The Florida Senate

240.541  Postsecondary education programs of excellence in mathematics, science, and computer education.--

(1)  From funding provided in the General Appropriations Act, the Department of Education shall approve plans to promote excellence in mathematics, science, and computer education. Funds shall be distributed to state universities and community colleges as provided in the General Appropriations Act to provide one or more of the following:

(a)  Cooperative programs involving postsecondary institutions and private industry to promote excellence in mathematics, science, and computer education.

(b)  Cooperative programs involving public school districts to provide enrichment experiences to public school students in mathematics, science, and computer education.

(c)  Training programs to enable teachers to make better use of scientific and technical equipment.

(d)  Instructional research grants to faculty to establish summer courses or research projects which will allow more students to study engineering, mathematics, science, and computer skills.

(e)  Encouragement of faculty upgrading whereby existing faculty are given the opportunity to update their training in the newest technologies and processes.

(f)  Joint appointments with industry whereby industry provides full-time appointments for faculty members in coordination of full-time appointments of industry personnel to state universities and community colleges to teach engineering, computer science, mathematics, or science courses.

(2)  From funds provided in the General Appropriations Act, the Department of Education is authorized to award feasibility planning grants to state universities or community colleges to establish or expand centers for academically talented students in mathematics, science, and computer education in kindergarten through grade 12.

(3)  From funds provided in the General Appropriations Act, the Department of Education is authorized to approve plans for the purchase and maintenance of scientific and technical equipment used in mathematics, science, and computer skills education.

(4)  This section shall be implemented in the 1983-1984 school year and thereafter only to the extent as specifically funded and authorized by law.

History.--ss. 7, 23, ch. 83-327; s. 6, ch. 83-348.