Bill Text: FL S1724 | 2019 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Student Discipline
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Failed) 2019-05-03 - Died in Education [S1724 Detail]
Download: Florida-2019-S1724-Introduced.html
Florida Senate - 2019 SB 1724 By Senator Powell 30-00994A-19 20191724__ 1 A bill to be entitled 2 An act relating to student discipline; creating s. 3 1006.01, F.S.; providing definitions; amending s. 4 1006.07, F.S.; revising the duties of the district 5 school boards relating to student discipline and 6 school safety; requiring school districts to adopt 7 standards for intervention, rather than a code of 8 student conduct, which include specified requirements; 9 requiring a school district to meaningfully involve 10 parents, students, teachers, and the community in 11 creating and applying certain policies; requiring a 12 school district to fund and support the implementation 13 of school-based restorative justice practices; 14 requiring a school district to provide funding to hire 15 staff members to improve the school climate and 16 safety; requiring a school district to annually survey 17 parents, students, and teachers regarding school 18 safety and disciplinary issues; making technical 19 changes; amending s. 1006.12, F.S.; revising the 20 qualifications of a school resource officer and a 21 school safety officer; authorizing such officers to 22 arrest a student only for certain violations of law; 23 requiring such officers to immediately notify the 24 principal or the principal’s designee if the officer 25 arrests a student in a school-related incident; 26 prohibiting such officers from arresting or referring 27 a student to the criminal justice system or juvenile 28 justice system for petty acts of misconduct; providing 29 an exception; requiring written documentation of an 30 arrest or referral to the criminal justice system or 31 juvenile justice system; requiring each law 32 enforcement agency that serves a school district to 33 enter into a cooperative agreement with the district 34 school board, ensure the training of school resource 35 officers and school safety officers as specified, and 36 develop minimum qualifications for the selection of 37 such officers; amending s. 1006.13, F.S.; requiring 38 each district school board to adopt a policy on 39 referrals to the criminal justice system or the 40 juvenile justice system, rather than a policy of zero 41 tolerance for crime and victimization; revising and 42 providing requirements for a policy on referrals to 43 the criminal justice system or the juvenile justice 44 system; providing that a school’s authority and 45 discretion to use other disciplinary consequences and 46 interventions is not limited by specified provisions; 47 conforming terminology; requiring each district school 48 board, in collaboration with students, educators, 49 parents, and stakeholders, to enter into cooperative 50 agreements with a county sheriff’s office and a local 51 police department for specified purposes; revising the 52 requirements for such agreements; requiring each 53 school district to annually review the cost, 54 effectiveness, and necessity of its school safety 55 programs and to submit findings annually to the 56 Department of Education by a specified date; requiring 57 a school district to arrange and pay for 58 transportation for a student in certain circumstances; 59 requiring, rather than encouraging, a school district 60 to use alternatives to expulsion or referral to a law 61 enforcement agency unless the use of such alternatives 62 poses a threat to school safety; requiring each school 63 district to submit to the department its policies and 64 agreements by a specified date each year; requiring 65 the department to develop by a specified date a model 66 policy for referrals to the criminal justice system or 67 the juvenile justice system; requiring the 68 Commissioner of Education to report by a specified 69 date each year to the Governor and the Legislature on 70 the implementation of policies on referrals to law 71 enforcement agencies; amending ss. 16.555, 1001.42, 72 1002.20, 1002.23, 1002.33, 1002.40, 1003.02, 1003.32, 73 1003.53, 1003.57, 1006.08, 1006.09, 1006.10, 1006.147, 74 1006.15, 1006.195, 1007.271, and 1012.98, F.S.; 75 conforming cross-references and provisions to changes 76 made by the act; providing an effective date. 77 78 Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida: 79 80 Section 1. Section 1006.01, Florida Statutes, is created to 81 read: 82 1006.01 Definitions.—As used in part I of this chapter, the 83 term: 84 (1) “Exclusionary consequence” means a consequence of a 85 student’s serious breach of the standards for intervention, as 86 provided in s. 1006.07(2), which results in the student being 87 barred from attending school. 88 (2) “Exclusionary discipline” means a disciplinary, 89 punitive practice that removes a student from instruction time 90 in his or her regular classrooms and may include in-school 91 suspension during class time, out-of-school suspension, transfer 92 to an alternative school, or expulsion. Absences due to 93 exclusionary discipline are considered excused absences. 94 (3) “Restorative circle” means a common space where at 95 least one individual guides a discussion in which each 96 participant has an equal opportunity to speak and in which 97 participants take turns speaking about a topic using a talking 98 piece. As used in this subsection, the term “talking piece” 99 means a physical object that is used to assist communication 100 between participants. 101 (4) “Restorative group conferencing” means an intervention 102 in which a facilitator leads the individuals who were involved 103 in an incident, whether they were harmed or caused the harm, as 104 well as their families or other supporters, in a face-to-face 105 process designed to address the harm, resolve any conflict, and 106 prevent recurrence of the harm based on the ideas of restorative 107 justice practices and mutual accountability. 108 (5) “Restorative justice” means an intervening approach to 109 justice which addresses root causes of harm that is a result of 110 unjust behavior; emphasizes repair of the harm; and gives equal 111 attention to accountability, growth, community safety, the 112 harmed student’s needs, and the student offender’s needs. 113 Section 2. Section 1006.07, Florida Statutes, is amended to 114 read: 115 1006.07 District school board duties relating to student 116 discipline and school safety.