Bill > H1253

This bill establishes the Early Childhood Music Education Incentive Pilot Program within the Department of Education (DOE) for three school years, starting in 2016-2017, to help chosen school districts implement comprehensive music education for students in kindergarten through second grade. To be eligible, a school district's superintendent must confirm that all elementary schools offer a music program that includes all students in these grades, is taught by certified music educators, provides at least 30 minutes of instruction twice a week, adheres to class size rules, and meets DOE standards for early childhood music education. The Commissioner of Education will select participating districts based on their proximity to the University of Florida and needs-based criteria, with selected districts receiving $150 per full-time equivalent student in kindergarten through second grade enrolled in the program, provided they annually recertify their compliance with program requirements, or they must return the funds. 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.