Florida Senate - 2025 SENATOR AMENDMENT
Bill No. CS/CS/HB 875, 1st Eng.
Ì208910ÃÎ208910
LEGISLATIVE ACTION
Senate . House
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Floor: 1/AD/2R . Floor: CA
04/30/2025 05:18 PM . 05/02/2025 11:38 AM
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Senator Burgess moved the following:
1 Senate Amendment (with title amendment)
2
3 Delete everything after the enacting clause
4 and insert:
5 Section 1. (1) It is the intent of the Legislature to
6 ensure all students have access to a well-qualified and prepared
7 teacher at all grade levels. In order to prepare all teachers
8 for success in the classroom, the Legislature intends to revise
9 educator preparation programs, educator certification, and
10 professional learning to modernize teacher training and properly
11 prepare educators to meet the challenges of educating students
12 in the 21st century.
13 (2) No later than September 1, 2025, the Department of
14 Education shall establish a workgroup to update and revise the
15 Florida Educator Accomplished Practices. The workgroup must
16 include, at a minimum, representatives from state-approved
17 initial teacher preparation programs under s. 1004.04, Florida
18 Statutes, educator preparation institutes under s. 1004.85,
19 Florida Statutes, school district personnel, classroom teachers,
20 and other education stakeholders.
21 (a) The department shall submit the workgroup’s findings
22 and recommendations, including the final version of the revised
23 practices, to the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the
24 Speaker of the House of Representatives by July 1, 2026.
25 (b) The revised Florida Educator Accomplished Practices and
26 rule to implement the uniform core curricula pursuant to s.
27 1012.551, Florida Statutes, must be considered by the State
28 Board of Education by August 1, 2026.
29 (3) No later than July 1, 2027, the Department of Education
30 shall begin development of the Florida Teacher Excellence
31 Examination, which must align with the revised Florida Educator
32 Accomplished Practices and serve as a measure of educator
33 readiness for professional certification.
34 (4) Upon approval of the Florida Educator Accomplished
35 Practices and rule implementing the uniform core-curricula, the
36 Department of Education shall submit a report to the Governor,
37 the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of
38 Representatives which includes an implementation plan and
39 schedule for aligning initial teacher preparation programs under
40 s. 1004.04, Florida Statutes, educator preparation institutes
41 under s. 1004.85, Florida Statutes, teacher preparation core
42 courses, and Coaching for Educator Readiness and Teaching (CERT)
43 programs under s. 1012.552, Florida Statutes, to the revised
44 Florida Educator Accomplished Practices and the Florida Teacher
45 Excellence Examination. The report must include any recommended
46 changes to existing statutes necessary to implement such
47 alignment.
48 Section 2. Section 1004.0982, Florida Statutes, is created
49 to read:
50 1004.0982 Flexible education pathway for school
51 counselors.—To better enable students enrolled in postsecondary
52 school counseling programs to enter the workforce as certified
53 school counselors, the Department of Education shall:
54 (1) Reduce the 600-hour internship requirement to a 300
55 hour internship requirement if a candidate:
56 (a) Is a current full-time teacher who has been employed as
57 a teacher for at least 5 years; and
58 (b) Has earned an effective or highly effective rating on
59 his or her performance evaluation for the past 3 years under s.
60 1012.34.
61 (2) Establish, and the State Board of Education shall adopt
62 rules and the Board of Governors shall adopt regulations,
63 guidelines and programs to provide flexibility in meeting the
64 internship requirements for students enrolled in a postsecondary
65 school counseling program.
66 (a) The guidelines may include any of the following:
67 1. Establishing acceptable internship settings and
68 supervision requirements.
69 2. Establishing criteria for adjustments to internship
70 requirements based on the student’s personal circumstances.
71 3. Establishing credit equivalencies that count toward
72 internship hours for such students.
73 4. Flexibility in meeting the internship hours for such
74 students.
75 (b) The programs may include, subject to legislative
76 funding, any of the following:
77 1. Scholarship programs.
78 2. Tuition reimbursement programs.
79 3. Other incentive programs.
80 Section 3. Section 1012.39, Florida Statutes, is amended to
81 read:
82 1012.39 Employment of substitute teachers, teachers of
83 adult education, nondegreed teachers of career education, and
84 career specialists and nondegreed teachers of fine and
85 performing arts; students performing clinical field experience.—
86 (1) Notwithstanding ss. 1012.32, 1012.55, 1012.56, and
87 1012.57, or any other provision of law or rule to the contrary,
88 each district school board shall establish the minimal
89 qualifications for:
90 (a) Substitute teachers to be employed pursuant to s.
91 1012.35. The qualifications shall require the filing of a
92 complete set of fingerprints in the same manner as required by
93 s. 1012.32; documentation of a minimum education level of a high
94 school diploma or equivalent; and completion of an initial
95 orientation and training program in district policies and
96 procedures addressing school safety and security procedures,
97 educational liability laws, professional responsibilities, and
98 ethics.
99 (b) Part-time and full-time teachers in adult education
100 programs. The qualifications shall require the filing of a
101 complete set of fingerprints in the same manner as required by
102 s. 1012.32. Faculty employed solely to conduct postsecondary
103 instruction may be exempted from this requirement.
104 (c) Part-time and full-time nondegreed teachers of career
105 programs. Qualifications must be established for nondegreed
106 teachers of career and technical education courses for program
107 clusters that are recognized in the state and are based
108 primarily on successful occupational experience rather than
109 academic training. The qualifications for such teachers must
110 require:
111 1. The filing of a complete set of fingerprints in the same
112 manner as required by s. 1012.32. Faculty employed solely to
113 conduct postsecondary instruction may be exempted from this
114 requirement.
115 2. Documentation of education and successful occupational
116 experience including documentation of:
117 a. A high school diploma or the equivalent.
118 b. Completion of 3 years of full-time successful
119 occupational experience or the equivalent of part-time
120 experience in the teaching specialization area. The district
121 school board may establish alternative qualifications for
122 teachers with an industry certification in the career area in
123 which they teach.
124 c. For full-time teachers, completion of professional
125 education training in teaching methods, course construction,
126 lesson planning and evaluation, and teaching special needs
127 students. This training may be completed through coursework from
128 an accredited or approved institution or an approved district
129 teacher education program, or the local school district
130 inservice master plan.
131 d. Documentation of industry certification when state or
132 national industry certifications are available and applicable.
133 (d) Part-time, nondegreed teachers of fine and performing
134 arts. Qualifications must be established for nondegreed teachers
135 of fine and performing arts courses in the course code
136 directory. The qualifications for such teachers must require:
137 1. The filing of a complete set of fingerprints in the same
138 manner as required by s. 1012.32.
139 2. Documentation of education and successful experience,
140 including documentation of:
141 a. A high school diploma or the equivalent.
142 b. Completion of 3 years of full-time successful experience
143 or the equivalent of part-time experience in the teaching
144 specialization area.
145 (2) Substitute, adult education, and nondegreed career
146 education teachers who are employed pursuant to this section
147 shall have the same rights and protection of laws as certified
148 teachers.
149 (3) A student who is enrolled in a state-approved teacher
150 preparation program in a postsecondary educational institution
151 that is approved by rules of the State Board of Education and
152 who is jointly assigned by the postsecondary educational
153 institution and a district school board to perform a clinical
154 field experience under the direction of a regularly employed and
155 certified educator shall, while serving such supervised clinical
156 field experience, be accorded the same protection of law as that
157 accorded to the certified educator except for the right to
158 bargain collectively as an employee of the district school
159 board. The district school board providing the clinical field
160 experience shall notify the student electronically or in writing
161 of the availability of educator liability insurance under s.
162 1012.75. A postsecondary educational institution or district
163 school board may not require a student enrolled in a state
164 approved teacher preparation program to purchase liability
165 insurance as a condition of participation in any clinical field
166 experience or related activity on the premises of an elementary
167 or secondary school.
