Florida Senate - 2014 SENATOR AMENDMENT
Bill No. HB 5009
Ì8471288Î847128
LEGISLATIVE ACTION
Senate . House
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Senator Legg moved the following:
1 Senate Amendment (with title amendment)
2
3 Delete everything after the enacting clause
4 and 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. By October 1, 2014, and by March 1 of each year
34 thereafter, on a date determined by the department, each
35 district school board shall submit to the department, in a
36 format prescribed by the department, a digital classrooms plan.
37 At a minimum, such plan must include, and be annually updated to
38 reflect, the following:
39 1. Measurable student performance outcomes. Outcomes
40 related to student performance, including outcomes for students
41 with disabilities, must be tied to the efforts and strategies to
42 improve outcomes related to student performance by integrating
43 technology in classroom teaching and learning. Results of the
44 outcomes shall be reported at least annually for the current
45 school year and subsequent 3 years and be accompanied by an
46 independent evaluation and validation of the reported results.
47 2. Digital learning and technology infrastructure purchases
48 and operational activities. Such purchases and activities must
49 be tied to the measurable outcomes under subparagraph 1.,
50 including, but not limited to, connectivity, broadband access,
51 wireless capacity, Internet speed, and data security, all of
52 which must meet or exceed minimum requirements and protocols
53 established by the department. For each year that the district
54 uses funds for infrastructure, a third-party, independent
55 evaluation of the district’s technology inventory and
56 infrastructure needs must accompany the district’s plan.
57 3. Professional development purchases and operational
58 activities. Such purchases and activities must be tied to the
59 measurable outcomes under subparagraph 1., including, but not
60 limited to, using technology in the classroom and improving
61 digital literacy and competency.
62 4. Digital tool purchases and operational activities. Such
63 purchases and activities must be tied to the measurable outcomes
64 under subparagraph 1., including, but not limited to,
65 competency-based credentials that measure and demonstrate
66 digital competency and certifications; third-party assessments
67 that demonstrate acquired knowledge and use of digital
68 applications; and devices that meet or exceed minimum
69 requirements and protocols established by the department.
70 5. Online assessment-related purchases and operational
71 activities. Such purchases and activities must be tied to the
72 measurable outcomes under subparagraph 1., including, but not
73 limited to, expanding the capacity to administer assessments and
74 compatibility with minimum assessment protocols and requirements
75 established by the department.
76 (c) The State Board of Education shall adopt a Florida
77 digital classrooms plan that, at a minimum, establishes minimum
78 protocols, parameters, and requirements for district-level
79 infrastructure, school-level infrastructure, and digital tools
80 that accommodate statutory requirements and timelines for
81 instruction, learning, assessments, and accountability. The
82 Department of Education may consult with qualified experts to
83 develop the Florida digital classrooms plan. The Florida digital
84 classrooms plan shall be prepared for the current school year
85 and the subsequent 5 years. The plan shall be reviewed and
86 updated annually and must specify the criteria for the annual
87 review and approval of the districts’ digital classrooms plans.
88 (d) The Legislature shall annually provide in the General
89 Appropriations Act a Florida Education Finance Program (FEFP)
90 allocation for implementation of the digital classrooms plan to
91 be calculated in an amount up to 1 percent of the base student
92 allocation multiplied by the total K-12 full-time equivalent
93 student enrollment included in the FEFP calculations for the
94 legislative appropriation or as provided in the General
95 Appropriations Act. Each school district shall be provided a
96 minimum of $250,000, with the remaining balance of the
97 allocation to be distributed based on each district’s proportion
98 of the total K-12 full-time equivalent student enrollment.
99 Distribution of funds for the Florida digital classrooms
100 allocation shall begin following submittal of each district’s
101 digital classrooms plan, which must include formal verification
102 of the superintendent’s approval of the digital classrooms plan
103 of each charter school in the district, and approval of the plan
104 by the department. Prior to the distribution of the Florida
105 digital classrooms allocation funds, each district school
106 superintendent shall certify to the Commissioner of Education
107 that the district school board has approved a comprehensive
108 district digital classrooms plan that supports the fidelity of
109 implementation of the Florida digital classrooms allocation.
110 District allocations shall be recalculated during the fiscal
111 year consistent with the periodic recalculation of the FEFP.
112 School districts shall provide a proportionate share of the
113 digital classrooms allocation to each charter school in the
114 district, as required for categorical programs in s.
115 1002.33(17)(b). A school district may use a competitive process
116 to distribute funds for the Florida digital classrooms
117 allocation to the schools within the school district.
