The bill amends various sections of Florida Statutes concerning education, with a particular emphasis on charter and private schools, as well as instructional requirements. It prohibits the dismissal of students from certain charter schools based on academic performance while a school is implementing a school improvement or corrective action plan. Additionally, it introduces new conditions for Florida Tax Credit (FTC) scholarship reimbursements, stipulating that certain funds revert to the organization rather than the state, and mandates that private schools adhere to specific zoning and safety standards. Furthermore, the bill requires students in grades 3 through 5 to receive instruction in cursive writing, with proficiency expected by the end of grade 5.

The bill also establishes the School Teacher Training and Mentoring Program within the Department of Education, allowing school districts and charter schools to assign mentors to support classroom teachers. Mentors must have at least three years of teaching experience and a highly effective rating, and they can receive a stipend of up to $3,000. The mentor-mentee relationship is limited to one grading period, with restrictions on the number of mentees per mentor. Additionally, the bill amends the educational enrichment allocation to allow funds to be used for this mentoring program, contingent on availability. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, and aims to enhance educational standards and support for both students and teachers.

Statutes affected:
S 182 c1: 1011.62
S 182 c2: 1011.62
S 182 e1: 1002.33, 1002.42, 1003.44, 1011.62
S 182 er: 1002.33, 1002.42, 1003.44, 1011.62