168 Section 4. Section 1012.551, Florida Statutes, is created
169 to read:
170 1012.551 Teacher preparation core principles, standards,
171 and content.–
172 (1) Beginning August 1, 2027, each teacher preparation
173 program approved pursuant to ss. 1004.04, 1004.85, and 1012.552
174 must provide uniform core curricula courses aligned with the
175 Florida Educator Accomplished Practices that establish the
176 foundational standards and expectations for evidence-based
177 instruction and professional responsibility. The State Board of
178 Education shall establish in rule the uniform core curricula.
179 (2) The uniform core curricula for each state-approved
180 teacher preparation program must meet, at a minimum, the
181 following standards:
182 (a) May not distort significant historical events or
183 include curriculum or instruction that teaches identity
184 politics, violates s. 1000.05, or is based on theories that
185 systemic racism, sexism, oppression, and privilege are inherent
186 in the institutions of the United States and were created to
187 maintain social, political, and economic inequities.
188 (b) Must afford candidates the opportunity to think
189 critically, achieve mastery of academic program content, learn
190 instructional strategies, and demonstrate competence.
191 (c) Must use state-approved academic standards to guide
192 instruction.
193 (d) Must provide training on the use of evidence-based
194 instructional materials included on the state-adopted
195 instructional materials list pursuant to s. 1006.28, materials
196 evaluated and identified pursuant to s. 1001.215(4), materials
197 developed pursuant to s. 1006.39, and materials posted online by
198 the department, including when and how to use intervention
199 materials.
200 (e) Must include scientifically researched and evidence
201 based reading instructional strategies grounded in the science
202 of reading which improve reading performance for all students,
203 including explicit, systematic, and sequential approaches to
204 teaching phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and
205 text comprehension and multisensory intervention strategies. The
206 primary instructional strategy for teaching word reading is
207 phonics instruction for decoding and encoding. Instructional
208 strategies for foundational skills may not employ the three
209 cueing system model of reading or visual memory as a basis for
210 teaching word reading. Instructional strategies may include
211 visual information and strategies that improve background and
212 experiential knowledge, add context, and increase oral language
213 and vocabulary to support comprehension, but may not be used to
214 teach word reading.
215 (f) Must include content literacy and mathematics
216 practices.
217 (g) Must include strategies for differentiated instruction
218 to meet student needs, including English language learners and
219 students with disabilities, while maintaining grade-level
220 expectations.
221 (h) Must include strategies and practices to support
222 effective, evidence-based assessment and grading practices
223 aligned to the state’s academic standards.
224 (i) Must require the completion of a mastery-based clinical
225 experience in classroom settings to provide direct application
226 of program content and instruction and mastery of the components
227 of teaching as outlined in the Florida Educator Accomplished
228 Practices. These clinical experiences must allow candidates to
229 demonstrate mastery of curriculum and pedagogy through
230 observable performance evaluations aligned with instructional
231 personnel evaluation systems approved pursuant to s. 1012.34.
232 Mastery must be assessed through in-classroom performance, with
233 candidate feedback provided for growth and refinement, rather
234 than solely through written assignments or project-based
235 assessments. Clinical experience may only be provided by
236 individuals who meet the requirements of s. 1012.56(7).
237 Section 5. Section 1012.552, Florida Statutes, is created
238 to read:
239 1012.552 The Coaching for Educator Readiness and Teaching
240 Certification (CERT) Program.—
241 (1) OBJECTIVE.—The Department of Education shall create the
242 Coaching for Educator Readiness and Teaching (CERT)
243 Certification Program as an alternative pathway for teachers to
244 enter the teaching profession. School districts, charter
245 schools, and charter management organizations may implement the
246 CERT program to provide a cohesive, competency-based training
247 and certification pathway for teachers who have a state-issued
248 temporary certificate to earn their professional certificate
249 through an on-the-job mentorship and learning program.
250 (2) PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS.—A CERT program must include all
251 of the following:
252 (a) A teacher mentorship and induction component. Mentors
253 must meet the requirements of s. 1012.56(7).
254 (b) An assessment of teaching performance aligned to the
255 district, charter school, or charter management organization
256 system for personnel evaluation under s. 1012.34 which provides
257 for:
258 1. An initial evaluation of each educator’s competencies to
259 determine an appropriate individualized professional learning
260 plan.
261 2. A summative evaluation to assure successful completion
262 of the program.
263 (c) Professional learning, in accordance with s. 1012.98,
264 tailored to each educator’s growth and learning needs, according
265 to observational data and feedback.
266 (d) Required achievement of passing scores on the subject
267 area examination required by State Board of Education rule.
268 (e) Required successful completion of all competencies for
269 a reading endorsement, including completion of the endorsement
270 practicum, for a candidate certification in a coverage area
271 identified pursuant to s. 1012.585(3)(f).
272 (f) Provide guidance and on-the-job training in the
273 classroom on mastering Florida Educator Accomplished Practices.
274 Section 6. Paragraphs (a) and (c) of subsection (2) and
275 subsection (3) of section 1012.555, Florida Statutes, are
276 amended to read:
277 1012.555 Teacher Apprenticeship Program.—
278 (2)(a) An individual must meet the following minimum
279 eligibility requirements to participate in the apprenticeship
280 program:
281 1. Have received an associate degree from an accredited
282 postsecondary institution.
283 2. Have earned a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 in
284 that degree program.
285 3. Have successfully passed a background screening as
286 provided in s. 1012.32.
287 4. Have received a temporary apprenticeship certificate as
288 provided in s. 1012.56(6)(d) s. 1012.56(7)(d).
289 (c) An apprentice teacher must do both of the following:
290 1. Complete at least 2 years in an apprenticeship before
291 being eligible to apply for a professional certificate
292 established in s. 1012.56(6)(a) s. 1012.56(7)(a). Completion of
293 the Teacher Apprenticeship Program does not exempt an apprentice
294 teacher from the requirements of s. 1012.56(2)(c).
295 2. Receive related instruction as provided in s. 446.051.
296 (3) A teacher who serves as a mentor in the apprenticeship
297 program shall mentor his or her apprentice teacher using team
298 teaching strategies and must, at a minimum, meet all of the
299 following requirements of s. 1012.56(7):
300 (a) Have at least 5 years of teaching experience in this
301 state.
302 (b) Have received an aggregate score of highly effective on
303 the three most recent available value-added model (VAM) scores,
304 as used by the department, or have received an aggregate score
305 of highly effective on the three most recent available
306 performance evaluations if the teacher does not generate a state
307 VAM score.
308 (c) Satisfy any other requirements established by the
309 department.
310 Section 7. Paragraph (b) of subsection (1), paragraphs (d),
311 (g), (h), and (i) of subsection (2), subsection (6), paragraph
312 (b) of subsection (7), paragraph (a) of subsection (8), and
313 paragraph (f) of subsection (10) of section 1012.56, Florida
314 Statutes, are amended to read:
315 1012.56 Educator certification requirements.—
316 (1) APPLICATION.—Each person seeking certification pursuant
317 to this chapter shall submit a completed application containing
318 the applicant’s social security number to the Department of
319 Education and remit the fee required pursuant to s. 1012.59 and
320 rules of the State Board of Education. Pursuant to the federal
321 Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act
322 of 1996, each party is required to provide his or her social
323 security number in accordance with this section. Disclosure of
324 social security numbers obtained through this requirement is
325 limited to the purpose of administration of the Title IV-D
326 program of the Social Security Act for child support
327 enforcement.
328 (b) The department shall issue a temporary certificate to a
329 qualifying applicant within 14 calendar days after receipt of a
330 request from an employer with a professional education
331 competence demonstration program pursuant to paragraph (5)(f)
332 (6)(f) and subsection (8) (9). The temporary certificate must
333 cover the classification, level, and area for which the
334 applicant is deemed qualified. The department shall
335 electronically notify the applicant’s employer that the
336 temporary certificate has been issued and provide the applicant
337 an official statement of status of eligibility at the time the
338 certificate is issued.
