Florida Senate - 2024                                     SB 992
       
       
        
       By Senator Jones
       
       
       
       
       
       34-01543-24                                            2024992__
    1                        A bill to be entitled                      
    2         An act relating to educator certifications and
    3         training; amending s. 1004.04, F.S.; revising the core
    4         curricula for certain teacher preparation programs to
    5         include training relating to mass casualty incidents;
    6         amending s. 1004.85, F.S.; requiring certain
    7         postsecondary educator preparation institution
    8         programs to include training relating to mass casualty
    9         incidents; conforming a cross-reference; amending s.
   10         1012.56, F.S.; revising the certified educator
   11         eligibility criteria to require such persons to
   12         receive training in mass casualty incidents;
   13         conforming cross-references; amending s. 1012.57,
   14         F.S.; requiring persons who hold adjunct teaching
   15         certificates to receive training in mass casualty
   16         incidents; creating s. 1012.5841, F.S.; requiring the
   17         Department of Education to develop a list of approved
   18         trainings relating to mass casualty incidents;
   19         beginning in a specified school year, requiring the
   20         department to include such trainings in existing
   21         continuing education and inservice training
   22         requirements for instructional personnel; providing
   23         applicability; authorizing the State Board of
   24         Education to adopt rules; providing an effective date.
   25          
   26  Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
   27  
   28         Section 1. Paragraph (b) of subsection (2) of section
   29  1004.04, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
   30         1004.04 Public accountability and state approval for
   31  teacher preparation programs.—
   32         (2) UNIFORM CORE CURRICULA AND CANDIDATE ASSESSMENT.—
   33         (b) The rules to establish uniform core curricula for each
   34  state-approved teacher preparation program must include, but are
   35  not limited to, the following:
   36         1. Candidate instruction and assessment in the Florida
   37  Educator Accomplished Practices across content areas.
   38         2. The use of state-adopted content standards to guide
   39  curricula and instruction.
   40         3. Scientifically researched and evidence-based reading
   41  instructional strategies grounded in the science of reading
   42  which improve reading performance for all students, including
   43  explicit, systematic, and sequential approaches to teaching
   44  phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and text
   45  comprehension and multisensory intervention strategies. The
   46  primary instructional strategy for teaching word reading is
   47  phonics instruction for decoding and encoding. Instructional
   48  strategies for foundational skills may not employ the three
   49  cueing system model of reading or visual memory as a basis for
   50  teaching word reading. Instructional strategies may include
   51  visual information and strategies that improve background and
   52  experiential knowledge, add context, and increase oral language
   53  and vocabulary to support comprehension, but may not be used to
   54  teach word reading.
   55         4. Content literacy and mathematics practices.
   56         5. Strategies appropriate for the instruction of English
   57  language learners.
   58         6. Strategies appropriate for the instruction of students
   59  with disabilities.
   60         7. Strategies to differentiate instruction based on student
   61  needs.
   62         8. Strategies and practices to support evidence-based
   63  content aligned to state standards and grading practices.
   64         9. Strategies appropriate for the early identification of a
   65  student in crisis or experiencing a mental health challenge and
   66  the referral of such student to a mental health professional for
   67  support.
   68         10. Strategies to support the use of technology in
   69  education and distance learning.
   70         11. Strategies and practices to support effective,
   71  research-based assessment and grading practices aligned to the
   72  state’s academic standards.
   73         12.Strategies and practices on identifying, preventing,
   74  preparing, addressing, and responding to mass casualty
   75  incidents.
   76         Section 2. Paragraphs (a) and (b) of subsection (3) of
   77  section 1004.85, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
   78         1004.85 Postsecondary educator preparation institutes.—
   79         (3) Educator preparation institutes approved pursuant to
   80  this section may offer competency-based certification programs
   81  specifically designed for noneducation major baccalaureate
   82  degree holders to enable program participants to meet the
   83  educator certification requirements of s. 1012.56. An educator
   84  preparation institute choosing to offer a competency-based
   85  certification program pursuant to the provisions of this section
   86  must implement a program developed by the institute and approved
   87  by the department for this purpose. Approved programs shall be
   88  available for use by other approved educator preparation
   89  institutes.
   90         (a) Within 90 days after receipt of a request for approval,
   91  the Department of Education shall approve a preparation program
   92  pursuant to the requirements of this subsection or issue a
   93  statement of the deficiencies in the request for approval. The
   94  department shall approve a certification program if the
   95  institute provides evidence of the institute’s capacity to
   96  implement a competency-based program that instructs and assesses
   97  each candidate in the following:
