Bill > S0934

This bill makes several changes to education laws in Florida: It requires additional strategies to be included in the rules establishing uniform core curricula for each state-approved teacher preparation program, such as strategies for the early identification of students in crisis or experiencing mental health challenges and for the use of technology in education and distance learning. It also expands the instruction that an educator preparation institute may provide to include instruction and professional development for part-time and full-time nondegreed teachers of career programs. The bill requires the Department of Education to approve a certification program if an institute provides evidence of its capacity to implement a competency-based program that includes specified strategies. It also revises the minimum qualifications for part-time and full-time nondegreed teachers of career programs, allowing them to complete career education training through an educator preparation institute approved by the State Board of Education. Additionally, the bill allows academically high-performing school districts to provide up to 2 days of virtual instruction as part of the required 180 actual teaching days or the equivalent on an hourly basis each school year, and it makes changes to the requirements for demonstrating mastery of general knowledge for educator certification.

Budget and Finance, Education

Appropriations (Senate), Education (Senate)

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2021/934