—The district school board shall 117 provide for the proper accounting for all students;,for the 118 attendanceand controlof students at school; for the creation 119 of a safe and effective learning environment, regardless of the 120 student’s race, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual 121 orientation, or gender identity;,and for the proper attention 122 to health, safety, and other matters relating to the welfare of 123 students, including the use of: 124 (1) INTERVENTIONS FOR AND DISCIPLINECONTROLOF STUDENTS. 125 Each school district shall: 126 (a) Adopt rules for thecontrol,discipline, in-school 127 suspension, suspension, and expulsion of students and decide all 128 cases recommended for expulsion. Suspension hearings are exempt 129exemptedfromthe provisions ofchapter 120. Expulsion hearings 130 areshall begoverned by ss. 120.569 and 120.57(2) andare131 exempt from s. 286.011. However, the student’s parent must be 132 given notice ofthe provisions ofs. 286.011 and may elect to 133 have the hearing held in compliance with that section. The 134 district school board may prohibit the use of corporal 135 punishment,if the district school board adopts or has adopted a 136 written program of alternativecontrol ordiscipline. In order 137 to fulfill the paramount duty of this state to make adequate 138 provisions for the education of all children residing within its 139 borders in accordance with s. 1, Art. IX of the State 140 Constitution, the district school board shall make every effort 141 to reduce exclusionary discipline for minor misbehavior. 142 (b) Require each student at the time of initial 143 registration for school in the school district to note previous 144 school expulsions, arrests resulting in a charge, juvenile 145 justice actions, and referrals to mental health services the 146 student has had, and have the authority as the district school 147 board of a receiving school district to honor the final order of 148 expulsion or dismissal of a student by any in-state or out-of 149 state public district school board or private school, or lab 150 school, for an act thatwhichwould have been grounds for 151 expulsion according to the receiving district school board’s 152 standards for interventioncode of student conduct, in 153 accordance with the following procedures: 154 1. A final order of expulsion shall be recorded in the 155 records of the receiving school district. 156 2. The expelled student applying for admission to the 157 receiving school district shall be advised of the final order of 158 expulsion. 159 3. The district school superintendent of the receiving 160 school district may recommend to the district school board that 161 the final order of expulsion be waived and the student be 162 admitted to the school district, or that the final order of 163 expulsion be honored and the student not be admitted to the 164 school district. If the student is admitted by the district 165 school board, with or without the recommendation of the district 166 school superintendent, the student may be placed in an 167 appropriate educational program and referred to mental health 168 services identified by the school district pursuant to s. 169 1012.584(4), when appropriate, at the direction of the district 170 school board. 171 (2) STANDARDS FOR INTERVENTIONCODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT. 172 Each school district shall adopt clear standards for 173 intervention, formerly known as a code of student conduct, which 174 create a safe, supportive, and positive school climate and 175 address misbehavior with interventions and consequences aimed at 176 understanding and addressing the causes of misbehavior, 177 resolving conflicts, meeting students’ needs, keeping students 178 in school, and teaching students to respond in age-appropriate 179 waysa code of student conduct for elementary schools and a code180of student conduct for middle and high schools and distribute181the appropriate code to all teachers, school personnel,182students, and parents, at the beginning of every school year. 183 The process for adopting standards for intervention must include 184 meaningful involvement among parents, students, teachers, and 185 the community. The standards for intervention must be organized 186 and written in language that is understandable to students and 187 parents and translated into all languages represented by the 188 students and their parents; discussed at the beginning of every 189 school year in student classes, school advisory council 190 meetings, and parent and teacher association or organization 191 meetings; made available at the beginning of every school year 192 in the student handbook or similar publication distributed to 193 all teachers, school personnel, students, and parents; and 194 posted on the school district’s website. The standards for 195 intervention mustEach code shall be organized and written in196language that is understandable to students and parents and197shall be discussed at the beginning of every school year in198student classes, school advisory council meetings, and parent199and teacher association or organization meetings. Each code200shall be based on the rules governing student conduct and201discipline adopted by the district school board and shall be202made available in the student handbook or similar publication.203Each code shallinclude, but needisnot be limited to, the 204 following: 205 (a) Consistent policies and specific grounds for 206 disciplinary action, including in-school suspension, out-of 207 school suspension, expulsion, intervention, support, and any 208 disciplinary action that may be imposed for the possession or 209 use of alcohol on school property or while attending a school 210 function or for the illegal use, sale, or possession of 211 controlled substances as defined in chapter 893. 212 (b) Procedures to be followed for acts requiring 213 discipline, including corporal punishment. 214 (c) A discipline chart or matrix indicating that a student 215 is not subject to exclusionary discipline for unexcused 216 tardiness, lateness, absence, or truancy; for violation of the 217 school dress code or rules regarding school uniforms; or for 218 behavior infractions that do not endanger the physical safety of 219 other students or staff members, including, but not limited to, 220 insubordination, defiance, disobedience, disrespect, or minor 221 classroom disruptions. The discipline chart or matrix must also: 222 1. Provide guidance on appropriate interventions and 223 consequences to be applied to behaviors or behavior categories 224 as provided in subparagraph 2. The school district may define 225 specific interventions and provide a list of interventions that 226 must be used and documented before exclusionary discipline is 227 considered unless a behavior poses a serious threat to school 228 safety. The interventions may include, but need not be limited 229 to: 230 a. Having a private conversation with the student about his 231 or her behavior and underlying issues that may have precipitated 232 the behavior. 