Bill > S0948

This bill enacts several changes to Florida's education system, primarily focusing on digital classrooms, apprenticeship programs, and college affordability. It requires the Agency for State Technology (AST) to establish and publish information technology architecture standards for digital classrooms by a specific date, including device recommendations, security, and connectivity, and mandates annual assessments of state agencies' compliance with these standards. The bill also revises the membership of the Children and Youth Cabinet to include a school superintendent and expands the role of the Department of Education and the Department of Economic Opportunity in identifying, developing, and registering pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs, requiring annual accountability reports on these programs. Furthermore, it addresses college affordability by requiring the Board of Governors and State Board of Education to develop strategies to reduce higher education costs, particularly concerning textbooks and instructional materials, and mandates public notice for any proposed tuition or fee increases at state colleges and universities. The bill also modifies eligibility requirements for athletic participation, clarifies rules for dual enrollment programs, and establishes performance-based incentives for Florida College System institutions and state universities. Finally, it creates the Florida Best and Brightest Teacher Scholarship Program to reward high-achieving teachers and expands liability protection for educators.