Bill > S1714

This bill establishes a competency-based innovation pilot program within the Department of Education, starting in the 2016-2017 school year, which will expire on June 30, 2021. Competency-based education is defined as a system where students advance by demonstrating mastery of concepts and skills, rather than by completing a set amount of time in a course. Public schools in specific counties (Lake, Palm Beach, Pinellas, and Seminole), P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School, and other designated schools or districts can apply to the Department of Education for approval to participate in this pilot program. Applications must include a program vision with timelines, annual goals and performance outcomes related to student achievement, promotion, retention, graduation, and college/career readiness, as well as plans for communication with stakeholders, professional development, student progression based on mastery, technology integration, resource allocation, school recruitment, and any necessary waivers of existing rules. The State Board of Education can authorize waivers for awarding credit and pupil progression, and participating students will be funded according to existing statutes. The Department of Education will track student and staff schedules, provide access to standardized assessments, and submit an annual report with findings and recommendations for statewide implementation to state leadership.