The bill seeks to improve administrative efficiency and educational quality within Florida's public schools by amending various sections of the Florida Statutes. Key provisions include exempting district school boards from certain rule adoption requirements, revising the duties of the State Board of Education, and mandating the Department of Education to inform district superintendents about their ability to petition for declaratory statements. The bill also introduces significant changes to the development of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), extending the timeline for their creation from 30 to 60 days, and allows for the acceptance of diagnoses and service plans from licensed professionals. Additionally, it modifies high school graduation requirements for transfer students and emphasizes the need for immediate English language instruction for non-proficient students.

Moreover, the bill enhances fiscal transparency and accountability by allowing up to 5 percent of Title I funds to be used for financial incentives to attract qualified teachers and modifying the evaluation criteria for instructional personnel to ensure that at least half of their performance evaluations are based on student performance data. It also establishes a competency-based professional learning certification program for instructional staff and mandates that schools serving grades 6-8 align their curriculum with state academic standards. The bill aims to streamline educational processes, reduce regulatory burdens, and improve support for students, particularly those with unique needs, while ensuring compliance with essential laws and standards.

Statutes affected:
S 166 Filed: 120.81, 1001.02, 1001.42, 1002.20, 1002.33, 1002.394, 1002.451, 1002.61, 1002.63, 1003.03, 1003.26, 1003.433, 1011.14, 1011.60, 1011.62, 1011.6202, 1011.69, 1012.39, 1013.19, 1013.35, 1013.45, 1013.62, 163.3180, 1002.68, 1004.85, 1012.586, 1012.98