Bill > H7061

This bill revises provisions relating to teacher preparation programs, educator preparation institutes, the Department of Education's duties for teacher recruitment and retention, supports for first-time teachers, and educator certification requirements. Key provisions include: - Requiring teacher preparation programs and educator preparation institutes to incorporate instruction on strategies to differentiate instruction based on student needs and to use character-based classroom management. - Expanding the criteria for continued approval of teacher preparation programs to include results of program completers' and employers' satisfaction surveys. - Authorizing the Department of Education to provide incentives for teacher recruitment and preparation programs to recruit and prepare individuals who do not graduate from state-approved teacher preparation programs. - Requiring school districts to adopt policies for mentors and support programs for first-time teachers based on the Department of Education's guidelines and best practices. - Allowing an applicant to demonstrate mastery of general knowledge by completing a professional development certification and education competency program if they have failed to achieve the required passing scores on the general knowledge examination after receiving support from the school district. - Requiring the Department of Education to provide free access to resources that prepare aspiring teachers to succeed on the general knowledge examination.

Budget and Finance, Education

PreK-12 Quality Subcommittee (H)

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2019/7061