118 (e) To facilitate the implementation of the district
119 digital classrooms plans and charter school digital classrooms
120 plans, the commissioner shall support statewide, coordinated
121 partnerships and efforts of this state’s education practitioners
122 in the field, including, but not limited to, superintendents,
123 principals, and teachers, to identify and share best practices,
124 corrective actions, and other identified needs.
125 (f) Beginning in the 2015-2016 fiscal year and each year
126 thereafter, each district school board shall report to the
127 department its use of funds provided through the Florida digital
128 classrooms allocation and student performance outcomes in
129 accordance with the district’s digital classrooms plan. The
130 department may contract with an independent third-party entity
131 to conduct an annual independent verification of the district’s
132 use of Florida digital classrooms allocation funds in accordance
133 with the district’s digital classrooms plan. In the event an
134 independent third-party verification is not conducted, the
135 Auditor General shall, during scheduled operational audits of
136 the school districts, verify compliance of the use of Florida
137 digital classrooms allocation funds in accordance with the
138 district’s digital classrooms plan. No later than October 1 of
139 each year, beginning in the 2015-2016 fiscal year, the
140 commissioner shall provide to the Governor, the President of the
141 Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives a
142 summary of each district’s use of funds, student performance
143 outcomes, and progress toward meeting statutory requirements and
144 timelines.
145 (g) Each school district shall provide teachers,
146 administrators, students, and parents with access to:
147 1. Instructional materials in digital or electronic format,
148 as defined in s. 1006.29.
149 2. Digital materials including those digital materials that
150 enable students to earn certificates and industry certifications
151 pursuant to ss. 1003.4203 and 1008.44.
152 3. Teaching and learning tools and resources, including the
153 ability for teachers and administrators to manage, assess, and
154 monitor student performance data.
155 (h) The State Board of Education may adopt rules pursuant
156 to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 to administer this subsection.
157 Section 2. Paragraph (b) of subsection (17) and paragraph
158 (a) of subsection (20) of section 1002.33, Florida Statutes, are
159 amended to read:
160 1002.33 Charter schools.—
161 (17) FUNDING.—Students enrolled in a charter school,
162 regardless of the sponsorship, shall be funded as if they are in
163 a basic program or a special program, the same as students
164 enrolled in other public schools in the school district. Funding
165 for a charter lab school shall be as provided in s. 1002.32.
166 (b) The basis for the agreement for funding students
167 enrolled in a charter school shall be the sum of the school
168 district’s operating funds from the Florida Education Finance
169 Program as provided in s. 1011.62 and the General Appropriations
170 Act, including gross state and local funds, discretionary
171 lottery funds, and funds from the school district’s current
172 operating discretionary millage levy; divided by total funded
173 weighted full-time equivalent students in the school district;
174 multiplied by the weighted full-time equivalent students for the
175 charter school. Charter schools whose students or programs meet
176 the eligibility criteria in law are shall be entitled to their
177 proportionate share of categorical program funds included in the
178 total funds available in the Florida Education Finance Program
179 by the Legislature, including transportation and the Florida
180 digital classrooms allocation. Total funding for each charter
181 school shall be recalculated during the year to reflect the
182 revised calculations under the Florida Education Finance Program
183 by the state and the actual weighted full-time equivalent
184 students reported by the charter school during the full-time
185 equivalent student survey periods designated by the Commissioner
186 of Education.
187 (20) SERVICES.—
188 (a)1. A sponsor shall provide certain administrative and
189 educational services to charter schools. These services shall
190 include contract management services; full-time equivalent and
191 data reporting services; exceptional student education
192 administration services; services related to eligibility and
193 reporting duties required to ensure that school lunch services
194 under the federal lunch program, consistent with the needs of
195 the charter school, are provided by the school district at the
196 request of the charter school, that any funds due to the charter
197 school under the federal lunch program be paid to the charter
198 school as soon as the charter school begins serving food under
199 the federal lunch program, and that the charter school is paid
200 at the same time and in the same manner under the federal lunch
201 program as other public schools serviced by the sponsor or the
202 school district; test administration services, including payment
203 of the costs of state-required or district-required student
204 assessments; processing of teacher certificate data services;
205 and information services, including equal access to student
206 information systems that are used by public schools in the
207 district in which the charter school is located. Student
208 performance data for each student in a charter school,
209 including, but not limited to, FCAT scores, standardized test
210 scores, previous public school student report cards, and student
211 performance measures, shall be provided by the sponsor to a
212 charter school in the same manner provided to other public
213 schools in the district.