339
340 The statement of status of eligibility must be provided
341 electronically and must advise the applicant of any
342 qualifications that must be completed to qualify for
343 certification. Each method by which an applicant can complete
344 the qualifications for a professional certificate must be
345 included in the statement of status of eligibility. Each
346 statement of status of eligibility is valid for 5 years after
347 its date of issuance, except as provided in paragraph (2)(d).
348 (2) ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA.—To be eligible to seek
349 certification, a person must:
350 (d) Submit to background screening in accordance with
351 subsection (10) (11). If the background screening indicates a
352 criminal history or if the applicant acknowledges a criminal
353 history, the applicant’s records shall be referred to the
354 investigative section in the Department of Education for review
355 and determination of eligibility for certification. If the
356 applicant fails to provide the necessary documentation requested
357 by the department within 90 days after the date of the receipt
358 of the certified mail request, the statement of eligibility and
359 pending application shall become invalid.
360 (g) Demonstrate mastery of general knowledge pursuant to
361 subsection (3).
362 (h) Demonstrate mastery of subject area knowledge, pursuant
363 to subsection (4) (5).
364 (i) Demonstrate mastery of professional preparation and
365 education competence, pursuant to subsection (5) (6), if the
366 person serves as a classroom teacher or school administrator as
367 classified in s. 1012.01(2)(a) and (3)(c), respectively.
368 (3) MASTERY OF GENERAL KNOWLEDGE.—Acceptable means of
369 demonstrating mastery of general knowledge are:
370 (a) Achievement of passing scores on the general knowledge
371 examination required by state board rule;
372 (b) Documentation of a valid professional standard teaching
373 certificate issued by another state;
374 (c) Documentation of a valid certificate issued by the
375 National Board for Professional Teaching Standards or a national
376 educator credentialing board approved by the State Board of
377 Education;
378 (d) Documentation of two semesters of successful, full-time
379 or part-time teaching in a Florida College System institution,
380 state university, or private college or university that awards
381 an associate or higher degree and is an accredited institution
382 or an institution of higher education identified by the
383 Department of Education as having a quality program;
384 (e) Achievement of passing scores, identified in state
385 board rule, on national or international examinations that test
386 comparable content and relevant standards in verbal, analytical
387 writing, and quantitative reasoning skills, including, but not
388 limited to, the verbal, analytical writing, and quantitative
389 reasoning portions of the Graduate Record Examination and the
390 SAT, ACT, and Classic Learning Test. Passing scores identified
391 in state board rule must be at approximately the same level of
392 rigor as is required to pass the general knowledge examinations;
393 or
394 (f) Documentation of receipt of a master’s or higher degree
395 from an accredited postsecondary educational institution that
396 the Department of Education has identified as having a quality
397 program resulting in a baccalaureate degree or higher.
398
399 A school district that employs an individual who does not
400 achieve passing scores on any subtest of the general knowledge
401 examination must provide information regarding the availability
402 of state-level and district-level supports and instruction to
403 assist him or her in achieving a passing score. Such information
404 must include, but need not be limited to, state-level test
405 information guides, school district test preparation resources,
406 and preparation courses offered by state universities and
407 Florida College System institutions. The requirement of mastery
408 of general knowledge shall be waived for an individual who has
409 been provided 3 years of supports and instruction and who has
410 been rated effective or highly effective under s. 1012.34 for
411 each of the last 3 years.
412 (5)(6) MASTERY OF PROFESSIONAL PREPARATION AND EDUCATION
413 COMPETENCE.—Acceptable means of demonstrating mastery of
414 professional preparation and education competence are:
415 (a) Successful completion of an approved teacher
416 preparation program at a postsecondary educational institution
417 within this state and achievement of a passing score on the
418 professional education competency examination required by state
419 board rule;
420 (b) Successful completion of a teacher preparation program
421 at a postsecondary educational institution outside Florida and
422 achievement of a passing score on the professional education
423 competency examination required by state board rule;
424 (c) Documentation of a valid professional standard teaching
425 certificate issued by another state;
426 (d) Documentation of a valid certificate issued by the
427 National Board for Professional Teaching Standards or a national
428 educator credentialing board approved by the State Board of
429 Education;
430 (e) Documentation of two semesters of successful, full-time
431 or part-time teaching in a Florida College System institution,
432 state university, or private college or university that awards
433 an associate or higher degree and is an accredited institution
434 or an institution of higher education identified by the
435 Department of Education as having a quality program and
436 achievement of a passing score on the professional education
437 competency examination required by state board rule;
438 (f) Successful completion of professional preparation
439 courses as specified in state board rule, successful completion
440 of a professional education competence program pursuant to
441 subsection (9), and documentation of 3 years of being rated
442 effective or highly effective under s. 1012.34 while holding a
443 temporary certificate;
444 (g) Successful completion of a professional learning
445 certification program, outlined in subsection (7) (8); or
446 (h) Successful completion of a competency-based
447 certification program pursuant to s. 1004.85 and achievement of
448 a passing score on the professional education competency
449 examination required by rule of the State Board of Education.
450
451 The State Board of Education shall adopt rules to implement this
452 subsection, including rules to approve specific teacher
453 preparation programs that are not identified in this subsection
454 which may be used to meet requirements for mastery of
455 professional preparation and education competence.
456 (6)(7) TYPES AND TERMS OF CERTIFICATION.—
457 (b) The department shall issue a temporary certificate to
458 any applicant who:
459 1. Completes the requirements outlined in paragraphs
460 (2)(a)-(f) and completes the subject area content requirements
461 specified in state board rule or demonstrates mastery of subject
462 area knowledge pursuant to subsection (4) (5) and holds an
463 accredited degree or a degree approved by the Department of
464 Education at the level required for the subject area
465 specialization in state board rule;
466 2. For a subject area specialization for which the state
467 board otherwise requires a bachelor’s degree, documents 48
468 months of active-duty military service with an honorable
469 discharge or a medical separation; completes the requirements
470 outlined in paragraphs (2)(a), (b), and (d)-(f); completes the
471 subject area content requirements specified in state board rule
472 or demonstrates mastery of subject area knowledge pursuant to
473 subsection (4) (5); and documents completion of 60 college
474 credits with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 on
475 a 4.0 scale, as provided by one or more accredited institutions
476 of higher learning or a nonaccredited institution of higher
477 learning identified by the Department of Education as having a
478 quality program resulting in a bachelor’s degree or higher; or
479 3. Is enrolled in a state-approved teacher preparation
480 program under s. 1004.04; is actively completing the required
481 program field experience or internship at a public school;
482 completes the requirements outlined in paragraphs (2)(a), (b),
483 and (d)-(f); completes the subject area content requirements
484 specified in state board rule or demonstrates mastery of subject
485 area knowledge pursuant to subsection (4) (5); and documents
486 completion of 60 college credits with a minimum cumulative grade
487 point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, as provided by one or more
488 accredited institutions of higher learning or a nonaccredited
489 institution of higher learning identified by the Department of
490 Education as having a quality program resulting in a bachelor’s
491 degree or higher.
492
493 At least 1 year before an individual’s temporary certificate is
494 set to expire, the department shall electronically notify the
495 individual of the date on which his or her certificate will
496 expire and provide a list of each method by which the
497 qualifications for a professional certificate can be completed.
498 (7)(8) PROFESSIONAL LEARNING CERTIFICATION PROGRAM.—
499 (a) The Department of Education shall develop and each
500 school district, charter school, and charter management
501 organization may provide a cohesive competency-based
502 professional learning certification program by which
503 instructional staff may satisfy the mastery of professional
504 preparation and education competence requirements specified in
505 subsection (5) (6) and rules of the State Board of Education.
506 Participants must hold a state-issued temporary certificate. A
507 school district, charter school, or charter management
508 organization that implements the program shall provide a
509 competency-based certification program developed by the
510 Department of Education or developed by the district, charter
511 school, or charter management organization and approved by the
512 Department of Education. These entities may collaborate with
513 other supporting agencies or educational entities for
514 implementation. The program shall include the following:
515 1. A teacher mentorship and induction component.
