Title: Pilot Program for Improving Low-performing Schools

Summary: Requiring the Department of Education to establish the pilot program; providing requirements for the pilot program; providing an implementation schedule for the pilot program, etc.

Full Text:
An act relating to a pilot program for improving low performing schools; requiring the Department of Education to establish the pilot program; providing requirements for the pilot program; providing an implementation schedule for the pilot program; requiring a report to the Governor and the Legislature at the conclusion of the pilot program; requiring the State Board of Education to adopt rules; providing an effective date. Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida: Section 1.  Pilot program for improving low-performing schools.  (1) Beginning in the 2014-2015 school year, the Department of Education shall implement a 4-year pilot program in each of the state s lowest-performing traditional public schools that have a large population of low-income, failing, or at-risk students in kindergarten through grade 3. The Commissioner of Education shall establish criteria for participation in the program. (2) The pilot program shall consist of a summer school program that provides additional school hours with a certified classroom teacher who is physically present with the students. (3) The pilot program shall focus on improving academic achievement by providing instruction that helps students develop strong literacy, mathematical, and other academic skills. (4) The pilot program shall be implemented as follows: (a) During the first year of summer school operation, a school shall work with the local school district and local teachers and parents to advertise the program, establish baseline data, begin offering the academic instructional services, and report costs and benefits. (b) During the second, third, and fourth years of operation of the pilot program, a school shall continue offering the academic and instructional services during the summer months; seek input and feedback for, and refine, the services that are offered; and report progress, costs, and benefits to the State Board of Education. (5) At the conclusion of the pilot program, the Department of Education shall submit to the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives a review of the program, which must include successful practices and the impact on student performance and success, and shall make a recommendation for continuing or terminating the program. (6) The State Board of Education shall adopt rules to administer this section. Section 2. This act shall take effect July 1, 2014.