214 2. A total administrative fee for the provision of such
215 services shall be calculated based upon up to 5 percent of the
216 available funds defined in paragraph (17)(b) for all students,
217 except that when 75 percent or more of the students enrolled in
218 the charter school are exceptional students as defined in s.
219 1003.01(3), the 5 percent of those available funds shall be
220 calculated based on unweighted full-time equivalent students.
221 However, a sponsor may only withhold up to a 5-percent
222 administrative fee for enrollment for up to and including 250
223 students. For charter schools with a population of 251 or more
224 students, the difference between the total administrative fee
225 calculation and the amount of the administrative fee withheld
226 may only be used for capital outlay purposes specified in s.
227 1013.62(2).
228 3. For high-performing charter schools, as defined in ch.
229 2011-232, a sponsor may withhold a total administrative fee of
230 up to 2 percent for enrollment up to and including 250 students
231 per school.
232 4. In addition, a sponsor may withhold only up to a 5
233 percent administrative fee for enrollment for up to and
234 including 500 students within a system of charter schools which
235 meets all of the following:
236 a. Includes both conversion charter schools and
237 nonconversion charter schools;
238 b. Has all schools located in the same county;
239 c. Has a total enrollment exceeding the total enrollment of
240 at least one school district in the state;
241 d. Has the same governing board; and
242 e. Does not contract with a for-profit service provider for
243 management of school operations.
244 5. The difference between the total administrative fee
245 calculation and the amount of the administrative fee withheld
246 pursuant to subparagraph 4. may be used for instructional and
247 administrative purposes as well as for capital outlay purposes
248 specified in s. 1013.62(2).
249 6. For a high-performing charter school system that also
250 meets the requirements in subparagraph 4., a sponsor may
251 withhold a 2-percent administrative fee for enrollments up to
252 and including 500 students per system.
253 7. Sponsors shall not charge charter schools any additional
254 fees or surcharges for administrative and educational services
255 in addition to the maximum 5-percent administrative fee withheld
256 pursuant to this paragraph.
257 8. The sponsor of a virtual charter school may withhold a
258 fee of up to 5 percent. The funds shall be used to cover the
259 cost of services provided under subparagraph 1. and
260 implementation of for the school district’s digital classrooms
261 plan pursuant to s. 1011.62 local instructional improvement
262 system pursuant to s. 1006.281 or other technological tools that
263 are required to access electronic and digital instructional
264 materials.
265 Section 3. Paragraph (e) of subsection (1) and subsection
266 (10) of section 1002.45, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
267 1002.45 Virtual instruction programs.—
268 (1) PROGRAM.—
269 (e) Each school district shall:
270 1. Provide to the department by October 1, 2011, and by
271 each October 1 thereafter, a copy of each contract and the
272 amounts paid per unweighted full-time equivalent student for
273 services procured pursuant to subparagraphs (c)1. and 2.
274 2. Expend the difference in funds provided for a student
275 participating in the school district virtual instruction program
276 pursuant to subsection (7) and the price paid for contracted
277 services procured pursuant to subparagraphs (c)1. and 2. for
278 implementation of the school district’s digital classrooms plan
279 pursuant to s. 1011.62 the district’s local instructional
280 improvement system pursuant to s. 1006.281 or other
281 technological tools that are required to access electronic and
282 digital instructional materials.
283 3. At the end of each fiscal year, but no later than
284 September 1, report to the department an itemized list of the
285 technological tools purchased with these funds.
286 (10) MARKETING.—At the beginning of each school year, each
287 school district shall provide notification information to
288 parents and students about a the parent’s and student’s right
289 and choice to participate in a virtual instruction program under
290 this section and in courses offered by the Florida Virtual
291 School under s. 1002.37.
292 Section 4. Section 1006.281, Florida Statutes, is repealed.
293 Section 5. Section 1006.282, Florida Statutes, is repealed.
294 Section 6. Paragraph (b) of subsection (3) of section
295 1006.38, Florida Statutes, is amended:
296 1006.38 Duties, responsibilities, and requirements of
297 instructional materials publishers and manufacturers.—This
298 section applies to both the state and district approval
299 processes. Publishers and manufacturers of instructional
300 materials, or their representatives, shall:
301 (3) Submit, at a time designated in s. 1006.33, the
302 following information:
303 (b) Evidence that the publisher or manufacturer has
304 provided materials that address the performance standards
305 provided for in s. 1001.03(1) and that can be accessed through
306 the school district’s digital classrooms plan local
307 instructional improvement system and a variety of electronic,
308 digital, and mobile devices.
