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 a score of 4 or higher, or a C or higher, on subject examinations. Additionally, the bill specifies that a value of 0.16 FTE will be calculated for each qualifying student, while a value of 0.3 FTE will be assigned to students who earn an IB diploma. The bill also mandates that school districts allocate 80% of the funds received from IB bonus FTE funding to the respective school programs and 20% to assist academically disadvantaged students.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the distribution of bonuses to teachers providing IB instruction. Teachers will receive a $50 bonus for each student who achieves a qualifying score, and an additional $500 bonus for teaching in schools designated with a grade of D or F, provided at least one student scores a qualifying mark. These bonuses are in addition to any regular wages or bonuses the teachers may receive. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 754 Filed: 1011.62