516 a. Each individual selected by the district, charter
517 school, or charter management organization as a mentor:
518 (I) Must hold a valid professional certificate issued
519 pursuant to this section;
520 (II) Must have earned at least 3 years of teaching
521 experience in prekindergarten through grade 12;
522 (III) Must have completed training in clinical supervision
523 and participate in ongoing mentor training provided through the
524 coordinated system of professional learning under s. 1012.98(4);
525 (IV) Must have earned an effective or highly effective
526 rating on the prior year’s performance evaluation; and
527 (V) May be a peer evaluator under the district’s evaluation
528 system approved under s. 1012.34.
529 b. The teacher mentorship and induction component must, at
530 a minimum, provide routine opportunities for mentoring and
531 induction activities, including ongoing professional learning as
532 described in s. 1012.98 targeted to a teacher’s needs,
533 opportunities for a teacher to observe other teachers, co
534 teaching experiences, and reflection and follow-up followup
535 discussions. Professional learning must meet the criteria
536 established in s. 1012.98(3). Mentorship and induction
537 activities must be provided for an applicant’s first year in the
538 program and may be provided until the applicant attains his or
539 her professional certificate in accordance with this section.
540 2. An assessment of teaching performance aligned to the
541 district’s, charter school’s, or charter management
542 organization’s system for personnel evaluation under s. 1012.34
543 which provides for:
544 a. An initial evaluation of each educator’s competencies to
545 determine an appropriate individualized professional learning
546 plan.
547 b. A summative evaluation to assure successful completion
548 of the program.
549 3. Professional education preparation content knowledge,
550 which must be included in the mentoring and induction activities
551 under subparagraph 1., that includes, but is not limited to, the
552 following:
553 a. The state academic standards provided under s. 1003.41,
554 including scientifically researched and evidence-based reading
555 instructional strategies grounded in the science of reading,
556 content literacy, and mathematical practices, for each subject
557 identified on the temporary certificate. Reading instructional
558 strategies for foundational skills shall include phonics
559 instruction for decoding and encoding as the primary
560 instructional strategy for word reading. Instructional
561 strategies may not employ the three-cueing system model of
562 reading or visual memory as a basis for teaching word reading.
563 Instructional strategies may include visual information and
564 strategies which improve background and experiential knowledge,
565 add context, and increase oral language and vocabulary to
566 support comprehension, but may not be used to teach word
567 reading.
568 b. The educator-accomplished practices approved by the
569 state board.
570 4. Required achievement of passing scores on the subject
571 area and professional education competency examination required
572 by State Board of Education rule. Mastery of general knowledge
573 must be demonstrated as described in subsection (3).
574 5. Beginning with candidates entering a program in the
575 2022-2023 school year, a candidate for certification in a
576 coverage area identified pursuant to s. 1012.585(3)(f) must
577 successfully complete all competencies for a reading
578 endorsement, including completion of the endorsement practicum.
579 (9)(10) EXAMINATIONS.—
580 (f) The examinations used for demonstration of mastery of
581 general knowledge, professional education competence, and
582 subject area knowledge shall be aligned with student standards
583 approved by the state board. The delivery system for these
584 examinations shall provide for overall efficiency, user-friendly
585 application, reasonable accessibility to prospective teachers,
586 and prompt attainment of examination results. The examination of
587 competency for demonstration of subject area knowledge shall be
588 sufficiently comprehensive to assess subject matter expertise
589 for individuals who have acquired subject knowledge either
590 through college credit or by other means.
591 Section 8. Subsection (3) of section 1012.59, Florida
592 Statutes, is amended to read:
593 1012.59 Certification fees.—
594 (3) The State Board of Education shall waive initial
595 general knowledge, professional education, and subject area
596 examination fees and certification fees for:
597 (a) A member of the United States Armed Forces or a reserve
598 component thereof who is serving or has served on active duty or
599 the spouse of such a member.
600 (b) The surviving spouse of a member of the United States
601 Armed Forces or a reserve component thereof who was serving on
602 active duty at the time of death.
603 (c) An honorably discharged veteran of the United States
604 Armed Forces or a veteran of a reserve component thereof and the
605 spouse or surviving spouse of such a veteran.
606 (d) A retired first responder, which includes a law
607 enforcement officer as defined in s. 943.10(1), a firefighter as
608 defined in s. 633.102(9), or an emergency medical technician or
609 paramedic as defined in s. 401.23.
610 Section 9. Subsections (3) and (4) and paragraph (b) of
611 subsection (5) of section 1012.98, Florida Statutes, are amended
612 to read:
613 1012.98 School Community Professional Learning Act.—
614 (3) Professional learning activities must be linked to
615 student learning, provide and professional growth for
616 instructional and administrative staff, and meet the following
617 criteria:
618 (a) For instructional personnel, utilize materials aligned
619 to the state’s academic standards.
620 (b) For school administrators, utilize materials aligned to
621 the Florida Educational Leadership Standards adopted in rule by
622 the State Board of Education state’s educational leadership
623 standards.
624 (c) Have clear, defined, and measurable outcomes for both
625 individual inservice activities and multiple day sessions.
626 (d) Employ multiple measurement tools for data on teacher
627 growth, participants’ use of new knowledge and skills, student
628 learning outcomes, instructional growth outcomes, and leadership
629 growth outcomes, as applicable.
630 (e) Utilize active learning and engage participants
631 directly in designing and trying out strategies, providing
632 participants with the opportunity to engage in authentic
633 teaching and leadership experiences.
634 (f) Utilize artifacts, interactive activities, and other
635 strategies to provide deeply embedded and highly contextualized
636 professional learning.
637 (g) Create opportunities for collaboration.
638 (h) Utilize coaching and expert support to involve the
639 sharing of expertise about content and evidence-based practices,
640 focused directly on instructional personnel and school
641 administrator needs.
642 (i) Provide opportunities for instructional personnel and
643 school administrators to think about, receive input on, and make
644 changes to practice by facilitating reflection and providing
645 feedback.
646 (j) Provide sustained duration with follow-up followup for
647 instructional personnel and school administrators to have
648 adequate time to learn, practice, implement, and reflect upon
649 new strategies that facilitate changes in practice.
650 (k) Provide training, when such training is available, on
651 the use of instructional materials included on the state-adopted
652 instructional materials list pursuant to s. 1006.28, materials
653 evaluated and identified pursuant to s. 1001.215(4), materials
654 developed pursuant to s. 1006.39, and materials posted online by
655 the department, including when and how to use intervention
656 materials.
657 (4) The inservice activities designed to implement this
658 section must:
659 (a) Support and increase the success of educators through
660 collaboratively developed school improvement plans that focus
661 on:
662 1. Enhanced and differentiated instructional strategies to
663 engage students in a rigorous and knowledge-based relevant
664 curriculum based on the Florida Educator Accomplished Practices
665 state and local educational standards, goals, and initiatives;
666 and
667 2. Increased opportunities to provide meaningful
668 relationships between teachers and all students; and
669 2.3. Increased opportunities for professional collaboration
670 among and between teachers, certified school counselors,
671 instructional leaders, postsecondary educators engaged in
672 preservice training for new teachers, and the workforce
673 community.
674 (b) Assist the school community in providing stimulating,
675 scientific research-based educational activities that encourage
676 and motivate students to achieve at the highest levels and to
677 participate as active learners and that prepare students for
678 success at subsequent educational levels and the workforce.
679 (c) Provide continuous support for all education
680 professionals as well as temporary intervention for education
681 professionals who need improvement in knowledge, skills, and
682 performance.
683 (d) Provide instructional personnel and school
684 administrators with the knowledge, skills, and best practices
685 necessary to support excellence in classroom instruction and
686 educational leadership.
687 (e) Provide training to individuals who serve as mentors or
688 clinical educators teacher mentors as part of the professional
689 learning certification program under s. 1012.56(8) and the
690 professional education competency program under s. 1012.56(9).
691 The department shall develop criteria for the initial review and
692 continued approval of clinical educator and mentor training that
693 must include, at a minimum:
694 1. Instruction and assessment in the Florida Educator
695 Accomplished Practices.
696 2. Effective communication strategies to guide reflection
697 and personal growth.
