Bill > S7050

This bill requires the Agency for State Technology (AST) to establish and publish information technology architecture standards specifically for implementing digital classrooms by July 1, 2016, which will include recommendations for devices, security, connectivity, and browsers. The AST will also collaborate with the Department of Education and the Department of Management Services to identify available state term contract procurement options and shared services that school districts can use for their digital classroom plans. Furthermore, the AST's annual assessment of the Department of Education will now include a review of each school district's digital classroom plan to ensure compliance with these new standards and the accuracy of their technology inventory, and the AST will provide planning assistance to address any identified issues. School districts found to be non-compliant will have 60 days to become compliant, obtain an exemption, or procure services to achieve compliance. The bill also amends existing law regarding the Florida Digital Classrooms Allocation to clarify requirements for online assessment administration and mandates a $9,993,566 appropriation to the AST for the 2015-2016 fiscal year to support these new duties.