233 b. Providing an opportunity for the student’s anger, fear, 234 or anxiety to subside. 235 c. Providing restorative justice practices using a 236 schoolwide approach of informal and formal techniques to foster 237 a sense of school community and to manage conflict by repairing 238 harm and restoring positive relationships. 239 d. Providing reflective activities, such as requiring the 240 student to write an essay about his or her behavior. 241 e. Participating in skill building and conflict resolution 242 activities, such as social-emotional cognitive skill building, 243 restorative circles, and restorative group conferencing. 244 f. Revoking student privileges. 245 g. Referring the student to a school counselor or social 246 worker. 247 h. Speaking to the student’s parent. 248 i. Referring the student to intervention outside the school 249 setting. 250 j. Ordering in-school detention or in-school suspension 251 during lunch, after school, or on the weekends. 252 2. Outline specific behaviors or behavior categories. Each 253 behavior or behavior category must include clear maximum 254 consequences to prevent inappropriate exclusionary consequences 255 for minor misbehavior and petty acts of misconduct and set clear 256 requirements that must be satisfied before the school imposes 257 exclusionary discipline. The chart or matrix must show that 258 exclusionary discipline is a last resort to be used only in 259 cases of serious misconduct when in-school interventions and 260 consequences that do not lead to exclusionary consequences are 261 insufficient. The following behaviors, which must be accompanied 262 by appropriate intervention services, such as substance abuse 263 counseling, anger management counseling, or restorative justice 264 practices, may result in exclusionary discipline and in 265 notification of a law enforcement agency if the behavior is a 266 felony or a serious threat to school safety: 267 a. Illegal sale of a controlled substance, as defined in 268 chapter 893, by a student on school property or in attendance at 269 a school function. 270 b. Violation of the district school board’s sexual 271 harassment policy. 272 c. Possession, display, transmission, use, or sale of a 273 firearm or weapon, as defined in s. 790.001 or 18 U.S.C. s. 921, 274 or an object that is used as, or is intended to function as, a 275 weapon, while on school property or in attendance at a school 276 function. 277 d. Making a threat or intimidation using any pointed or 278 sharp object or the use of any substance or object as a weapon 279 with the threat or intent to inflict bodily harm. 280 e. Making a threat or a false report, as provided in ss. 281 790.162 and 790.163, respectively. 282 f. Homicide. 283 g. Sexual battery. 284 h. Armed robbery. 285 i. Aggravated battery. 286 j. Battery or aggravated battery on a teacher, other school 287 personnel, or district school board personnel. 288 k. Kidnapping. 289 l. Arson. 290 (d) A glossary of clearly defined terms and behaviors. 291 (e) An explanation of the responsibilities, dignity, and 292 rights of and respect for students, including, but not limited 293 to, a student’s right not to be discriminated against based on 294 race, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or 295 gender identity; a student’s right to participate in student 296 publications, school programs, and school activities; and a 297 student’s right to exercise free speech, to assemble, and to 298 maintain privacy. 299 (f) An explanation of the school’s dress code or rules 300 regarding school uniforms and notice that students have the 301 right to dress in accordance with their stated gender within the 302 constraints of the school’s dress code. 303 (g) Notice that violation of transportation policies of a 304 district school board by a student, including disruptive 305 behavior on a school bus or at a school bus stop, is grounds for 306 disciplinary action by the school. 307 (h) Notice that a student who is determined to have brought 308 a firearm or weapon, as defined in s. 790.001 or 18 U.S.C. s. 309 921, to school, to a school function, or onto school-sponsored 310 transportation, or to have possessed a firearm or weapon at 311 school, will be expelled from the student’s regular school for 312 at least 1 full year and referred to the criminal justice system 313 or juvenile justice system. A district school superintendent may 314 consider the requirement of 1-year expulsion on a case-by-case 315 basis and may request the district school board to modify the 316 requirement by assigning the student to a disciplinary program 317 or second chance school if: 318 1. The request for modification is in writing; and 319 2. The modification is determined to be in the best 320 interest of the student and the school district. 321 (i) Notice that a student who is determined to have made a 322 threat or false report, as provided in ss. 790.162 and 790.163, 323 respectively, involving the school’s or school personnel’s 324 property, school transportation, or a school-sponsored activity 325 may be expelled from the student’s regular school for at least 1 326 full year, with continuing educational services, and referred to 327 the criminal justice system or juvenile justice system. A 328 district school superintendent may consider the requirement of a 329 1-year expulsion on a case-by-case basis and may request the 330 district school board to modify the requirement by assigning the 331 student to a disciplinary program or second chance school if: 332 1. The request for modification is in writing; and 333 2. The modification is determined to be in the best 334 interest of the student and the school district. 335 (j) A clear and complete explanation of due process rights 336 afforded to a student, including a student with a disability, 337 and the types of exclusionary discipline to which a student may 338 be subjected. 