Summary

SB 1076 (Open States or Florida Legislature), the Career and Professional Education Act, creates new types of high school diploma designations, changes the funding formula for virtual institutions, revises graduation requirements, and focuses on integrating technology skills and industry certifications into programs in order to prepare students for high-demand, high-skill careers. In addition, the bill authorizes a preeminent state university to establish an on-line university.

Legislative Analysis

SB 1076, the Career and Professional Education Act, revises graduation requirements and creates new high school diploma designations beyond the standard diploma. The legislation requires the state Board of Education to designate multiple pathways for demonstrating the skills required for high school graduation, including earning industry certifications for high school credit, apprenticeships, course and credit options, and end-of-course assessments.

Students may earn a scholar designation if they satisfy course and testing requirements beyond those required for a standard diploma and they may earn a merit designation for attaining one or more industry certifications.

Beginning in 2016-2017, the funding for students taking virtual instruction will be adjusted if a student does not pass the mandated end-of-course assessments. If a failing student enrolls in a segmented remedial course, then funding will not be adjusted.

SB 1076 integrates technology skills and knowledge into classrooms and degree programs. It requires districts to provide digital materials to students in pre-K through grade 12, including those students with disabilities. It also establishes new mechanisms for students to demonstrate digital skills and knowledge, through the Florida Cyber Security Recognition and the Florida Digital Arts Recognition, both available to elementary school students. It also creates the Florida Digital Tools Certificate for middle school students, which indicates mastery of digital skills needed for academic work and possibly for future employment.

Teachers who provide direct instruction for students who obtain industry certifications are eligible for performance pay ranging from $25-$50 per student, but may not exceed $2,000  per teacher/per year.

The new law also supports digital learning in the postsecondary education by expanding State University System Information Technology, Cloud Technology, and other high-demand economically-driven program and degree options, including on-line instruction.

It establishes a new Institute for Online Learning at one of Florida’s nationally-recognized, high-research state universities to offer high-quality, fully on-line bachelor degree programs at 75% of the cost of in-state tuition. The Florida Board of Governors has granted the University of Florida that designation, and they will begin offering fully on-line bachelor degree programs by 2014.

Legislative History

Detailed Vote History: Legiscan |  Open States

Approved by Governor Rick Scott on 4/22/2013