   98         1.a. The Florida Educator Accomplished Practices approved
   99  by the state board.
  100         b. The state academic standards provided under s. 1003.41,
  101  including scientifically based reading instruction, content
  102  literacy, and mathematical practices, for each subject
  103  identified on the statement of status of eligibility or the
  104  temporary certificate.
  105         c. Scientifically researched and evidence-based reading
  106  instructional strategies grounded in the science of reading
  107  which improve reading performance for all students, including
  108  explicit, systematic, and sequential approaches to teaching
  109  phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and text
  110  comprehension and multisensory intervention strategies. The
  111  primary instructional strategy for teaching word reading is
  112  phonics instruction for decoding and encoding. Instructional
  113  strategies for foundational skills may not employ the three
  114  cueing system model of reading or visual memory as a basis for
  115  teaching word reading. Instructional strategies may include
  116  visual information and strategies which improve background and
  117  experiential knowledge, add context, and increase oral language
  118  and vocabulary to support comprehension, but may not be used to
  119  teach word reading.
  120         d.Strategies and practices on identifying, preventing,
  121  preparing, addressing, and responding to mass casualty
  122  incidents.
  123         2. An educational plan for each participant to meet
  124  certification requirements and demonstrate his or her ability to
  125  teach the subject area for which the participant is seeking
  126  certification, which is based on an assessment of his or her
  127  competency in the areas listed in subparagraph 1.
  128         3. Field experiences appropriate to the certification
  129  subject area specified in the educational plan under the
  130  supervision of qualified educators. The state board shall
  131  determine in rule the amount of field experience necessary to
  132  serve as the teacher of record, beginning with candidates
  133  entering a program in the 2023-2024 school year.
  134         4. A certification ombudsman to facilitate the process and
  135  procedures required for participants who complete the program to
  136  meet any requirements related to the background screening
  137  pursuant to s. 1012.32 and educator professional or temporary
  138  certification pursuant to s. 1012.56.
  139         (b) Each program participant must:
  140         1. Meet certification requirements pursuant to s.
  141  1012.56(1) by obtaining a statement of status of eligibility in
  142  the certification subject area of the educational plan and meet
  143  the requirements of s. 1012.56(2)(a)-(g) s. 1012.56(2)(a)-(f).
  144         2. Demonstrate competency and participate in field
  145  experiences that are appropriate to his or her educational plan
  146  prepared under paragraph (a). Beginning with candidates entering
  147  an educator preparation institute in the 2022-2023 school year,
  148  a candidate for certification in a coverage area identified
  149  pursuant to s. 1012.585(3)(f) must successfully complete all
  150  competencies for a reading endorsement, including completion of
  151  the endorsement practicum through the candidate’s field
  152  experience, in order to graduate from the program.
  153         3. Before completion of the program, fully demonstrate his
  154  or her ability to teach the subject area for which he or she is
  155  seeking certification by documenting a positive impact on
  156  student learning growth in a prekindergarten through grade 12
  157  setting and, except as provided in s. 1012.56(7)(a)3., achieving
  158  a passing score on the professional education competency
  159  examination, the basic skills examination, and the subject area
  160  examination for the subject area certification which is required
  161  by state board rule.
  162         Section 3. Present paragraphs (g) through (i) of subsection
  163  (2) of section 1012.56, Florida Statutes, are redesignated as
  164  paragraphs (h) through (j), respectively, a new paragraph (g) is
  165  added to that subsection, and paragraphs (a), (b), and (d) of
  166  subsection (7) of that section are amended, to read:
  167         1012.56 Educator certification requirements.—
  168         (2) ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA.—To be eligible to seek
  169  certification, a person must:
  170         (g)Have received training that includes strategies and
  171  practices on identifying, preventing, preparing, addressing, and
  172  responding to mass casualty incidents.
  173         (7) TYPES AND TERMS OF CERTIFICATION.—
  174         (a) The Department of Education shall issue a professional
  175  certificate for a period not to exceed 5 years to any applicant
  176  who fulfills one of the following:
  177         1. Meets all the applicable requirements outlined in
  178  subsection (2).
  179         2. For a professional certificate covering grades 6 through
  180  12:
  181         a. Meets the applicable requirements of paragraphs (2)(a)
  182  (i) (2)(a)-(h).
  183         b. Holds a master’s or higher degree in the area of
  184  science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.
  185         c. Teaches a high school course in the subject of the
  186  advanced degree.
  187         d. Is rated highly effective as determined by the teacher’s
  188  performance evaluation under s. 1012.34, based in part on
  189  student performance as measured by a statewide, standardized
  190  assessment or an Advanced Placement, Advanced International
  191  Certificate of Education, or International Baccalaureate
  192  examination.
  193         e. Achieves a passing score on the Florida professional
  194  education competency examination required by state board rule.
  195         3. Meets the applicable requirements of paragraphs (2)(a)
