Florida Senate - 2020                                     SB 866
       
       
        
       By Senator Diaz
       
       
       
       
       
       36-01031B-20                                           2020866__
    1                        A bill to be entitled                      
    2         An act relating to the Florida Talent Development
    3         Council; amending s. 1004.015, F.S.; requiring the
    4         council to submit, by a specified date, a report with
    5         recommendations related to the Pathways in Technology
    6         Early College High School (P-TECH) program, or a
    7         similar program, to the Governor, the Legislature, the
    8         Board of Governors, and the State Board of Education;
    9         requiring the P-TECH program to incorporate secondary
   10         and postsecondary education with workforce education
   11         and work experience; providing requirements for the
   12         report; providing an effective date.
   13          
   14  Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
   15  
   16         Section 1. Subsection (6) is added to section 1004.015,
   17  Florida Statutes, to read:
   18         1004.015 Florida Talent Development Council.—
   19         (6) By December 1, 2020, the council shall submit to the
   20  Governor, the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House
   21  of Representatives, the Board of Governors, and the State Board
   22  of Education a report with recommendations that address the
   23  feasibility of establishing and implementing the Pathways in
   24  Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) program, or a
   25  similar program, in Florida. The term “P-TECH program” means a
   26  program that incorporates secondary and postsecondary education
   27  with workforce education and work experience through a flexible
   28  6-year integrated model. The report must, at a minimum, include
   29  the following:
   30         (a) A school model program for students to earn a high
   31  school diploma, an associate degree, and applicable industry
   32  certifications and work experience within 6 years after
   33  enrolling in the 9th grade. Magnet schools, schools-within-a
   34  school, charter schools, pilot programs, and other school model
   35  options may be considered by the council.
   36         (b) A funding model that ensures that the P-TECH program,
   37  or a similar program, is provided at no cost to students.
   38  Funding model recommendations may incorporate K-12,
   39  postsecondary, workforce, grants, scholarships, and other
   40  funding options.
   41         (c) Recommendations for modifications to the school and
   42  district accountability requirements of s. 1008.34 to
   43  accommodate flexibility within the model program.
   44         (d) An open enrollment policy that encourages a diverse
   45  student body that includes students from low-income families and
   46  first-generation college students.
   47         (e) Courses of study which support program completion in 4
   48  years to 6 years and which meet regional workforce demand.
   49         (f) School governance and staffing recommendations,
   50  including faculty qualifications.
   51         (g) Timelines and additional funding requirements for
   52  planning and launching a P-TECH program, or a similar program,
   53  at a school.
   54         (h) A plan for seamless articulation with Florida’s
   55  postsecondary institutions.
   56         (i) Recommendations for partnerships with industries and
   57  businesses, which include private investment, work-based
   58  training, internships, and priority placement for job
   59  opportunities upon graduation.
   60         (j) A support model for student success, which may include
   61  flexible class scheduling, advising and mentoring components,
   62  and other wrap-around services.
   63         Section 2. This act shall take effect upon becoming a law.