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. It mandates the Department of Education to develop versions of these assessments in the three most prevalent languages among English language learners by the 2027-2028 school year. Additionally, the department is required to establish criteria for the appropriate use of these assessments in languages other than English and to create a timetable and action plan for their implementation. Parents of English language learners will have the authority to prohibit their children from taking assessments in a language other than English.

Furthermore, the bill includes provisions for the written portions of the coordinated screening and progress monitoring system to also be available in the same three languages by the 2027-2028 school year, with similar criteria and parental rights regarding language use. The bill aims to ensure that assessments are more inclusive and accessible to students who may not be proficient in English, thereby supporting their educational progress and success. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 260 Filed: 1008.22, 1008.25