school purposes for district
842 schools, including charter schools at the discretion of the
843 school board, to fund:
844 (d) The purchase, lease-purchase, or lease of new and
845 replacement equipment; computer hardware, including electronic
846 hardware and other hardware devices necessary for gaining access
847 to or enhancing the use of electronic content and resources or
848 to facilitate the access to and the use of a school district’s
849 digital classrooms plan pursuant to s. 1011.62 electronic
850 learning management system pursuant to s. 1006.281, excluding
851 software other than the operating system necessary to operate
852 the hardware or device; and enterprise resource software
853 applications that are classified as capital assets in accordance
854 with definitions of the Governmental Accounting Standards Board,
855 have a useful life of at least 5 years, and are used to support
856 districtwide administration or state-mandated reporting
857 requirements.
858
859 ================= T I T L E A M E N D M E N T ================
860 And the title is amended as follows:
861 Delete line 2
862 and insert:
863 An act relating to education; amending s. 1011.62,
864 F.S.; providing the purpose for the Florida digital
865 classrooms allocation; requiring a school district to
866 adopt a district digital classrooms plan and submit
867 the plan to the Department of Education for approval;
868 providing requirements for the plan; requiring that
869 allocated funds be used for a specified purpose;
870 requiring a district school board to submit to the
871 department the district’s digital classrooms plan;
872 providing requirements for the district’s plan;
873 requiring the State Board of Education to adopt a
874 Florida digital classrooms plan that establishes
875 certain protocols, parameters, requirements, and
876 digital tools; authorizing the Department of Education
877 to consult with qualified experts to develop the
878 Florida digital classrooms plan; providing
879 requirements for the plan; providing calculations for
880 funding; requiring the commissioner to support
881 statewide, coordinated partnerships and efforts of
882 education practitioners to identify and share best
883 practices, corrective actions, and other identified
884 needs; requiring each district school board to report
885 by a specified date to the department the district’s
886 use of funds and student performance outcomes;
887 authorizing the department to contract with an
888 independent third-party entity to conduct an annual
889 independent verification of the district’s use of
890 Florida digital classrooms allocation funds; requiring
891 the Auditor General to verify the use of Florida
892 digital classrooms allocation funds if an independent
893 third-party verification is not conducted; requiring
894 the commissioner to provide by a specified date to the
895 Governor and the Legislature a summary of each
896 district’s use of funds, student performance outcomes,
897 and progress toward meeting statutory requirements and
898 timelines; requiring each school district to provide
899 teachers, administrators, students, and parents with
900 access to certain instructional materials; authorizing
901 the State Board of Education to adopt rules; amending
902 s. 1002.33, F.S.; conforming provisions to changes
903 made by the act; amending s. 1002.45, F.S.; conforming
904 provisions to changes made by the act; requiring
905 school districts to annually provide parents with
906 notification regarding a student’s right and choice to
907 participate in a virtual instruction program;
908 repealing s. 1006.281, F.S., relating to local
909 instructional improvement systems; repealing s.
910 1006.282, F.S., relating to a pilot program for the
911 transition to electronic and digital instructional
912 materials; amending s. 1006.38, F.S.; conforming
913 provisions to changes made by the act; creating s.
914 1007.2616, F.S.; requiring public schools to provide
915 students in grades K-12 opportunities for learning
916 computer science, including, but not limited to,
917 computer coding and computer programming; authorizing
918 grade-specific instruction in specified areas;
919 authorizing elementary schools and middle schools to
920 establish digital classrooms for specified purposes;
921 authorizing high schools to provide students with
922 opportunities to take certain computer science courses
923 to satisfy requirements for high school graduation;
924 providing exceptions for certain course requirements
925 for high school graduation; authorizing the State
926 Board of Education to adopt rules; repealing s.
927 1006.72, F.S., relating to licensing of electronic
928 library resources; amending s. 1006.73, F.S.; deleting
929 provisions establishing the Florida Virtual Campus;
930 establishing the Florida Library Automation
931 Cooperative; providing duties of the cooperative;
932 providing that the University of West Florida shall
933 hire a director for the cooperative, who shall report
934 to the executive director of the Complete Florida Plus
935 Program; providing duties of the cooperative’s
936 director; providing reporting requirements for the
937 University of West Florida; amending s. 1006.735,
938 F.S.; creating the Complete Florida Plus Program
939 within the Innovation Institute at the University of
940 West Florida; providing purpose; establishing the
941 Complete Florida Degree Initiative; providing
942 implementation and requirements for the initiative;
943 authorizing the program to develop and manage a
944 catalog of distance learning courses; providing
945 catalog requirements; authorizing the program to make
946 online support and services available to postsecondary
947 students; providing requirements for such support and
948 services; providing that the program shall make a
949 statewide advising service available to all
950 postsecondary students; providing requirements for the
951 advising service; providing that the program shall
952 support a K-12 career and education planning system
953 and interface the statewide advising service with
954 state university advising systems; requiring the
955 University of West Florida to submit an annual report
956 to the Legislature regarding the program; providing
957 that the Northwest Regional Data Center shall provide
958 data center services to support the catalog and the
959 statewide advising service; amending s. 1007.01, F.S.;
960 conforming a cross-reference; amending ss. 1007.27,
961 1009.23, and 1009.24, F.S.; conforming provisions;
962 transferring the Florida Virtual Campus to the
963 University of West Florida; providing for termination
964 of a service agreement between the University of
965 Florida Board of Trustees and the Florida Virtual
966 Campus; providing that other contracts and agreements
967 of the Florida Virtual Campus are binding on the
968 University of West Florida; providing legislative
969 findings and intent; directing the Board of Governors
970 to develop and submit to the Legislative Budget
971 Commission a transition plan for transferring Florida
972 Virtual Campus resources to the University of West
973 Florida; amending s. 1011.71, F.S.; conforming
974 provisions to changes made by the act; amending