309 Section 7. Section 1007.2616, Florida Statutes, is created
310 to read:
311 1007.2616 Computer science and technology instruction.—
312 (1) Public schools shall provide students in grades K-12
313 opportunities for learning computer science, including, but not
314 limited to, computer coding and computer programming. Such
315 opportunities may include coding instruction in elementary
316 school and middle school, instruction to develop students’
317 computer usage and digital literacy skills in middle school, and
318 courses in computer science, computer coding, and computer
319 programming in high school, including earning related industry
320 certifications.
321 (2) Elementary schools and middle schools may establish
322 digital classrooms in which students are provided opportunities
323 to improve digital literacy and competency; to learn digital
324 skills, such as coding, multiple media presentation, and the
325 manipulation of multiple digital graphic images; and to earn
326 digital tools, such as certificates and certifications pursuant
327 to s. 1003.4203 and grade-appropriate, technology-related
328 industry certifications.
329 (3) High schools may provide students with opportunities to
330 take computer science courses to satisfy high school graduation
331 requirements, including, but not limited to, the following:
332 (a) High school computer science courses of sufficient
333 rigor, as identified by the commissioner, such that one credit
334 in computer science and the earning of related industry
335 certifications constitute the equivalent of up to one credit of
336 mathematics requirement, with the exception of Algebra I or
337 higher level mathematics, or up to one credit of science
338 requirement, with the exception of Biology I or higher level
339 science, for high school graduation. Computer science courses
340 and technology-related industry certifications that are
341 identified as eligible for meeting mathematics or science
342 requirements for high school graduation shall be included in the
343 Course Code Directory.
344 (b) High school computer technology courses in 3D rapid
345 prototype printing of sufficient rigor, as identified by the
346 commissioner, such that one or more credits in such courses and
347 related industry certifications earned may satisfy up to two
348 credits of mathematics required for high school graduation.
349 Computer technology courses in 3D rapid prototype printing and
350 related industry certifications that are identified as eligible
351 for meeting mathematics requirements for high school graduation
352 shall be included in the Course Code Directory.
353 (4) The State Board of Education may adopt rules pursuant
354 to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 to administer this section.
355 Section 8. Section 1006.72, Florida Statutes, is repealed.
356 Section 9. Section 1006.73, Florida Statutes, is amended to
357 read:
358 (Substantial rewording of section. See
359 s. 1006.73, F.S., for present text.)
360 1006.73 Florida Academic Library Services Cooperative.—
361 (1) The Florida Academic Library Services Cooperative is
362 established to provide a single library automation system and
363 associated resources and services that all public postsecondary
364 institutions shall use to support learning, teaching, and
365 research needs.
366 (2) The Florida Academic Library Services Cooperative
367 shall:
368 (a) Develop and manage a library information portal and
369 automated library management tools for use by Florida College
370 System institutions and state universities. The library
371 information portal and automated library management tools shall
372 include, but are not limited to, the following services and
373 functions:
374 1. A shared Internet-based catalog and discovery tool that
375 allows a user to search and, if authorized, access the aggregate
376 library holdings of the state’s public postsecondary education
377 institutions. The catalog and discovery tool shall allow a user
378 to search the library holdings of one institution, selected
379 institutions, or all institutions and, to the extent feasible,
380 shall include an interlibrary loan function that ensures that an
381 authorized user can access the required library holding.
382 2. An Internet-based searchable collection of electronic
383 resources which shall include, but not be limited to, full-text
384 journals, articles, databases, and electronic books licensed
385 pursuant to paragraph (b).
386 3. An integrated library management system and its
387 associated services that all public postsecondary education
388 institution academic libraries shall use for purposes of
389 acquiring, cataloging, circulating, and tracking library
390 material.
391 4. A statewide searchable database that includes an
392 inventory of digital archives and collections held by public
393 postsecondary education institutions.
394 (b) In collaboration with library staff from Florida
395 College System institutions and state universities, coordinate
396 the negotiation of statewide licensing of electronic library
397 resources and preferred pricing agreements, issue purchase
398 orders, and enter into contracts for the acquisition of library
399 support services, electronic resources, and other goods and
400 services necessary to carry out its duties under this section.
401 For purposes of licensing electronic library resources from
402 funds appropriated to the Complete Florida Plus Program, those
403 resources licensed for 4-year-degree-seeking students shall be
404 made available to all 4-year-degree-seeking students in the
405 Florida College System and the State University System.
406 (c) Promote and provide recommendations concerning the use
407 and distribution of open-access textbooks and education
408 resources as a method for reducing costs, and work with public
409 postsecondary education institutions in developing a
410 standardized process for the review and approval of open-access
411 textbooks.
