Title: Pilot Program in Low-Performing Schools

Summary: Requires DOE to implement pilot program & Commissioner of Education to establish criteria for participation; specifies components of pilot program with goal of improving student academic achievement; provides requirements for implementation of pilot program.

Full Text:
An act relating to a pilot program in low-performing schools; requiring the Department of Education to implement a pilot program and the Commissioner of Education to establish criteria for participation; specifying components of the pilot program with the goal of improving student academic achievement; providing requirements for implementation of the pilot program; requiring the department to submit a report to the Le gislature 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 in low-performing schools.-(1) Beginning in 2015, the Department of Education shall implement a-year pilot program in each of the state's lowest performing traditional public schools with a large population of low-income, failing, or at-risk students, as determined by the Commissioner of Education. The commissioner shall establish criteria for participation in the pilot program. (2) The pilot program shall be a summer school program that consists of hours in addition to regular school hours, during which time a certified classro om teacher is physically present. HB 1205 2014 (3) The pilot program shall focus attention on improving academic achievement by providing students instruction that helps the students develop strong literacy, mathematical, and other academic skills. (4) The pilot pr ogram shall be implemented as follows: (a) During the first year of operation, a school shall work with the school district, teachers within the school district, and parents to advertise the pilot program, establish baseline data, begin offering the acad emic instructional services, and report costs and benefits. (b) During the second, third, and fourth years of operation, a school shall continue offering the academic instructional services, seek input and feedback from participants in the pilot program, refine the services being offered, and report progress, costs, and benefits. (5) At the conclusion of the pilot program, the Department of Education shall submit to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives a review of the pilot program, including successful practices and the impact on student performance and success, and make a recommendation for continuing or terminating the pilot program. (6) The State Board of Education shall adopt rules to implement this section. Section 2. This act shall take effect July 1, 2014.