339(c)An explanation of the responsibilities and rights of340students with regard to attendance, respect for persons and341property, knowledge and observation of rules of conduct, the342right to learn, free speech and student publications, assembly,343privacy, and participation in school programs and activities.344(d)1.An explanation of the responsibilities of each345student with regard to appropriate dress, respect for self and346others, and the role that appropriate dress and respect for self347and others has on an orderly learning environment. Each district348school board shall adopt a dress code policy that prohibits a349student, while on the grounds of a public school during the350regular school day, from wearing clothing that exposes underwear351or body parts in an indecent or vulgar manner or that disrupts352the orderly learning environment.3532.Any student who violates the dress policy described in354subparagraph 1. is subject to the following disciplinary355actions:356a.For a first offense, a student shall be given a verbal357warning and the school principal shall call the student’s parent358or guardian.359b.For a second offense, the student is ineligible to360participate in any extracurricular activity for a period of time361not to exceed 5 days and the school principal shall meet with362the student’s parent or guardian.363c.For a third or subsequent offense, a student shall364receive an in-school suspension pursuant to s. 1003.01(5) for a365period not to exceed 3 days, the student is ineligible to366participate in any extracurricular activity for a period not to367exceed 30 days, and the school principal shall call the368student’s parent or guardian and send the parent or guardian a369written letter regarding the student’s in-school suspension and370ineligibility to participate in extracurricular activities.371(e)Notice that illegal use, possession, or sale of372controlled substances, as defined in chapter 893, by any student373while the student is upon school property or in attendance at a374school function is grounds for disciplinary action by the school375and may also result in criminal penalties being imposed.376 (k)(f)Notice that use of a wireless communications device 377 includes the possibility of the imposition of disciplinary 378 action by the school or criminal penalties if the device is used 379 in a criminal act. A student may possess a wireless 380 communications device while the student is on school property or 381 in attendance at a school function. Each district school board 382 shall adopt rules governing the use of a wireless communications 383 device by a student while the student is on school property or 384 in attendance at a school function. 385(g)Notice that the possession of a firearm or weapon as386defined in chapter 790 by any student while the student is on387school property or in attendance at a school function is grounds388for disciplinary action and may also result in criminal389prosecution. Simulating a firearm or weapon while playing or390wearing clothing or accessories that depict a firearm or weapon391or express an opinion regarding a right guaranteed by the Second392Amendment to the United States Constitution is not grounds for393disciplinary action or referral to the criminal justice or394juvenile justice system under this section or s. 1006.13.395Simulating a firearm or weapon while playing includes, but is396not limited to:3971.Brandishing a partially consumed pastry or other food398item to simulate a firearm or weapon.3992.Possessing a toy firearm or weapon that is 2 inches or400less in overall length.4013.Possessing a toy firearm or weapon made of plastic snap402together building blocks.4034.Using a finger or hand to simulate a firearm or weapon.4045.Vocalizing an imaginary firearm or weapon.4056.Drawing a picture, or possessing an image, of a firearm406or weapon.4077.Using a pencil, pen, or other writing or drawing utensil408to simulate a firearm or weapon.409 410However, a student may be subject to disciplinary action if411simulating a firearm or weapon while playing substantially412disrupts student learning, causes bodily harm to another person,413or places another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm. The414severity of consequences imposed upon a student, including415referral to the criminal justice or juvenile justice system,416must be proportionate to the severity of the infraction and417consistent with district school board policies for similar418infractions. If a student is disciplined for such conduct, the419school principal or his or her designee must call the student’s420parent. Disciplinary action resulting from a student’s clothing421or accessories shall be determined pursuant to paragraph (d)422unless the wearing of the clothing or accessory causes a423substantial disruption to student learning, in which case the424infraction may be addressed in a manner that is consistent with425district school board policies for similar infractions. This426paragraph does not prohibit a public school from adopting a427school uniform policy.428(h)Notice that violence against any district school board429personnel by a student is grounds for in-school suspension, out430of-school suspension, expulsion, or imposition of other431disciplinary action by the school and may also result in432criminal penalties being imposed.433(i)Notice that violation of district school board434transportation policies, including disruptive behavior on a435school bus or at a school bus stop, by a student is grounds for436suspension of the student’s privilege of riding on a school bus437and may be grounds for disciplinary action by the school and may438also result in criminal penalties being imposed.439(j)Notice that violation of the district school board’s440sexual harassment policy by a student is grounds for in-school441suspension, out-of-school suspension, expulsion, or imposition442of other disciplinary action by the school and may also result443in criminal penalties being imposed.444(k)Policies to be followed for the assignment of violent445or disruptive students to an alternative educational program or446referral of such students to mental health services identified447by the school district pursuant to s. 1012.584(4).448(l)Notice that any student who is determined to have449brought a firearm or weapon, as defined in chapter 790, to450school, to any school function, or onto any school-sponsored451transportation, or to have possessed a firearm at school, will452be expelled, with or without continuing educational services,453from the student’s regular school for a period of