698 3. Effective modeling of evidence-based teaching practices
699 and skills.
700 4. Fostering resilience in educators components on teacher
701 development, peer coaching, time management, and other related
702 topics as determined by the Department of Education.
703 (5) The Department of Education, school districts, schools,
704 Florida College System institutions, and state universities
705 share the responsibilities described in this section. These
706 responsibilities include the following:
707 (b) Each school district shall develop a professional
708 learning system as specified in subsection (4). The system shall
709 be developed in consultation with teachers, teacher-educators of
710 Florida College System institutions and state universities,
711 business and community representatives, and local education
712 foundations, consortia, and professional organizations. The
713 professional learning system must:
714 1. Be reviewed and approved by the department for
715 compliance with s. 1003.42(3) and this section. Effective March
716 1, 2024, the department shall establish a calendar for the
717 review and approval of all professional learning systems. A
718 professional learning system must be reviewed and approved every
719 5 years. Any substantial revisions to the system must be
720 submitted to the department for review and approval. The
721 department shall establish a format for the review and approval
722 of a professional learning system.
723 2. Be based on analyses of student achievement data and
724 instructional strategies and methods that support rigorous,
725 relevant, and challenging curricula for all students. Schools
726 and districts, in developing and refining the professional
727 learning system, shall also review and monitor school discipline
728 data; school environment surveys; assessments of parental
729 satisfaction; performance appraisal data of teachers, managers,
730 and administrative personnel; and other performance indicators
731 to identify school and student needs that can be met by improved
732 professional performance.
733 3. Provide inservice activities coupled with follow-up
734 followup support appropriate to accomplish district-level and
735 school-level improvement goals and standards. The inservice
736 activities for instructional and school administrative personnel
737 shall focus on analysis of student achievement data; ongoing
738 formal and informal assessments of student achievement;
739 identification and use of enhanced and differentiated
740 instructional strategies that emphasize rigor, relevance, and
741 reading in the content areas; enhancement of subject content
742 expertise; integrated use of classroom technology that enhances
743 teaching and learning; classroom management; parent involvement;
744 and school safety.
745 4. Provide inservice activities and support targeted to the
746 individual needs of new teachers participating in the
747 professional learning certification and education competency
748 program under s. 1012.56(7)(a) s. 1012.56(8)(a).
749 5. Include a professional learning catalog for inservice
750 activities, pursuant to rules of the State Board of Education,
751 for all district employees from all fund sources. The catalog
752 must be updated annually by September 1, must be based on input
753 from teachers and district and school instructional leaders, and
754 must use the latest available student achievement data and
755 research to enhance rigor and relevance in the classroom. Each
756 district inservice catalog must be aligned to and support the
757 school-based inservice catalog and school improvement plans
758 pursuant to s. 1001.42(18). Each district inservice catalog must
759 provide a description of the training that middle grades
760 instructional personnel and school administrators receive on the
761 district’s code of student conduct adopted pursuant to s.
762 1006.07; integrated digital instruction and competency-based
763 instruction and CAPE Digital Tool certificates and CAPE industry
764 certifications; classroom management; student behavior and
765 interaction; extended learning opportunities for students; and
766 instructional leadership. District plans must be approved by the
767 district school board annually in order to ensure compliance
768 with subsection (1) and to allow for dissemination of research
769 based best practices to other districts. District school boards
770 shall submit verification of their approval to the Commissioner
771 of Education no later than October 1, annually. Each school
772 principal may establish and maintain an individual professional
773 learning plan for each instructional employee assigned to the
774 school as a seamless component to the school improvement plans
775 developed pursuant to s. 1001.42(18). An individual professional
776 learning plan must be related to specific performance data for
777 the students to whom the teacher is assigned, define the
778 inservice objectives and specific measurable improvements
779 expected in student performance as a result of the inservice
780 activity, and include an evaluation component that determines
781 the effectiveness of the professional learning plan.
782 6. Include inservice activities for school administrative
783 personnel, aligned to the state’s educational leadership
784 standards, which address updated skills necessary for
785 instructional leadership and effective school management
786 pursuant to s. 1012.986.
787 7. Provide for systematic consultation with regional and
788 state personnel designated to provide technical assistance and
789 evaluation of local professional learning programs.
790 8. Provide for delivery of professional learning by
791 distance learning and other technology-based delivery systems to
792 reach more educators at lower costs.
793 9. Provide for the continuous evaluation of the quality and
794 effectiveness of professional learning programs in order to
795 eliminate ineffective programs and strategies and to expand
796 effective ones. Evaluations must consider the impact of such
797 activities on the performance of participating educators and
798 their students’ achievement and behavior.
799 10. For all grades, emphasize:
800 a. Interdisciplinary planning, collaboration, and
801 instruction.
802 b. Alignment of curriculum and instructional materials to
803 the state academic standards adopted pursuant to s. 1003.41.
804 c. Use of small learning communities; problem-solving,
805 inquiry-driven research and analytical approaches for students;
806 strategies and tools based on student needs; competency-based
807 instruction; integrated digital instruction; and project-based
808 instruction.
809
810 Each school that includes any of grades 6, 7, or 8 shall include
811 in its school improvement plan, required under s. 1001.42(18), a
812 description of the specific strategies used by the school to
813 implement each item listed in this subparagraph.
814 11. Provide training to reading coaches, classroom
815 teachers, and school administrators in effective methods of
816 identifying characteristics of conditions such as dyslexia and
817 other causes of diminished phonological processing skills;
818 incorporating instructional techniques into the general
819 education setting which are proven to improve reading
820 performance for all students; and using predictive and other
821 data to make instructional decisions based on individual student
822 needs. The training must help teachers integrate phonemic
823 awareness; phonics, word study, and spelling; reading fluency;
824 vocabulary, including academic vocabulary; and text
825 comprehension strategies into an explicit, systematic, and
826 sequential approach to reading instruction, including
827 multisensory intervention strategies. Such training for teaching
828 foundational skills must be based on the science of reading and
829 include phonics instruction for decoding and encoding as the
830 primary instructional strategy for word reading. Instructional
831 strategies included in the training may not employ the three
832 cueing system model of reading or visual memory as a basis for
833 teaching word reading. Such instructional strategies may include
834 visual information and strategies which improve background and
835 experiential knowledge, add context, and increase oral language
836 and vocabulary to support comprehension, but may not be used to
837 teach word reading. Each district must provide all elementary
838 grades instructional personnel access to training sufficient to
839 meet the requirements of s. 1012.585(3)(f).
840 Section 10. Subsection (4) of section 1002.394, Florida
841 Statutes, is amended to read:
842 1002.394 The Family Empowerment Scholarship Program.—
843 (4) AUTHORIZED USES OF PROGRAM FUNDS.—
844 (a) Program funds awarded to a student determined eligible
845 pursuant to paragraph (3)(a) may be used for:
846 1. Tuition and fees at an eligible private school.
847 2. Instructional materials, including digital materials and
848 Internet resources.
849 3. Curriculum as defined in subsection (2).
850 4. Tuition and fees associated with full-time or part-time
851 enrollment in an eligible postsecondary educational institution
852 or a program offered by the postsecondary educational
853 institution, unless the program is subject to s. 1009.25 or
854 reimbursed pursuant to s. 1009.30; an approved preapprenticeship
855 program as defined in s. 446.021(5) which is not subject to s.
856 1009.25 and complies with all applicable requirements of the
857 department pursuant to chapter 1005; a private tutoring program
858 authorized under s. 1002.43; a virtual program offered by a
859 department-approved private online provider that meets the
860 provider qualifications specified in s. 1002.45(2)(a); the
861 Florida Virtual School as a private paying student; or an
862 approved online course offered pursuant to s. 1003.499 or s.
863 1004.0961.
864 5. Fees for nationally standardized, norm-referenced
865 achievement tests, Advanced Placement Examinations, industry
866 certification examinations, assessments related to postsecondary
867 education, or other assessments.