412 (d) Provide appropriate help desk support and training and
413 consultation services to institutions and students using the
414 services of the Florida Academic Library Services Cooperative.
415 (e) Receive all data center services from the Northwest
416 Regional Data Center established pursuant to s. 1004.649.
417 (3) The University of West Florida shall hire a director
418 for the Florida Academic Library Services Cooperative, who shall
419 report to and is under the supervision and direction of the
420 director of the Complete Florida Plus Program established
421 pursuant to s. 1006.735. The director of the Florida Academic
422 Library Services Cooperative shall:
423 (a) Exercise all powers, duties, and functions of the
424 cooperative prescribed by law.
425 (b) Administer the operational requirements of the
426 cooperative.
427 (c) Hire professional and administrative staff necessary to
428 carry out the duties of the cooperative. The director shall hire
429 the minimum administrative staff necessary to administer the
430 duties of the cooperative.
431 (4) Beginning December 31, 2014, and each year thereafter,
432 the University of West Florida shall submit a report to the
433 President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of
434 Representatives describing the implementation and operation of
435 the Florida Academic Library Services Cooperative to include,
436 but not be limited to, information and associated costs relating
437 to the services and functions identified in subsection (2).
438 Section 10. Section 1006.735, Florida Statutes, is amended
439 to read:
440 1006.735 Complete Florida Plus Degree Program.—The Complete
441 Florida Plus Program is created at the University of West
442 Florida.
443 (1) PURPOSE.–The purpose of the Complete Florida Plus
444 Program is to:
445 (a) Facilitate degree completion for the state’s adult
446 learners through the Complete Florida Degree Initiative.
447 (b) Provide information regarding and access to distance
448 learning courses and degree programs offered by public
449 postsecondary education institutions within the state.
450 (c) Coordinate with the Florida College System and the
451 State University System to identify and provide online academic
452 support services and resources when the multi-institutional
453 provision of such services and resources is more cost-effective
454 or operationally effective.
455 (d) Administer the Florida Academic Library Services
456 Cooperative established in s. 1006.73 and consult with the
457 chancellors of the Florida College System and State University
458 System regarding the implementation and operations of the
459 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, and a new paragraph (i)
699 is added to that subsection, to read:
700 1007.01 Articulation; legislative intent; purpose; role of
701 the State Board of Education and the Board of Governors;
702 Articulation Coordinating Committee.—
703 (3) The Commissioner of Education, in consultation with the
704 Chancellor of the State University System, shall establish the
705 Articulation Coordinating Committee, which shall make
706 recommendations related to statewide articulation policies and
707 issues regarding access, quality, and reporting of data
708 maintained by the K-20 data warehouse, established pursuant to
709 ss. 1001.10 and 1008.31, to the Higher Education Coordination
710 Council, the State Board of Education, and the Board of
711 Governors. The committee shall consist of two members each
712 representing the State University System, the Florida College
713 System, public career and technical education, K-12 education,
714 and nonpublic postsecondary education and one member
715 representing students. The chair shall be elected from the
716 membership. The Office of K-20 Articulation shall provide
717 administrative support for the committee. The committee shall:
718 (h) Recommend roles and responsibilities of public
719 education entities in interfacing with the single, statewide
720 computer-assisted student advising system established pursuant
721 to s. 1006.735 1006.73.
722 (i) Make recommendations regarding the cost and
723 requirements to develop and implement an online system for
724 collecting and analyzing data regarding requests for transfer of
725 credit by postsecondary education students. The system, at a
726 minimum, must collect information regarding the total number of
727 credit transfer requests denied and the reason for each denial.
728 Recommendations shall be reported to the President of the Senate
729 and the Speaker of the House of Representatives on or before
730 January 31, 2015.
731 Section 12. Subsection (1) of section 1007.27, Florida
732 Statutes, is amended to read:
733 1007.27 Articulated acceleration mechanisms.—
734 (1) It is the intent of the Legislature that a variety of
735 articulated acceleration mechanisms be available for secondary
736 and postsecondary students attending public educational
737 institutions. It is intended that articulated acceleration serve
738 to shorten the time necessary for a student to complete the
739 requirements associated with the conference of a high school
740 diploma and a postsecondary degree, broaden the scope of
741 curricular options available to students, or increase the depth
742 of study available for a particular subject. Articulated
743 acceleration mechanisms shall include, but are not limited to,
744 dual enrollment and early admission as provided for in s.