not less than4541 full year and referred to mental health services identified by455the school district pursuant to s. 1012.584(4) and the criminal456justice or juvenile justice system. District school boards may457assign the student to a disciplinary program or second chance458school for the purpose of continuing educational services during459the period of expulsion. District school superintendents may460consider the 1-year expulsion requirement on a case-by-case461basis and request the district school board to modify the462requirement by assigning the student to a disciplinary program463or second chance school if the request for modification is in464writing and it is determined to be in the best interest of the465student and the school system.466(m)Notice that any student who is determined to have made467a threat or false report, as defined by ss. 790.162 and 790.163,468respectively, involving school or school personnel’s property,469school transportation, or a school-sponsored activity will be470expelled, with or without continuing educational services, from471the student’s regular school for a period of not less than 1472full year and referred for criminal prosecution and mental473health services identified by the school district pursuant to s.4741012.584(4) for evaluation or treatment, when appropriate.475District school boards may assign the student to a disciplinary476program or second chance school for the purpose of continuing477educational services during the period of expulsion. District478school superintendents may consider the 1-year expulsion479requirement on a case-by-case basis and request the district480school board to modify the requirement by assigning the student481to a disciplinary program or second chance school if it is482determined to be in the best interest of the student and the483school system.484 (3) COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN POLICY CREATIONSTUDENT CRIME485WATCH PROGRAM.—Each school district shall ensure the meaningful 486 involvement of parents, students, teachers, and the community in 487 creating and applying policies regarding student discipline and 488 school safetyBy resolution of the district school board,489implement a student crime watch program to promote490responsibility among students and improve school safety. The491student crime watch program shall allow students and the492community to anonymously relay information concerning unsafe and493potentially harmful, dangerous, violent, or criminal activities,494or the threat of these activities, to appropriate public safety495agencies and school officials. 496 (4) EMERGENCY DRILLS AND; EMERGENCYPROCEDURES.—Each school 497 district shall: 498 (a) Formulate and prescribe policies and procedures, in 499 consultation with the appropriate public safety agencies, for 500 emergency drills and for actual emergencies, including, but not 501 limited to, fires, natural disasters, active shooter and hostage 502 situations, and bomb threats, for all students and faculty at 503 all public schools of the district comprised of grades K-12. 504 Drills for active shooter and hostage situations shall be 505 conducted at least as often as other emergency drills. District 506 school board policies mustshallinclude commonly used alarm 507 system responses for specific types of emergencies and 508 verification by each school that drills have been provided as 509 required by law and fire protection codes. The emergency 510 response policy shall identify the individuals responsible for 511 contacting the primary emergency response agency and the 512 emergency response agency that is responsible for notifying the 513 school district for each type of emergency. 514 (b) Establish model emergency management and emergency 515 preparedness procedures, including emergency notification 516 procedures pursuant to paragraph (a), for the following life 517 threatening emergencies: 518 1. Weapon-use, hostage, and active shooter situations. The 519 active shooter situation training for each school must engage 520 the participation of the district school safety specialist, 521 threat assessment team members, faculty, staff, and students and 522 must be conducted by the law enforcement agency or agencies that 523 are designated as first responders to the school’s campus. 524 2. Hazardous materials or toxic chemical spills. 525 3. Weather emergencies, including hurricanes, tornadoes, 526 and severe storms. 527 4. Exposure as a result of a manmade emergency. 528 (c) Establish a schedule to test the functionality and 529 coverage capacity of all emergency communication systems and 530 determine if adequate signal strength is available in all areas 531 of the school’s campus. 532 (5) EDUCATIONAL SERVICES IN DETENTION FACILITIES.—Each 533 school district shall offer educational services to minors who 534 have not graduated from high school and eligible students with 535 disabilities under the age of 22 who have not graduated with a 536 standard diploma or its equivalent who are detained in a county 537 or municipal detention facility as defined in s. 951.23. These 538 educational services mustshallbe based upon the estimated 539 length of time the student will be in the facility and the 540 student’s current level of functioning. A county sheriff or 541 chief correctional officer, or his or her designee, shall notify 542 the district school superintendent,superintendentsor his or 543 her designee, whentheir designees shall be notified by the544county sheriff or chief correctional officer, or his or her545designee, upon the assignment ofa student under the age of 21 546 is assigned to the facility. Acooperative agreement with the547 district school board and applicable law enforcement units shall 548 develop a cooperative agreementbe developedto address the 549 notification requirement and the provision of educational 550 services to suchthesestudents. 551 (6) SAFETY AND SECURITY BEST PRACTICES.—Each district 552 school superintendent shall establish policies and procedures 553 for the prevention of violence on school grounds, including the 554 assessment of and intervention with individuals whose behavior 555 poses a threat to the safety of the school community. 556 (a) Each district school superintendent shall designate a 557 school administrator as a school safety specialist for the 558 district. The school safety specialist must earn a certificate 559 of completion of the school safety specialist training provided 560 by the Office of Safe Schools within 1 year after appointment 561 and is responsible for the supervision and oversight for all 562 school safety and security personnel, policies, and procedures 563 in the school district. The school safety specialist shall: 564 1. Review policies and procedures for compliance with state 565 law and rules. 