Two policy priorities from the Florida House of Representatives are advancing to improve math and reading education. HB 1309, introduced by Representative John Snyder, aims to enhance literacy by expanding interventions and instructional methods for grades 4-12. The bill also seeks to strengthen district reading plans by incorporating evidence-based reading interventions and deploying qualified teachers with Department of Education approval.
Representative Susan Valdes is sponsoring HB 1113, which focuses on improving math education by increasing the amount of math content required in teacher preparation programs. It also calls for competency-based alternative certification programs to include more rigorous math content requirements.
In addition to these initiatives, HB 1255, sponsored by Representative Dana Trabulsy, passed its first committee review. This legislation mandates detailed district reading plans and specifies that intensive interventions must be conducted by individuals with appropriate credentials. It also requires Department of Education approval for these plans.
Efforts to address absenteeism and school grading systems have also made progress. The House Education Administration Committee advanced HB 1367, sponsored by Representative Erika Booth, which aims to establish uniform standards for absenteeism and require districts to actively reduce it. Another bill from Representative Susan Valdes, HB 1483, proposes a phased approach to implementing a more rigorous A-F school grade scale.
Workforce legislation is also moving forward. HB 1145, presented by Representative Jason Shoaf, seeks to involve charter schools in the Workforce Capitalization Incentive Grant program and improve the money-back guarantee program offered by Florida College System institutions.
Other workforce initiatives include HB 127 from Representative Kim Kendall and SB 102 from Senator Gaetz, both aiming to create credential programs for students with disabilities within career and technical education frameworks. Additionally, HB 571 from Kendall focuses on expanding access to high school career fairs and establishing rules for students pursuing nontraditional educational pathways.
Public school choice bills are advancing as well. SB 248 by Senator Corey Simon expands sports access at public schools for private school students whose schools do not offer certain sports. SB 1188 from Senator Stan McClain addresses building code requirements for charter schools while creating an impact fee credit for developers contributing improvements near educational facilities.
Lastly, SB 140 sponsored by Senator Don Gaetz facilitates the conversion process for charter schools under specific conditions and adds them as eligible participants in the Workforce Capitalization Incentive Grant Program.
