Bill > S1550

This bill establishes the Early Childhood Music Education Incentive Pilot Program within the Department of Education for a period of three school years, beginning with the 2016-2017 school year, to help selected school districts implement comprehensive music education for students in kindergarten through grade 2. To be eligible, school districts must certify that their elementary schools offer music programs that include all students in these grades, are taught by certified music educators, provide at least 30 minutes of instruction twice a week, adhere to class size rules, and meet the department's early childhood music education standards. The Commissioner of Education will select participating districts based on their proximity to the University of Florida and needs-based criteria, with districts receiving $150 per full-time equivalent student in kindergarten through grade 2 enrolled in these programs, provided they continue to meet the program's requirements annually. The University of Florida's College of Education will evaluate the program's effectiveness by analyzing student performance and success, and the program is set to expire on June 30, 2019.