  196  (i) (2)(a)-(h) and completes a professional learning
  197  certification program approved by the department pursuant to
  198  paragraph (8)(b) or an educator preparation institute approved
  199  by the department pursuant to s. 1004.85. An applicant who
  200  completes one of these programs and is rated highly effective as
  201  determined by his or her performance evaluation under s. 1012.34
  202  is not required to take or achieve a passing score on the
  203  professional education competency examination in order to be
  204  awarded a professional certificate.
  205         (b) The department shall issue a temporary certificate to
  206  any applicant who:
  207         1. Completes the requirements outlined in paragraphs
  208  (2)(a)-(g) (2)(a)-(f) and completes the subject area content
  209  requirements specified in state board rule or demonstrates
  210  mastery of subject area knowledge pursuant to subsection (5) and
  211  holds an accredited degree or a degree approved by the
  212  Department of Education at the level required for the subject
  213  area specialization in state board rule;
  214         2. For a subject area specialization for which the state
  215  board otherwise requires a bachelor’s degree, documents 48
  216  months of active-duty military service with an honorable
  217  discharge or a medical separation; completes the requirements
  218  outlined in paragraphs (2)(a), (b), and (d)-(g) (d)-(f);
  219  completes the subject area content requirements specified in
  220  state board rule or demonstrates mastery of subject area
  221  knowledge pursuant to subsection (5); and documents completion
  222  of 60 college credits with a minimum cumulative grade point
  223  average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, as provided by one or more
  224  accredited institutions of higher learning or a nonaccredited
  225  institution of higher learning identified by the Department of
  226  Education as having a quality program resulting in a bachelor’s
  227  degree or higher; or
  228         3. Is enrolled in a state-approved teacher preparation
  229  program under s. 1004.04; is actively completing the required
  230  program field experience or internship at a public school;
  231  completes the requirements outlined in paragraphs (2)(a), (b),
  232  and (d)-(g) (d)-(f); completes the subject area content
  233  requirements specified in state board rule or demonstrates
  234  mastery of subject area knowledge pursuant to subsection (5);
  235  and documents completion of 60 college credits with a minimum
  236  cumulative grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, as
  237  provided by one or more accredited institutions of higher
  238  learning or a nonaccredited institution of higher learning
  239  identified by the Department of Education as having a quality
  240  program resulting in a bachelor’s degree or higher.
  241         (d) The department shall issue a temporary apprenticeship
  242  certificate to any applicant who:
  243         1. Meets the requirements of paragraphs (2)(a), (b), and
  244  (d)-(g) (d)-(f).
  245         2. Completes the subject area content requirements
  246  specified in state board rule or demonstrates mastery of subject
  247  area knowledge as provided in subsection (5).
  248  
  249  At least 1 year before an individual’s temporary certificate is
  250  set to expire, the department shall electronically notify the
  251  individual of the date on which his or her certificate will
  252  expire and provide a list of each method by which the
  253  qualifications for a professional certificate can be completed.
  254         Section 4. Subsection (1) of section 1012.57, Florida
  255  Statutes, is amended to read:
  256         1012.57 Certification of adjunct educators.—
  257         (1) Notwithstanding the provisions of ss. 1012.32, 1012.55,
  258  and 1012.56, or any other provision of law or rule to the
  259  contrary, district school boards and charter school governing
  260  boards shall adopt rules to allow for the issuance of an adjunct
  261  teaching certificate to any applicant who fulfills the
  262  requirements of s. 1012.56(2)(a)-(g) s. 1012.56(2)(a)-(f) and
  263  (11) and who has expertise in the subject area to be taught. An
  264  applicant is considered to have expertise in the subject area to
  265  be taught if the applicant demonstrates sufficient subject area
  266  mastery through passage of a subject area test or has achieved
  267  an industry certification in the subject area to be taught.
  268         Section 5. Section 1012.5841, Florida Statutes, is created
  269  to read:
  270         1012.5841Continuing education and inservice training for
  271  identifying, preventing, preparing, addressing, and responding
  272  to mass casualty incidents.—
  273         (1)The Department of Education shall develop a list of
  274  approved trainings to prepare instructional personnel to
  275  identify, prevent, prepare for, address, and respond to mass
  276  casualty incidents.
  277         (2)Beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, the
  278  department shall incorporate the training included in the list
  279  required under subsection (1) into existing requirements for the
  280  continuing education or inservice training of instructional
  281  personnel. The requirements of this section may not add to the
  282  total hours required for continuing education or inservice
  283  training as currently established by the department.
  284         (3)A person has no cause of action for any loss or damage
  285  caused by an act or omission resulting from the implementation
  286  of this section or resulting from any training required by this
  287  section unless the loss or damage was caused by willful or
  288  wanton misconduct. This section does not create any new duty of
  289  care or basis of liability.
  290         (4)The State Board of Education may adopt rules to
  291  implement this section.
  292         Section 6. This act shall take effect July 1, 2024.