This bill amends various sections of Florida Statutes to enhance educational performance and health safety in schools. It removes restrictions on schools facing educational emergencies, allowing them to implement salary incentives and strategies to improve instructional personnel effectiveness. The definition of an educational emergency is revised to include schools with a grade of D or F or those identified as persistently low-performing. Additionally, the bill introduces provisions for charter schools regarding 15-year charter renewals and prohibits the dismissal of students based on academic performance while a school is executing a school improvement plan.

The legislation also focuses on health safety by permitting students to carry FDA-approved epinephrine delivery devices and requiring schools to develop protocols for their use during anaphylactic emergencies. It mandates that all access points in schools remain closed and locked during school hours, with specific exceptions, and outlines classroom security requirements. Furthermore, the bill enhances early literacy and mathematics instruction in the Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program and through grade 3, adjusting the threshold for identifying students with substantial deficiencies in early literacy skills and ensuring appropriate interventions for those with dyslexia or dyscalculia. Overall, the bill aims to improve educational outcomes, safety, and support for students and educators in Florida.

Statutes affected:
S 7036 Filed: 1001.42, 1002.20, 1002.42, 1003.42, 1003.4282, 1004.85, 1006.07, 1008.2125, 1011.69