566 2. Provide the necessary training and resources to students 567 and school district staff in matters relating to youth mental 568 health awareness and assistance; emergency procedures, including 569 active shooter training; and school safety and security. 570 3. Serve as the school district liaison with local public 571 safety agencies and national, state, and community agencies and 572 organizations in matters of school safety and security. 573 4. Conduct a school security risk assessment in accordance 574 with s. 1006.1493 at each public school using the school 575 security risk assessment tool developed by the Office of Safe 576 Schools. Based on the assessment findings, the district’s school 577 safety specialist shall provide recommendations to the district 578 school board which identify strategies and activities that the 579 district school board should implement in order to improve 580 school safety and security. Annually, each district school board 581 must receive such findings and the school safety specialist’s 582 recommendations at a publicly noticed district school board 583 meeting to provide the public an opportunity to hear the 584 district school board members discuss and take action on the 585 findings and recommendations. Each school safety specialist 586 shall report such findings and school board action to the Office 587 of Safe Schools within 30 days after the district school board 588 meeting. 589 (b) Each school safety specialist shall coordinate with the 590 appropriate public safety agencies, as defined in s. 365.171, 591 that are designated as first responders to a school’s campus to 592 conduct a tour of such campus once every 3 years and provide 593 recommendations related to school safety. The recommendations by 594 the public safety agencies must be considered as part of the 595 recommendations by the school safety specialist pursuant to 596 paragraph (a). 597 (7) THREAT ASSESSMENT TEAMS.—Each district school board 598 shall adopt policies for the establishment of threat assessment 599 teams at each school whose duties include the coordination of 600 resources and assessment and intervention with individuals whose 601 behavior may pose a threat to the safety of school staff or 602 students consistent with the model policies developed by the 603 Office of Safe Schools. Such policies shall include procedures 604 for referrals to mental health services identified by the school 605 district pursuant to s. 1012.584(4), when appropriate. 606 (a) A threat assessment team shall include persons with 607 expertise in counseling, instruction, school administration, and 608 law enforcement. The threat assessment teams shall identify 609 members of the school community to whom threatening behavior 610 should be reported and provide guidance to students, faculty, 611 and staff regarding recognition of threatening or aberrant 612 behavior that may represent a threat to the community, school, 613 or self. 614 (b) Upon a preliminary determination that a student poses a 615 threat of violence or physical harm to himself or herself or 616 others, a threat assessment team shall immediately report its 617 determination to the superintendent or his or her designee. The 618 superintendent or his or her designee shall immediately attempt 619 to notify the student’s parent or legal guardian. Nothing in 620 this subsection shall preclude school district personnel from 621 acting immediately to address an imminent threat. 622 (c) Upon a preliminary determination by the threat 623 assessment team that a student poses a threat of violence to 624 himself or herself or others or exhibits significantly 625 disruptive behavior or need for assistance, the threat 626 assessment team may obtain criminal history record information, 627 as provided in s. 985.047. A member of a threat assessment team 628 may not disclose any criminal history record information 629 obtained pursuant to this section or otherwise use any record of 630 an individual beyond the purpose for which such disclosure was 631 made to the threat assessment team. 632 (d) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, all state 633 and local agencies and programs that provide services to 634 students experiencing or at risk of an emotional disturbance or 635 a mental illness, including the school districts, school 636 personnel, state and local law enforcement agencies, the 637 Department of Juvenile Justice, the Department of Children and 638 Families, the Department of Health, the Agency for Health Care 639 Administration, the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, the 640 Department of Education, the Statewide Guardian Ad Litem Office, 641 and any service or support provider contracting with such 642 agencies, may share with each other records or information that 643 are confidential or exempt from disclosure under chapter 119 if 644 the records or information are reasonably necessary to ensure 645 access to appropriate services for the student or to ensure the 646 safety of the student or others. All such state and local 647 agencies and programs shall communicate, collaborate, and 648 coordinate efforts to serve such students. 649 (e) If an immediate mental health or substance abuse crisis 650 is suspected, school personnel shall follow policies established 651 by the threat assessment team to engage behavioral health crisis 652 resources. Behavioral health crisis resources, including, but 653 not limited to, mobile crisis teams and school resource officers 654 trained in crisis intervention, shall provide emergency 655 intervention and assessment, make recommendations, and refer the 656 student for appropriate services. Onsite school personnel shall 657 report all such situations and actions taken to the threat 658 assessment team, which shall contact the other agencies involved 659 with the student and any known service providers to share 660 information and coordinate any necessary followup actions. 661 (f) Each threat assessment team established pursuant to 662 this subsection shall report quantitative data on its activities 663 to the Office of Safe Schools in accordance with guidance from 664 the office. 665 (8) SAFETY IN CONSTRUCTION PLANNING.