Bill > S0830

This bill makes several changes to Florida's charter school laws, primarily focusing on increasing flexibility and support for charter schools. Key provisions include specifying that a sponsor, which is an entity that authorizes a charter school, cannot mandate that a charter school adopt the sponsor's specific reading plan, allowing charter schools to develop their own evidence-based reading curricula. It also clarifies that charter schools can receive funding for research-based reading initiatives if they meet certain criteria. The bill provides an exemption from limitations on replicating existing schools for "high-performing" charter schools, which are schools that have met specific academic and operational standards. Additionally, it authorizes charter schools to develop and operate their own professional development and education competency programs, similar to what school districts can do. The bill also introduces a new category of "High Impact Charter Network" for entities that successfully operate charter schools serving educationally disadvantaged students, granting them priority for grants and eligibility for capital outlay funds in critical need areas. Other changes include adjustments to virtual instruction program eligibility, funding calculations, and the repeal of a section related to virtual instruction eligibility requirements.