745 1007.271, advanced placement, credit by examination, the
746 International Baccalaureate Program, and the Advanced
747 International Certificate of Education Program. Credit earned
748 through the Florida Virtual School shall provide additional
749 opportunities for early graduation and acceleration. Students of
750 Florida public secondary schools enrolled pursuant to this
751 subsection shall be deemed authorized users of the state-funded
752 electronic library resources that are licensed for Florida
753 College System institutions and state universities by the
754 Florida Academic Library Services Cooperative Florida Virtual
755 Campus. Verification of eligibility shall be in accordance with
756 rules established by the State Board of Education and
757 regulations established by the Board of Governors and processes
758 implemented by Florida College System institutions and state
759 universities.
760 Section 13. Paragraphs (a) and (c) of subsection (16) and
761 subsection (17) of section 1009.23, Florida Statutes, are
762 amended to read:
763 1009.23 Florida College System institution student fees.—
764 (16)(a) Each Florida College System institution may assess
765 a student who enrolls in a course listed in the distance
766 learning catalog, established pursuant to s. 1006.735 1006.73, a
767 per-credit-hour distance learning course user fee. For purposes
768 of assessing this fee, a distance learning course is a course in
769 which at least 80 percent of the direct instruction of the
770 course is delivered using some form of technology when the
771 student and instructor are separated by time or space, or both.
772 (c) If an institution assesses the distance learning fee,
773 the institution must provide a The link to for the catalog must
774 be prominently displayed within the advising and distance
775 learning sections of the institution’s website, using a graphic
776 and description provided by the Complete Florida Plus Program
777 Florida Virtual Campus, to inform students of the catalog.
778 (17) Each Florida College System institution that accepts
779 transient students, pursuant to s. 1006.735 1006.73, may
780 establish a transient student fee not to exceed $5 per course
781 for processing the transient student admissions application.
782 Section 14. Paragraph (t) of subsection (14) and paragraphs
783 (a) and (c) of subsection (17) of section 1009.24, Florida
784 Statutes, are amended to read:
785 1009.24 State university student fees.—
786 (14) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (15), each
787 university board of trustees is authorized to establish the
788 following fees:
789 (t) A transient student fee that may not exceed $5 per
790 course for accepting a transient student and processing the
791 transient student admissions application pursuant to s. 1006.735
792 1006.73.
793
794 With the exception of housing rental rates and except as
795 otherwise provided, fees assessed pursuant to paragraphs (h)-(s)
796 shall be based on reasonable costs of services. The Board of
797 Governors shall adopt regulations and timetables necessary to
798 implement the fees and fines authorized under this subsection.
799 The fees assessed under this subsection may be used for debt
800 only as authorized under s. 1010.62.
801 (17)(a) A state university may assess a student who enrolls
802 in a course listed in the distance learning catalog, established
803 pursuant to s. 1006.735 1006.73, a per-credit-hour distance
804 learning course fee. For purposes of assessing this fee, a
805 distance learning course is a course in which at least 80
806 percent of the direct instruction of the course is delivered
807 using some form of technology when the student and instructor
808 are separated by time or space, or both.
809 (c) If an institution assesses the distance learning fee,
810 the institution must provide a The link to for the catalog must
811 be prominently displayed within the advising and distance
812 learning sections of the institution’s website, using a graphic
813 and description provided by the Complete Florida Plus Program
814 Florida Virtual Campus, to inform informing students of the
815 catalog.
816 Section 15. (1) All records, personnel, property, pending
817 issues, and unexpended balances of appropriations, allocations,
818 and other funds of the Florida Virtual Campus are transferred to
819 the University of West Florida.
820 (2) Except for the service agreement executed July 1, 2012,
821 between the University of Florida Board of Trustees and the
822 Florida Virtual Campus for the University of Florida to be the
823 administrative contract institution of the Florida Virtual
824 Campus, all other binding contracts or agreements entered into
825 and between the Florida Virtual Campus or an entity or agent of
826 the campus and any other agency, entity, or person shall
827 continue as a binding contract or agreement with the University
828 of West Florida for the remainder of the term of such contract
829 or agreement.
830 (3) The service agreement executed July 1, 2012, between
831 the University of Florida Board of Trustees and the Florida
832 Virtual Campus for the University of Florida to be the
833 administrative contract institution for the Florida Virtual
834 Campus shall terminate December 31, 2014, or upon the transfer,
835 whichever occurs first.
836 (4) It is the intent of the Legislature that the changes
837 made by this act be accomplished with minimal disruption of
838 services provided to Florida College System institutions, state
839 universities, and their staffs and students. Therefore, the
840 Legislature finds that the transition period between July 1,
841 2014, and December 31, 2014, is appropriate and warranted.