—A district school 666 board must allow the law enforcement agency or agencies that are 667 designated as first responders to the district’s campus and 668 school’s campuses to tour such campuses once every 3 years. Any 669 changes related to school safety and emergency issues 670 recommended by a law enforcement agency based on a campus tour 671 must be documented by the district school board. 672 (9) RESTORATIVE JUSTICE PRACTICES.—Each school district 673 shall provide funding for, train school staff members on, and 674 support the implementation of school-based restorative justice 675 practices. Schools shall use these practices to foster a sense 676 of school community and to resolve conflict by encouraging the 677 reporting of harm and by restoring positive relationships. There 678 are various ways to use these practices in the schools and in 679 the juvenile justice system where students and educators work 680 together to set academic goals, develop core values for the 681 classroom, and resolve conflicts. Many types of restorative 682 justice practices, such as restorative circles, may be used to 683 promote a positive learning environment and to confront issues 684 as they arise. Some common restorative circles that schools use 685 for discipline may include, but need not be limited to: 686 (a) Discipline circles that address the harm that occurred, 687 repair the harm, and develop solutions to prevent recurrence of 688 the harm among the parties involved. 689 (b) Proactive behavior management circles that use role 690 play to develop positive behavioral models for students. 691 (10) SUPPORT STAFF.—Each school district shall provide 692 funding to hire staff members to improve school climate and 693 safety, such as social workers, counselors, and restorative 694 justice coordinators, at the nationally recommended ratio of 250 695 students to 1 counselor in order to reduce dependency on school 696 safety officers, school resource officers, and other school 697 resources. 698 (11) SURVEYS.—Each school district shall annually survey 699 parents, students, and teachers regarding school safety and 700 disciplinary issues. 701 Section 3. Section 1006.12, Florida Statutes, is amended to 702 read: 703 1006.12 Safe-school officers at each public school.—For the 704 protection and safety of school personnel, property, students, 705 and visitors, each district school board and school district 706 superintendent shall partner with law enforcement agencies to 707 establish or assign one or more safe-school officers at each 708 school facility within the district by implementing any 709 combination of the following options which best meets the needs 710 of the school district: 711 (1) Establish school resource officer programs, through a 712 cooperative agreement with law enforcement agencies. 713 (a) School resource officers shall undergo criminal 714 background checks, drug testing, and a psychological evaluation 715 and be certified law enforcement officers, as defined in s. 716 943.10(1), who have beenareemployed for at least 2 years by a 717 law enforcement agency as defined in s. 943.10(4). The powers 718 and duties of a law enforcement officer shall continue 719 throughout the employee’s tenure as a school resource officer. 720 (b) School resource officers shall abide by district school 721 board policies and shall consult with and coordinate activities 722 through the school principal, but shall be responsible to the 723 law enforcement agency in all matters relating to employment, 724 subject to agreements between a district school board and a law 725 enforcement agency. Activities conducted by the school resource 726 officer which are part of the regular instructional program of 727 the school shall be under the direction of the school principal. 728 (c) School resource officers shall complete mental health 729 crisis intervention training using a curriculum developed by a 730 national organization with expertise in mental health crisis 731 intervention. The training shall improve officers’ knowledge and 732 skills as first responders to incidents involving students with 733 emotional disturbance or mental illness, including de-escalation 734 skills to ensure student and officer safety. 735 (d) School resource officers may arrest a student only for 736 a violation of law which constitutes a serious threat to school 737 safety and only after consultation with the school principal or 738 the principal’s designee, documented attempts at intervention or 739 in-school consequences, and pursuant to the standards for 740 intervention and the cooperative agreement as described in ss. 741 1006.07 and 1006.13, respectively. If a school resource officer 742 arrests a student in a school-related incident, the officer 743 shall immediately notify the principal or the principal’s 744 designee. School resource officers may not arrest or otherwise 745 refer a student to the criminal justice system or the juvenile 746 justice system for a petty act of misconduct unless it is 747 determined that the failure to do so would endanger the physical 748 safety of other students or staff at the school. Such 749 determination must be documented in a written report to the 750 principal or the principal’s designee which includes a 751 description of the behavior at issue and an explanation of why 752 an arrest or referral was necessary. 753 (2) Commission one or more school safety officers for the 754 protection and safety of school personnel, property, and 755 students within the school district. The district school 756 superintendent may recommend, and the district school board may 757 appoint, one or more school safety officers. 758 (a) School safety officers shall undergo criminal 759 background checks, drug testing, and a psychological evaluation 760 and be law enforcement officers, as defined in s. 943.10(1), 761 certified underthe provisions ofchapter 943 and have been 762 employed for at least 2 years byeithera law enforcement agency 763 orbythe district school board. If the officer is employed by 764 the district school board, the district school board is the 765 employing agency for purposes of chapter 943, and must comply 766 withthe provisions ofthat chapter. 767 (b) A school safety officer mayhas and shall exercise the768power tomake arrests for violations of law on district school 769 board property and to arrest persons, whether on or off such 770 property, who violate any law on such property under the same 771 conditions that deputy sheriffs are authorized to make arrests. 