The bill CS for SB 166 First Engrossed aims to improve the efficiency and accountability of Florida's public education system through a series of amendments to existing statutes. Key provisions include the exemption of district school boards from certain rule adoption requirements, the revision of the State Board of Education's duties, and the requirement for the Department of Education to maintain a list of statutory and rule requirements for school districts. Notably, the bill removes the obligation for district school boards to employ an internal auditor under specific conditions and eliminates the requirement to include school financial reports in student handbooks. Additionally, it updates the timelines for developing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students with disabilities and modifies high school diploma requirements, emphasizing the importance of standardized assessments in determining final course grades.

Further amendments focus on enhancing educational strategies, particularly in reading instruction, by mandating evidence-based training for educators and prohibiting ineffective teaching methods. The bill also introduces new reporting obligations for the Department of Education regarding school accountability and fiscal transparency, ensuring parents have access to essential information about their children's schools. Other changes include the introduction of multiyear contracts for instructional personnel, updates to the certification process for educators, and modifications to the planning and construction of educational facilities. Overall, the bill seeks to streamline educational processes, reduce regulatory burdens, and enhance the quality of education in Florida.

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