This 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. The changes include the addition of students who earn a minimum grade of C or higher in the Theory of Knowledge course, alongside those who score 4 or higher on IB subject examinations. The bill specifies that a value of 0.16 FTE will be calculated for each qualifying student, and a value of 0.3 FTE will be assigned to students who earn an IB diploma. Furthermore, it mandates that school districts allocate 80% of the funds from IB bonus FTE funding to the programs generating the funds and to those preparing students for IB courses.

Additionally, the bill outlines the distribution of bonuses to teachers providing IB instruction. Teachers will receive a $50 bonus for each student who meets the new criteria of scoring 4 or higher on the IB examination or achieving a grade of C or higher in Theory of Knowledge. An extra $500 bonus will be awarded to teachers in schools rated D or F who have at least one student meeting the qualifying score, regardless of the number of classes taught. These bonuses are intended to supplement the teachers' regular wages and are part of a broader effort to support the IB program and assist academically disadvantaged students in preparing for more rigorous courses. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 754 Filed: 1011.62
S 754 c1: 1011.62