Bill > H1365

This bill establishes a Competency-Based Education Pilot Program within Florida's Department of Education (DOE) for a period of five years, starting with the 2016-2017 school year, to allow students to advance based on mastering concepts and skills rather than just seat time, by providing exemptions from certain rules regarding student progression and awarding credits. The P. K. Yonge Developmental Research School and specific school districts in Lake, Palm Beach, Pinellas, and Seminole Counties can apply to participate, with applications requiring a vision for competency-based education, annual goals and performance outcomes (including student performance, promotion, retention, graduation rates, and college/career readiness indicators), a communication plan, professional development strategies, a plan for student progression based on mastery, a technology integration plan, resource allocation proposals, and a list of rules to be waived. The State Board of Education can grant waivers for rules related to student progression and credit awarding, and students in participating schools will generate funding as usual. The DOE will compile student and staff schedules, provide access to statewide assessments, and report annually to the Governor and legislative leaders on the program's activities, accomplishments, and any recommendations for statutory changes, with the State Board of Education responsible for adopting rules to administer the program.