Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
March 17, 2016 8:00 a.m.
On March 11, 2016, the final day of the Florida Legislature’s 2016 session, lawmakers approved a comprehensive education bill. According to the Tampa Bay Times www.TampaBay.com (“What passed, what failed in the 2016 Florida legislative session,” Times/Herald Tallahassee Bureau, Saturday, March 12, 2016 4:05pm), the following education topics received the most attention from legislators.
SCHOOL CHOICE (PASSED): Changes capital funding eligibility for charter schools and spending limits for traditional schools; allows public school students to attend any school in the state that has space available; increases financial transparency of charter schools; allows high school athletes to transfer schools and have immediate eligibility; codifies in law performance funding for state colleges and universities; among other provisions. (HB 7029)
TEACHER BONUSES (FAILED): Enacts in state law the policy of the “Best & Brightest” teacher bonus plan that rewards “highly effective” teachers based on high school SAT and ACT scores. (HB 7043/SB 978)
STANDARDIZED TESTING (FAILED): Allows districts and parents to choose alternative standardized tests for their students in lieu of the Florida Standards Assessments (SB 1360)
CHARTER SCHOOL AUTHORIZER (FAILED): Would have put on 2016 statewide ballot a constitutional amendment seeking to create a statewide body to authorize, operate, control and supervise all charter schools. (HJR 759/SJR 976)
CITY SCHOOL DISTRICTS (FAILED): Would have put on 2016 statewide ballot a constitutional amendment seeking to allow cities set up their own school districts, breaking away from the countywide district. (HJR 539/SJR 734)
SCHOOL RECESS (FAILED): Requires elementary schools to offer 20 minutes of recess each school day. (HB 833/SB 1002)
COMPUTER CODING (FAILED): Requires high schools to allow students to count computer-coding classes toward foreign language credits. (HB 887/SB 468)
PRINCIPAL AUTONOMY (PASSED): Creates pilot program for select Florida counties that would give principals in low-performing schools discretion in overseeing their schools to improve student achievement and school management (HB 287)
SCHOOL BOARDS ASSOCIATION (FAILED): Prohibits certain “membership associations” receiving taxpayer funding — only the Florida School Boards Association — from using taxpayer funding to sue the state. (HB 1155/SB 1426)
SCHOOL GRADES (FAILED): Redefines what “learning gains” are in calculating school grades and requires school grades be “incomplete” for 2014-15 so schools aren’t negatively impacted by inaugural Florida Standards Assessments (HB 1135/SB 1124)
COMPETENCY-BASED EDUCATION (PASSED): Sets up a five-year pilot program starting in 2016-17 for Pinellas, Palm Beach, Lake and Seminole counties to let students advance through school if they can prove they’ve mastered lessons. (HB 1365)
READING INSTRUCTION (FAILED): Improves instruction and early-intervention strategies for elementary school students who struggle to read, such as those with dyslexia. (HB 7021)
SPECIAL NEEDS STUDENTS (SIGNED INTO LAW): Expands education opportunities for children with special needs, including the Personal Learning Scholarship Program. (SB 672)
WORKERS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS (SIGNED INTO LAW): Creates financial literacy and workforce training programs for people with disabilities. (HB 7003)
FOR-PROFIT COLLEGES (FAILED) Establish a framework to protect students from fraudulent practices, improve graduation and accreditation rates and impose a follow-up plan when schools close. (HB1053/SB 800)
EDUCATION COMMISSIONER (FAILED): Changes statewide education policymaker from appointed to elected, subject to voter approval. (HB 767/SB 942)
The bill now awaits action from Governor Rick Scott.
Nassau County’s Legislative Delegation is composed of Senator Aaron Bean R-Fernandina Beach and Representative Janet Adkins R-Fernandina Beach.
Editor’s Note: Suanne Z. Thamm is a native of Chautauqua County, NY, who moved to Fernandina Beach from Alexandria,VA, in 1994. As a long time city resident and city watcher, she provides interesting insight into the many issues that impact our city. We are grateful for Suanne’s many contributions to the Fernandina Observer.