868 6. Contracted services provided by a public school or
869 school district, including classes. A student who receives
870 contracted services under this subparagraph is not considered
871 enrolled in a public school for eligibility purposes as
872 specified in subsection (6) but rather attending a public school
873 on a part-time basis as authorized under s. 1002.44.
874 7. Tuition and fees for part-time tutoring services or fees
875 for services provided by a choice navigator. Such services must
876 be provided by a person who holds a valid Florida educator’s
877 certificate pursuant to s. 1012.56, a person who holds an
878 adjunct teaching certificate pursuant to s. 1012.57, a person
879 who has a bachelor’s degree or a graduate degree in the subject
880 area in which instruction is given, a person who has
881 demonstrated a mastery of subject area knowledge pursuant to s.
882 1012.56(4) s. 1012.56(5), or a person certified by a nationally
883 or internationally recognized research-based training program as
884 approved by the department. As used in this subparagraph, the
885 term “part-time tutoring services” does not qualify as regular
886 school attendance as defined in s. 1003.01(16)(e).
887 (b) Program funds awarded to a student with a disability
888 determined eligible pursuant to paragraph (3)(b) may be used for
889 the following purposes:
890 1. Instructional materials, including digital devices,
891 digital periphery devices, and assistive technology devices that
892 allow a student to access instruction or instructional content
893 and training on the use of and maintenance agreements for these
894 devices.
895 2. Curriculum as defined in subsection (2).
896 3. Specialized services by approved providers or by a
897 hospital in this state which are selected by the parent. These
898 specialized services may include, but are not limited to:
899 a. Applied behavior analysis services as provided in ss.
900 627.6686 and 641.31098.
901 b. Services provided by speech-language pathologists as
902 defined in s. 468.1125(8).
903 c. Occupational therapy as defined in s. 468.203.
904 d. Services provided by physical therapists as defined in
905 s. 486.021(8).
906 e. Services provided by listening and spoken language
907 specialists and an appropriate acoustical environment for a
908 child who has a hearing impairment, including deafness, and who
909 has received an implant or assistive hearing device.
910 4. Tuition and fees associated with full-time or part-time
911 enrollment in a home education program; an eligible private
912 school; an eligible postsecondary educational institution or a
913 program offered by the postsecondary educational institution,
914 unless the program is subject to s. 1009.25 or reimbursed
915 pursuant to s. 1009.30; an approved preapprenticeship program as
916 defined in s. 446.021(5) which is not subject to s. 1009.25 and
917 complies with all applicable requirements of the department
918 pursuant to chapter 1005; a private tutoring program authorized
919 under s. 1002.43; a virtual program offered by a department
920 approved private online provider that meets the provider
921 qualifications specified in s. 1002.45(2)(a); the Florida
922 Virtual School as a private paying student; or an approved
923 online course offered pursuant to s. 1003.499 or s. 1004.0961.
924 5. Fees for nationally standardized, norm-referenced
925 achievement tests, Advanced Placement Examinations, industry
926 certification examinations, assessments related to postsecondary
927 education, or other assessments.
928 6. Contributions to the Stanley G. Tate Florida Prepaid
929 College Program pursuant to s. 1009.98 or the Florida College
930 Savings Program pursuant to s. 1009.981 for the benefit of the
931 eligible student.
932 7. Contracted services provided by a public school or
933 school district, including classes. A student who receives
934 services under a contract under this paragraph is not considered
935 enrolled in a public school for eligibility purposes as
936 specified in subsection (6) but rather attending a public school
937 on a part-time basis as authorized under s. 1002.44.
938 8. Tuition and fees for part-time tutoring services or fees
939 for services provided by a choice navigator. Such services must
940 be provided by a person who holds a valid Florida educator’s
941 certificate pursuant to s. 1012.56, a person who holds an
942 adjunct teaching certificate pursuant to s. 1012.57, a person
943 who has a bachelor’s degree or a graduate degree in the subject
944 area in which instruction is given, a person who has
945 demonstrated a mastery of subject area knowledge pursuant to s.
946 1012.56(4) s. 1012.56(5), or a person certified by a nationally
947 or internationally recognized research-based training program as
948 approved by the department. As used in this subparagraph, the
949 term “part-time tutoring services” does not qualify as regular
950 school attendance as defined in s. 1003.01(16)(e).
951 9. Fees for specialized summer education programs.
952 10. Fees for specialized after-school education programs.
953 11. Transition services provided by job coaches. Transition
954 services are a coordinated set of activities which are focused
955 on improving the academic and functional achievement of a
956 student with a disability to facilitate the student’s movement
957 from school to postschool activities and are based on the
958 student’s needs.
959 12. Fees for an annual evaluation of educational progress
960 by a state-certified teacher under s. 1002.41(1)(f), if this
961 option is chosen for a home education student.
962 13. Tuition and fees associated with programs offered by
963 Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program providers approved
964 pursuant to s. 1002.55, school readiness providers approved
965 pursuant to s. 1002.88, and prekindergarten programs offered by
966 an eligible private school.
967 14. Fees for services provided at a center that is a member
968 of the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship
969 International.
970 15. Fees for services provided by a therapist who is
971 certified by the Certification Board for Music Therapists or
972 credentialed by the Art Therapy Credentials Board, Inc.
973 Section 11. Paragraph (d) of subsection (6) of section
974 1002.395, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
975 1002.395 Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program.—
976 (6) OBLIGATIONS OF ELIGIBLE NONPROFIT SCHOLARSHIP-FUNDING
977 ORGANIZATIONS.—An eligible nonprofit scholarship-funding
978 organization:
979 (d)1. For the 2023-2024 school year, may fund no more than
980 20,000 scholarships for students who are enrolled pursuant to
981 paragraph (7)(b). The number of scholarships funded for such
982 students may increase by 40,000 in each subsequent school year.
983 This subparagraph is repealed July 1, 2027.
984 2. Shall establish a process for parents who are in
985 compliance with paragraph (7)(a) to renew their students’
986 scholarships. Renewal applications for the 2025-2026 school year
987 and thereafter must provide for a renewal timeline beginning
988 February 1 of the prior school year and ending April 30 of the
989 prior school year. A student’s renewal is contingent upon an
990 eligible private school providing confirmation of admission
991 pursuant to subsection (8). The process must require that
992 parents confirm that the scholarship is being renewed or
993 declined by May 31.
994 3. Shall establish a process that allows a parent to apply
995 for a new scholarship. The process must be in a manner that
996 creates a written or electronic record of the application
997 request and the date of receipt of the application request. The
998 process must require that parents confirm that the scholarship
999 is being accepted or declined by a date set by the organization.
1000 4. Must establish and maintain separate scholarship
1001 accounts from eligible contributions for each eligible student.
1002 For each account, the organization must maintain a record of
1003 accrued interest retained in the student’s account. The
1004 organization must verify that scholarship funds are used for:
1005 a. Tuition and fees for full-time or part-time enrollment
1006 in an eligible private school.
1007 b. Instructional materials, including digital materials and
1008 Internet resources.
1009 c. Curriculum as defined in s. 1002.394(2).
1010 d. Tuition and fees associated with full-time or part-time
1011 enrollment in a home education instructional program; an
1012 eligible postsecondary educational institution or a program
1013 offered by the postsecondary educational institution, unless the
1014 program is subject to s. 1009.25 or reimbursed pursuant to s.
1015 1009.30; an approved preapprenticeship program as defined in s.
1016 446.021(5) which is not subject to s. 1009.25 and complies with
1017 all applicable requirements of the Department of Education
1018 pursuant to chapter 1005; a private tutoring program authorized
1019 under s. 1002.43; a virtual program offered by a department
1020 approved private online provider that meets the provider
1021 qualifications specified in s. 1002.45(2)(a); the Florida
1022 Virtual School as a private paying student; or an approved
1023 online course offered pursuant to s. 1003.499 or s. 1004.0961.
1024 e. Fees for nationally standardized, norm-referenced
1025 achievement tests, Advanced Placement Examinations, industry
1026 certification examinations, assessments related to postsecondary
1027 education, or other assessments.
