Florida Senate - 2021                                     SB 128
       
       
        
       By Senator Diaz
       
       
       
       
       
       36-00215-21                                            2021128__
    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, by a specified date, to submit to specified
    5         entities a report that includes recommendations on the
    6         feasibility of establishing and implementing the
    7         Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P
    8         TECH) program or a similar program; defining the term
    9         “P-TECH program”; providing requirements for the
   10         report; providing an effective date.
   11          
   12  Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
   13  
   14         Section 1. Subsection (6) is added to section 1004.015,
   15  Florida Statutes, to read:
   16         1004.015 Florida Talent Development Council.—
   17         (6) By December 1, 2021, the council shall submit to the
   18  Governor, the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House
   19  of Representatives, the Board of Governors, and the State Board
   20  of Education a report with recommendations that address the
   21  feasibility of establishing and implementing the Pathways in
   22  Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) program, or a
   23  similar program, in this state. As used in this subsection, the
   24  term “P-TECH program” means a program that incorporates
   25  secondary and postsecondary education with workforce education
   26  and work experience using a flexible 6-year integrated model.
   27  The report must, at a minimum, include all of the following:
   28         (a) A school model program for students to earn a high
   29  school diploma, an associate degree, and applicable industry
   30  certifications and work experience within 6 years after
   31  enrolling in the 9th grade. Magnet schools, schools-within-a
   32  school, charter schools, pilot programs, and other school model
   33  options may be considered by the council.
   34         (b) A funding model that ensures that the P-TECH program,
   35  or a similar program, is provided at no cost to students.
   36  Funding model recommendations may incorporate K-12,
   37  postsecondary, workforce, grants, scholarships, and other
   38  funding options.
   39         (c) Recommendations for modifications to the school and
   40  district accountability requirements of s. 1008.34 to
   41  accommodate flexibility within the model program.
   42         (d) An open enrollment policy that encourages a diverse
   43  student body that includes students from low-income families and
   44  first-generation college students.
   45         (e) Courses of study which support program completion in 4
   46  to 6 years and which meet regional workforce demand.
   47         (f) School governance and staffing recommendations,
   48  including faculty qualifications.
   49         (g) Timelines and additional funding requirements for
   50  planning and launching a P-TECH program, or a similar program,
   51  at a school.
   52         (h) A plan for seamless articulation with the postsecondary
   53  institutions of this state.
   54         (i) Recommendations for partnerships with industries and
   55  businesses, which include private investment, work-based
   56  training, internships, and priority placement for job
   57  opportunities upon graduation.
   58         (j) A support model for student success, which may include
   59  flexible class scheduling, advising and mentoring components,
   60  and other wrap-around services.
   61         Section 2. This act shall take effect upon becoming a law.