842 (5) The Board of Governors, on behalf of the University of
843 West Florida, shall develop and submit to the Legislative Budget
844 Commission a budget amendment that includes a transition plan
845 for absorbing the transfer of the Florida Virtual Campus
846 resources to the University of West Florida.
847 Section 16. Paragraph (d) of subsection (2) of section
848 1011.71, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
849 1011.71 District school tax.—
850 (2) In addition to the maximum millage levy as provided in
851 subsection (1), each school board may levy not more than 1.5
852 mills against the taxable value for school purposes for district
853 schools, including charter schools at the discretion of the
854 school board, to fund:
855 (d) The purchase, lease-purchase, or lease of new and
856 replacement equipment; computer hardware, including electronic
857 hardware and other hardware devices necessary for gaining access
858 to or enhancing the use of electronic content and resources or
859 to facilitate the access to and the use of a school district’s
860 digital classrooms plan pursuant to s. 1011.62 electronic
861 learning management system pursuant to s. 1006.281, excluding
862 software other than the operating system necessary to operate
863 the hardware or device; and enterprise resource software
864 applications that are classified as capital assets in accordance
865 with definitions of the Governmental Accounting Standards Board,
866 have a useful life of at least 5 years, and are used to support
867 districtwide administration or state-mandated reporting
868 requirements.
869 Section 17. Subsection (6) is added to section 215.61,
870 Florida Statutes, to read:
871 215.61 State system of public education capital outlay
872 bonds.—
873 (6) The State Board of Education shall at least once per
874 month, from gross receipts tax revenues available in the Public
875 Education Capital Outlay and Debt Service Trust Fund, deposit
876 into a separate account within such trust fund one-sixth of the
877 amount due on the next interest payment date and one-twelfth of
878 the amount due on the next principal payment date for all
879 outstanding bonds secured by a pledge of gross receipts taxes.
880 If there are insufficient funds to make the required deposit,
881 the State Board of Education shall deposit an amount equal to
882 the funds available into the separate account and in the
883 following month, add an amount equal to the previous month’s
884 shortfall to the required deposit. The State Board of Education
885 shall transfer funds deposited into the separate account to the
886 State Board of Administration, as the trustee for bondholders,
887 by the 20th day of the month before a principal or interest
888 payment on bonds issued pursuant to s. 9(a)(2), Art. XII of the
889 State Constitution is due.
890 Section 18. (1) On or before June 30, 2014, the State Board
891 of Education shall transfer two-sixths of the amount due on the
892 next interest payment date and two-twelfths of the amount due on
893 the next principal payment date for all outstanding bonds issued
894 pursuant to s. 9(a)(2), Art. XII of the State Constitution from
895 cash balances in the Public Education Capital Outlay and Debt
896 Service Trust Fund, to the separate account within the trust
897 fund provided for in s. 215.61(6), Florida Statutes, to be
898 reserved for the payment of debt service due on the outstanding
899 bonds.
900 (2) This section shall take effect upon becoming a law.
901 Section 19. The amendment to s. 215.61, Florida Statutes,
902 made by this act, shall take effect upon becoming a law.
903 Section 20. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this
904 act and except for this section, which shall take effect upon
905 becoming a law, this act shall take effect July 1, 2014.
906
907 ================= T I T L E A M E N D M E N T ================
908 And the title is amended as follows:
909 Delete everything before the enacting clause
910 and insert:
911 A bill to be entitled
912 An act relating to education; amending s. 1011.62,
913 F.S.; providing the purpose for the Florida digital
914 classrooms allocation; requiring a school district to
915 adopt a district digital classrooms plan and submit
916 the plan to the Department of Education for approval;
917 providing requirements for the plan; requiring that
918 allocated funds be used for a specified purpose;
919 requiring a district school board to submit to the
920 department the district’s digital classrooms plan;
921 providing requirements for the district’s plan;
922 requiring the State Board of Education to adopt a
923 Florida digital classrooms plan that establishes
924 certain protocols, parameters, requirements, and
925 digital tools; authorizing the Department of Education
926 to consult with qualified experts to develop the
927 Florida digital classrooms plan; providing
928 requirements for the plan; providing calculations for
929 funding; requiring the commissioner to support
930 statewide, coordinated partnerships and efforts of
931 education practitioners to identify and share best
932 practices, corrective actions, and other identified
933 needs; requiring each district school board to report
934 by a specified date to the department the district’s
935 use of funds and student performance outcomes;
936 authorizing the department to contract with an
937 independent third-party entity to conduct an annual
938 independent verification of the district’s use of
939 Florida digital classrooms allocation funds; requiring
940 the Auditor General to verify the use ofF Florida
941 digital classrooms allocation funds if an independent
942 third-party verification is not conducted; requiring
943 the commissioner to provide by a specified date to the
944 Governor and the Legislature a summary of each
945 district’s use of funds, student performance outcomes,
946 and progress toward meeting statutory requirements and
947 timelines; requiring each school district to provide
948 teachers, administrators, students, and parents with
949 access to certain instructional materials; authorizing
950 the State Board of Education to adopt rules; amending
951 s. 1002.33, F.S.; conforming provisions to changes
952 made by the act; amending s. 1002.45, F.S.; conforming
953 provisions to changes made by the act; requiring
954 school districts to annually provide parents with
955 notification regarding a student’s right and choice to
956 participate in a virtual instruction program;
957 repealing s. 1006.281, F.S., relating to local
958 instructional improvement systems; repealing s.
