The bill amends section 1011.62 of the Florida Statutes to revise the calculation of additional full-time equivalent (FTE) membership and bonuses related to International Baccalaureate (IB) examination scores. It introduces new criteria for determining eligibility for FTE membership by including students who earn equivalent scores as defined by the Department of Education. Specifically, the bill establishes that a value of 0.16 FTE will be calculated for each student who scores 4 or higher, or a "C" or higher, on an IB subject examination, and a value of 0.3 FTE for students who earn an IB diploma.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that school districts must allocate 80% of the funds received from IB bonus FTE funding to the programs generating those funds and to preparatory programs for prospective IB students. The remaining 20% is designated for programs assisting academically disadvantaged students. It also outlines bonus structures for teachers based on student performance, including a $50 bonus for each student scoring 4 or higher, or a "C" or higher, and an additional $500 for teachers in schools rated "D" or "F" with at least one qualifying student. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 581 Filed: 1011.62