1028 f. Contracted services provided by a public school or
1029 school district, including classes. A student who receives
1030 contracted services under this sub-subparagraph is not
1031 considered enrolled in a public school for eligibility purposes
1032 as specified in subsection (11) but rather attending a public
1033 school on a part-time basis as authorized under s. 1002.44.
1034 g. Tuition and fees for part-time tutoring services or fees
1035 for services provided by a choice navigator. Such services must
1036 be provided by a person who holds a valid Florida educator’s
1037 certificate pursuant to s. 1012.56, a person who holds an
1038 adjunct teaching certificate pursuant to s. 1012.57, a person
1039 who has a bachelor’s degree or a graduate degree in the subject
1040 area in which instruction is given, a person who has
1041 demonstrated a mastery of subject area knowledge pursuant to s.
1042 1012.56(4) s. 1012.56(5), or a person certified by a nationally
1043 or internationally recognized research-based training program as
1044 approved by the Department of Education. As used in this
1045 paragraph, the term “part-time tutoring services” does not
1046 qualify as regular school attendance as defined in s.
1047 1003.01(16)(e).
1048
1049 Information and documentation provided to the Department of
1050 Education and the Auditor General relating to the identity of a
1051 taxpayer that provides an eligible contribution under this
1052 section shall remain confidential at all times in accordance
1053 with s. 213.053.
1054 Section 12. Paragraph (a) of subsection (3) of section
1055 1002.411, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
1056 1002.411 New Worlds Scholarship Accounts.—
1057 (3) PARENT AND STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES FOR PARTICIPATION.—
1058 (a) For an eligible student to receive a scholarship
1059 account, the student’s parent must:
1060 1. Submit an application to an eligible nonprofit
1061 scholarship-funding organization by the deadline established by
1062 such organization; and
1063 2. If available, utilize the administrator’s system to make
1064 direct purchases of qualifying expenditures, which may include:
1065 a. Instructional materials.
1066 b. Curriculum. As used in this sub-subparagraph, the term
1067 “curriculum” means a complete course of study for a particular
1068 content area or grade level, including any required supplemental
1069 materials and associated online instruction.
1070 c. Tuition and fees for part-time tutoring services
1071 provided by a person who holds a valid Florida educator’s
1072 certificate pursuant to s. 1012.56, a person who holds a
1073 baccalaureate or graduate degree in the subject area, a person
1074 who holds an adjunct teaching certificate pursuant to s.
1075 1012.57, a person who has demonstrated a mastery of subject area
1076 knowledge pursuant to s. 1012.56(4) s. 1012.56(5), a person who
1077 holds a micro-credential under s. 1003.485, or, for a
1078 prekindergarten student, a person who holds a credential under
1079 s. 1002.55(3)(c)1. or an educational credential under s.
1080 1002.55(4)(a) or (b).
1081 d. Fees for summer education programs designed to improve
1082 reading, literacy, or mathematics skills.
1083 e. Fees for after-school education programs designed to
1084 improve reading, literacy, or mathematics skills.
1085
1086 A provider of any services receiving payments pursuant to this
1087 subparagraph may not share any moneys from the scholarship with,
1088 or provide a refund or rebate of any moneys from such
1089 scholarship to, the parent or participating student in any
1090 manner. A parent, student, or provider of any services may not
1091 bill an insurance company, Medicaid, or any other agency for the
1092 same services that are paid for using scholarship funds.
1093 Section 13. Paragraph (b) of subsection (3) of section
1094 1004.85, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
1095 1004.85 Postsecondary educator preparation institutes.—
1096 (3) Educator preparation institutes approved pursuant to
1097 this section may offer competency-based certification programs
1098 specifically designed for noneducation major baccalaureate
1099 degree holders to enable program participants to meet the
1100 educator certification requirements of s. 1012.56. An educator
1101 preparation institute choosing to offer a competency-based
1102 certification program pursuant to the provisions of this section
1103 must implement a program developed by the institute and approved
1104 by the department for this purpose. Approved programs shall be
1105 available for use by other approved educator preparation
1106 institutes.
1107 (b) Each program participant must:
1108 1. Meet certification requirements pursuant to s.
1109 1012.56(1) by obtaining a statement of status of eligibility in
1110 the certification subject area of the educational plan and meet
1111 the requirements of s. 1012.56(2)(a)-(f) before participating in
1112 field experiences.
1113 2. Demonstrate competency and participate in field
1114 experiences that are appropriate to his or her educational plan
1115 prepared under paragraph (a). Beginning with candidates entering
1116 an educator preparation institute in the 2022-2023 school year,
1117 a candidate for certification in a coverage area identified
1118 pursuant to s. 1012.585(3)(f) must successfully complete all
1119 competencies for a reading endorsement, including completion of
1120 the endorsement practicum through the candidate’s field
1121 experience, in order to graduate from the program.
1122 3. Before completion of the program, fully demonstrate his
1123 or her ability to teach the subject area for which he or she is
1124 seeking certification by documenting a positive impact on
1125 student learning growth in a prekindergarten through grade 12
1126 setting and, except as provided in s. 1012.56(6)(a)3. s.
1127 1012.56(7)(a)3., achieving a passing score on the professional
1128 education competency examination, the basic skills examination,
1129 and the subject area examination for the subject area
1130 certification which is required by state board rule.
1131 Section 14. Paragraphs (d) and (e) of subsection (1), and
1132 subsection (5) of section 1012.55, Florida Statutes, are amended
1133 to read:
1134 1012.55 Positions for which certificates required.—
1135 (1)
1136 (d) The State Board of Education shall adopt rules pursuant
1137 to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 to allow an individual who meets
1138 the following criteria to be eligible for a temporary
1139 certificate in educational leadership under s. 1012.56(6) s.
1140 1012.56(7):
1141 1. Earning a passing score on the Florida Educational
1142 Leadership Examination;
1143 2. Documenting 3 years of successful experience in an
1144 executive management or leadership position; and
1145 3. Documenting receipt of a bachelor’s degree or higher
1146 from an accredited institution of higher learning.
1147
1148 A person operating under a temporary certificate must be under
1149 the mentorship of a state-certified school administrator during
1150 the term of the temporary certificate.
1151 (e)1. The department shall issue a 3-year temporary
1152 certificate in educational leadership under s. 1012.56(6) s.
1153 1012.56(7) to an individual who:
1154 a. Earned a passing score on the Florida Educational
1155 Leadership Examination.
1156 b. Served as a commissioned or noncommissioned military
1157 officer in the United States Armed Forces for at least 3 years.
1158 c. Was honorably discharged or has retired from the United
1159 States Armed Forces.
1160 d. Is employed full time in a position for which an
1161 educator certificate is required in a Florida public school,
1162 state-supported school, or nonpublic school that has a Level II
1163 program under s. 1012.562.
1164 2. A Level II program under s. 1012.562 must accept an
1165 applicant who holds a temporary certificate under subparagraph
1166 1. The department shall issue a permanent certification as a
1167 school principal to an individual who holds a temporary
1168 certificate under subparagraph 1. and successfully completes the
1169 Level II program.
1170 (5) Notwithstanding this section and ss. 1012.32 and
1171 1012.56, or any other provision of law or rule to the contrary,
1172 the State Board of Education shall adopt rules to allow for the
1173 issuance of a classical education teaching certificate, upon the
1174 request of a classical school, to any applicant who fulfills the
1175 requirements of s. 1012.56(2)(a)-(f) and (10) (11) and any other
1176 criteria established by the department. Such certificate is only
1177 valid at a classical school. For the purposes of this
1178 subsection, the term “classical school” means a school that
1179 implements and provides professional learning in a classical
1180 education school model that emphasizes the development of
1181 students in the principles of moral character and civic virtue
1182 through a well-rounded education in the liberal arts and
1183 sciences that is based on the classical trivium stages of
1184 grammar, logic, and rhetoric.
