Bill > H1145

This bill expands educational choice options by including specific certifications and programs, such as career and professional education (CAPE) digital tool certificates and industry certifications, within the public educational choice options available to students. It also requires state universities and Florida College System institutions to annually inform students about the financial aspects of their instruction costs and establishes the Florida Institute for Charter School Innovation, a new entity within Florida State University aimed at improving charter school quality and innovation through research and support. Additionally, the bill authorizes district school boards to implement a standard student attire policy, known as the "Students Attired for Education (SAFE) Act," which sets guidelines for student clothing to promote a safe and focused learning environment, while also allowing for opt-outs for religious or disability reasons, and provides incentive payments to districts that adopt such policies. The bill also introduces a Principal Autonomy Pilot Program Initiative to grant principals in select schools increased authority over fiscal and administrative matters in exchange for meeting specific student achievement goals, and modifies provisions related to charter school applications, operations, and accountability, including automatic charter termination for schools with consecutive failing grades and requirements for financial transparency and reporting. Furthermore, it adjusts educator certification requirements to allow for adjunct teaching certificates for part-time and potentially full-time positions upon demonstrating competency in various areas, and revises rules regarding teacher assignments to better distribute effective educators across schools, particularly those needing improvement.