The bill CS for SB 166 First Engrossed seeks to improve the operational efficiency and educational outcomes 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 new requirements for instructional multiyear contracts, updates attendance policies for Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Programs, and modifies assessment requirements for high school diplomas. Notably, it removes the obligation for employing internal auditors in specific circumstances and eliminates the requirement to include financial reports in student handbooks.

Additionally, the bill emphasizes the importance of reading instruction by mandating that training for educators be grounded in the science of reading, particularly for students with dyslexia. It prohibits the use of certain outdated instructional strategies and requires that all elementary instructional personnel receive adequate training. The bill also includes changes to the certification process for educators, allowing for temporary certificates and waiving certain requirements for effective teachers. Overall, the bill aims to streamline processes, reduce regulatory burdens, and enhance the quality of education in Florida's public school system, with an effective date set for July 1, 2025, for most provisions.

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
S 166 c1: 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
S 166 e1: 120.81, 1001.02, 1001.42, 1002.20, 1002.33, 1002.394, 1002.451, 1002.61, 1002.63, 1003.03, 1003.26, 1003.433, 1006.40, 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