1185 Section 15. Subsection (1) of section 1012.57, Florida
1186 Statutes, is amended to read:
1187 1012.57 Certification of adjunct educators.—
1188 (1) Notwithstanding the provisions of ss. 1012.32, 1012.55,
1189 and 1012.56, or any other provision of law or rule to the
1190 contrary, district school boards and charter school governing
1191 boards shall adopt rules to allow for the issuance of an adjunct
1192 teaching certificate to any applicant who fulfills the
1193 requirements of s. 1012.56(2)(a)-(f) and (10) (11) and who has
1194 expertise in the subject area to be taught. An applicant is
1195 considered to have expertise in the subject area to be taught if
1196 the applicant demonstrates sufficient subject area mastery
1197 through passage of a subject area test or has achieved an
1198 industry certification in the subject area to be taught.
1199 Section 16. Paragraph (a) of subsection (3) of section
1200 1012.585, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
1201 1012.585 Process for renewal of professional certificates.—
1202 (3) For the renewal of a professional certificate, the
1203 following requirements must be met:
1204 (a) The applicant must earn a minimum of 6 college credits
1205 or 120 inservice points or a combination thereof. For each area
1206 of specialization to be retained on a certificate, the applicant
1207 must earn at least 3 of the required credit hours or equivalent
1208 inservice points in the specialization area. Education in
1209 “clinical educator” training pursuant to s. 1004.04(5)(b);
1210 participation in mentorship and induction activities, including
1211 as a mentor, pursuant to s. 1012.56(7)(a) s. 1012.56(8)(a); and
1212 credits or points that provide training in the area of
1213 scientifically researched, knowledge-based reading literacy
1214 grounded in the science of reading, including explicit,
1215 systematic, and sequential approaches to reading instruction,
1216 developing phonemic awareness, and implementing multisensory
1217 intervention strategies, and computational skills acquisition,
1218 exceptional student education, normal child development, and the
1219 disorders of development may be applied toward any
1220 specialization area. Credits or points that provide training in
1221 the areas of drug abuse, child abuse and neglect, strategies in
1222 teaching students having limited proficiency in English, or
1223 dropout prevention, or training in areas identified in the
1224 educational goals and performance standards adopted pursuant to
1225 ss. 1000.03(5) and 1008.345 may be applied toward any
1226 specialization area, except specialization areas identified by
1227 State Board of Education rule that include reading instruction
1228 or intervention for any students in kindergarten through grade
1229 6. Each district school board shall include in its inservice
1230 master plan the ability for teachers to receive inservice points
1231 for supporting students in extracurricular career and technical
1232 education activities, such as career and technical student
1233 organization activities outside of regular school hours and
1234 training related to supervising students participating in a
1235 career and technical student organization. Credits or points
1236 earned through approved summer institutes may be applied toward
1237 the fulfillment of these requirements. Inservice points may also
1238 be earned by participation in professional growth components
1239 approved by the State Board of Education and specified pursuant
1240 to s. 1012.98 in the district’s approved master plan for
1241 inservice educational training; however, such points may not be
1242 used to satisfy the specialization requirements of this
1243 paragraph.
1244 Section 17. Paragraph (a) of subsection (1) of section
1245 1012.586, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
1246 1012.586 Additions or changes to certificates; duplicate
1247 certificates; reading endorsement pathways.—
1248 (1) A school district may process via a Department of
1249 Education website certificates for the following applications of
1250 public school employees:
1251 (a) Addition of a subject coverage or endorsement to a
1252 valid Florida certificate on the basis of the completion of the
1253 appropriate subject area testing requirements of s.
1254 1012.56(5)(a) or the completion of the requirements of an
1255 approved school district program or the inservice components for
1256 an endorsement.
1257 1. To reduce duplication, the department may recommend the
1258 consolidation of endorsement areas and requirements to the State
1259 Board of Education.
1260 2. At least once every 5 years, the department shall
1261 conduct a review of existing subject coverage or endorsement
1262 requirements in the elementary, reading, and exceptional student
1263 educational areas. The review must include reciprocity
1264 requirements for out-of-state certificates and requirements for
1265 demonstrating competency in the reading instruction professional
1266 learning topics listed in s. 1012.98(5)(b)11. The review must
1267 also consider the award of an endorsement to an individual who
1268 holds a certificate issued by an internationally recognized
1269 organization that establishes standards for providing evidence
1270 based interventions to struggling readers or who completes a
1271 postsecondary program that is accredited by such organization.
1272 Any such certificate or program must require an individual who
1273 completes the certificate or program to demonstrate competence
1274 in reading intervention strategies through clinical experience.
1275 At the conclusion of each review, the department shall recommend
1276 to the state board changes to the subject coverage or
1277 endorsement requirements based upon any identified instruction
1278 or intervention strategies proven to improve student reading
1279 performance. This subparagraph does not authorize the state
1280 board to establish any new certification subject coverage.
1281
1282 The employing school district shall charge the employee a fee
1283 not to exceed the amount charged by the Department of Education
1284 for such services. Each district school board shall retain a
1285 portion of the fee as defined in the rules of the State Board of
1286 Education. The portion sent to the department shall be used for
1287 maintenance of the technology system, the web application, and
1288 posting and mailing of the certificate.
1289 Section 18. Paragraph (c) of subsection (2) of section
1290 1012.715, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
1291 1012.715 Heroes in the classroom sign-on bonus.—
1292 (2) ELIGIBILITY.—To be eligible to receive a sign-on bonus,
1293 an applicant must be an honorably discharged or retired military
1294 veteran or retired first responder and provide the following to
1295 the department:
1296 (c) A copy of his or her professional certificate or
1297 temporary certificate issued pursuant to s. 1012.56(6) s.
1298 1012.56(7).
1299 Section 19. This act shall take effect upon becoming a law.
1300
1301 ================= T I T L E A M E N D M E N T ================
1302 And the title is amended as follows:
1303 Delete everything before the enacting clause
1304 and insert:
1305 A bill to be entitled
1306 An act relating to educator preparation; providing
1307 legislative intent; requiring the Department of
1308 Education to establish a workgroup to update and
1309 revise the Florida Educator Accomplished Practices;
1310 requiring the department to submit workgroup findings
1311 to the Governor and the Legislature by a certain date;
1312 requiring the State Board of Education to consider
1313 certain revisions and a specified rule by a certain
1314 date; requiring the department to develop a teacher
1315 examination; requiring the department to submit to the
1316 Governor and the Legislature an implementation plan
1317 for teacher preparation programs; creating s.
1318 1004.0982, F.S.; requiring the department to reduce
1319 the number of required internship hours for specified
1320 students under certain circumstances; requiring the
1321 department to establish specified guidelines and
1322 programs to provide specified flexibility to students
1323 enrolled in postsecondary school counseling programs;
1324 providing requirements for such guidelines and
1325 programs; requiring the State Board of Education to
1326 adopt rules and the Board of Governors to adopt
1327 regulations for such guidelines and programs; amending
1328 s. 1012.39, F.S.; providing requirements for the
1329 hiring of certain nondegreed teachers of fine and
1330 performing arts; creating s. 1012.551, F.S.;
1331 establishing guidelines for teacher preparation
1332 program uniform core curricula; creating s. 1012.552,
1333 F.S.; requiring the department to create a specified
1334 alternative certification pathway for teachers;
1335 amending s. 1012.555, F.S.; revising the requirements
1336 for teachers serving as mentors through a teacher
1337 apprenticeship program; conforming cross-references;
1338 amending s. 1012.56, F.S.; deleting an educator
1339 certification requirement to demonstrate mastery of
1340 general knowledge; amending s. 1012.59, F.S.;
1341 conforming a provision to changes made by the act;
1342 amending s. 1012.98, F.S.; updating a reference to
1343 educational leadership standards; requiring training
1344 on instructional materials; requiring the department
1345 to develop criteria for certain mentors’ training;
1346 amending ss. 1002.394, 1002.395, 1002.411, 1004.85,
1347 1012.55, 1012.57, 1012.585, 1012.586, and 1012.715,
1348 F.S.; conforming cross-references; providing an
1349 effective date.