This bill amends sections 1008.22 and 1008.25 of the Florida Statutes to enhance the accessibility of statewide standardized assessments and the coordinated screening and progress monitoring system for English language learners. The Department of Education is required to develop versions of these assessments in the three most prevalent languages represented in the English language learner population by the 2027-2028 school year. Additionally, the department must establish criteria for when the use of these assessments in languages other than English is appropriate, and parents will have the authority to prohibit their children from being assessed in a language other than English. The bill also mandates the development of a timetable and action plan for implementing these language provisions.

Furthermore, the bill includes provisions for the written portions of the coordinated screening and progress monitoring system to be available in the same three languages by the 2027-2028 school year, with similar criteria and parental rights regarding language use. The amendments also clarify that certain waivers for students with disabilities regarding assessment results must be designated on transcripts, and the language surrounding these waivers has been updated to reflect a more definitive requirement. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 260 Filed: 1008.22, 1008.25