959 1006.282, F.S., relating to a pilot program for the
960 transition to electronic and digital instructional
961 materials; amending s. 1006.38, F.S.; conforming
962 provisions to changes made by the act; creating s.
963 1007.2616, F.S.; requiring public schools to provide
964 students in grades K-12 opportunities for learning
965 computer science, including, but not limited to,
966 computer coding and computer programming; authorizing
967 grade-specific instruction in specified areas;
968 authorizing elementary schools and middle schools to
969 establish digital classrooms for specified purposes;
970 authorizing high schools to provide students with
971 opportunities to take certain computer science courses
972 to satisfy requirements for high school graduation;
973 providing exceptions for certain course requirements
974 for high school graduation; authorizing the State
975 Board of Education to adopt rules; creating s.
976 1004.448, F.S.; establishing the Florida Center for
977 Library Automation; providing the duties of the
978 center; providing that an executive director
979 administers the center; providing the duties of the
980 executive director; repealing s. 1006.72, F.S.,
981 relating to licensing electronic library resources;
982 amending s. 1006.73, F.S.; deleting provisions
983 establishing the Florida Virtual Campus; establishing
984 the Florida Academic Library Services Cooperative;
985 providing duties of the cooperative; providing that
986 the University of West Florida shall hire a director
987 for the cooperative, who shall report to the executive
988 director of the Complete Florida Plus Program;
989 providing duties of the cooperative’s director;
990 providing reporting requirements for the University of
991 West Florida; amending s. 1006.735, F.S.; creating the
992 Complete Florida Plus Program within the Innovation
993 Institute at the University of West Florida; providing
994 purpose; establishing the Complete Florida Degree
995 Initiative; providing implementation and requirements
996 for the initiative; authorizing the program to develop
997 and manage a catalog of distance learning courses;
998 providing catalog requirements; authorizing the
999 program to make online support and services available
1000 to postsecondary students; providing requirements for
1001 such support and services; providing that the program
1002 shall make a statewide advising service available to
1003 all postsecondary students; providing requirements for
1004 the advising service; providing that the program shall
1005 support a K-12 career and education planning system
1006 and interface the statewide advising service with
1007 state university advising systems; requiring the
1008 University of West Florida to submit an annual report
1009 to the Legislature regarding the program; providing
1010 that the Northwest Regional Data Center shall provide
1011 data center services to support the catalog and the
1012 statewide advising service; amending s. 1007.01, F.S.;
1013 requiring that the Articulation Coordinating Committee
1014 provide certain recommendations to the Legislature by
1015 a specified date; conforming a cross-reference;
1016 amending ss. 1007.27, 1009.23, and 1009.24, F.S.;
1017 conforming provisions; transferring the Florida
1018 Virtual Campus to the University of West Florida;
1019 providing for termination of a service agreement
1020 between the University of Florida Board of Trustees
1021 and the Florida Virtual Campus; providing that other
1022 contracts and agreements of the Florida Virtual Campus
1023 are binding on the University of West Florida;
1024 providing legislative findings and intent; directing
1025 the Board of Governors to develop and submit to the
1026 Legislative Budget Commission a transition plan for
1027 transferring Florida Virtual Campus resources to the
1028 University of West Florida; amending s. 1011.71, F.S.;
1029 conforming provisions to changes made by the act;
1030 provisions to changes made by the act; amending s.
1031 215.61, F.S.; requiring the State Board of Education
1032 to transfer a specified amount of funds into a
1033 separate account within the Public Education Capital
1034 Outlay and Debt Service Trust Fund for the payment of
1035 debt service on certain bonds; providing effective
1036 dates.