772 A school safety officer may arrest a student only for a 773 violation of law which constitutes a serious threat to school 774 safety and only after consultation with the school principal or 775 the principal’s designee, documented attempts at intervention or 776 in-school consequences, and pursuant to the standards for 777 intervention and the cooperative agreement as described in ss. 778 1006.07 and 1006.13, respectively. If a school safety officer 779 arrests a student in a school-related incident, the officer 780 shall immediately notify the principal or the principal’s 781 designee. A school safety officer may not arrest or otherwise 782 refer a student to the criminal justice system or the juvenile 783 justice system for a petty act of misconduct unless it is 784 determined that the failure to do so would endanger the physical 785 safety of other students or staff at the school. Such 786 determination must be documented in a written report to the 787 principal or the principal’s designee which includes a 788 description of the behavior at issue and an explanation of why 789 an arrest or referral was necessary. A school safety officer has 790 the authority to carry weapons when performing his or her 791 official duties. 792 (c) A district school board may enter into mutual aid 793 agreements with one or more law enforcement agencies as provided 794 in chapter 23. A school safety officer’s salary may be paid 795 jointly by the district school board and the law enforcement 796 agency, as mutually agreed to. 797 (3) At the school district’s discretion, participate in the 798 Coach Aaron Feis Guardian Program if such program is established 799 pursuant to s. 30.15, to meet the requirement of establishing a 800 safe-school officer. 801 (4) Any information that would identify whether a 802 particular individual has been appointed as a safe-school 803 officer pursuant to this section held by a law enforcement 804 agency, school district, or charter school is exempt from s. 805 119.07(1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution. This 806 subsection is subject to the Open Government Sunset Review Act 807 in accordance with s. 119.15 and shall stand repealed on October 808 2, 2023, unless reviewed and saved from repeal through 809 reenactment by the Legislature. 810 (5) Each law enforcement agency serving a school district 811 shall do the following: 812 (a) Enter into a cooperative agreement with the district 813 school board pursuant to s. 1006.13. 814 (b) Ensure that each school resource officer and school 815 safety officer is trained to use appropriate and positive 816 interactions with students in different stages of mental, 817 emotional, and physical development, and to implement the range 818 of interventions and school-based consequences that should be 819 used to avoid an arrest. Training must include, but is not 820 limited to, the following: 821 1. Child and adolescent development and psychology; 822 2. Teaching students to respond in age-appropriate ways; 823 3. Cultural differences and unconscious bias; 824 4. Restorative justice practices; 825 5. Rights of students with disabilities and appropriate 826 responses to their behaviors; 827 6. Practices that improve the school climate; and 828 7. The creation of safe environments for lesbian, gay, 829 bisexual, and transgender students. 830 (c) Establish the following minimum qualifications for the 831 selection of school resource officers and school safety 832 officers: 833 1. Proficiency in verbal, written, and interpersonal skills 834 that include public speaking; 835 2. Knowledge and experience in matters involving cultural 836 diversity and sensitivity; 837 3. Training in best practices for working with students as 838 specified in paragraph (b); 839 4. Commitment to serving as a positive role model for 840 students; 841 5. Passion for and desire to interact positively with 842 students; and 843 6. An employment record with no history of excessive force 844 or racial bias. 845 Section 4. Section 1006.13, Florida Statutes, is amended to 846 read: 847 1006.13 Policy on referrals to the criminal justice system 848 or the juvenile justice systemof zero tolerance for crime and849victimization.— 850 (1) District school boards shall promote a safe and 851 supportive learning environment in schools by protecting 852 students and staff from conduct that poses a serious threat to 853 school safety. A threat assessment team may use alternatives to 854 expulsion or referral to law enforcement agencies to address 855 disruptive behavior through restitution, civil citation, teen 856 court, neighborhood restorative justice, or similar programs. 857 Referrals to the criminal justice system or the juvenile justice 858 systemZero-tolerance policiesmay not be rigorously applied to 859 petty acts of misconduct and misdemeanors, including, but not 860 limited to, minor fights or disturbances.Zero-tolerance861 Policies on referrals to the criminal justice system or juvenile 862 justice system must apply equally to all students regardless of 863 their economic status, race, or disability. 864 (2) Each district school board shall adopt a policy on 865 referrals to the criminal justice system or the juvenile justice 866 systemof zero tolerancethat: 867 (a) Clearly limits the role of law enforcement intervention 868 to serious threats to school safety and delineates clear roles 869 in which school principals or their designees, under the 870 constraints of the standards for intervention as described in s. 871 1006.07 and other district policies, are the final 872 decisionmakers on disciplinary consequences, including referrals 873 to law enforcement agencies. 874 (b)(a)Defines criteria for reporting to a law enforcement 875 agency any act that occurs whenever or wherever students are 876 within the jurisdiction of the district school board and that 877 poses a serious threat to school safety. An act that does not 878 pose a serious threat to school safety must be handled within 879 the school’s disciplinary system. 880 (c)(b)Defines acts that pose a serious threat to school 881 safety, including, but not limited to, those acts or behaviors 882 specified in s. 1006.07(2)(c)2. 883 (d)(c)Defines petty acts of misconduct, including, but not 884 limited to, behavior that could amount to the misdemeanor 885 criminal charge of disorderly conduct, disturbing a school 886 function, loitering, simple assault or battery, affray, theft of 887 less than $300, trespassing, vandalism of less than $1,000, 888 criminal mischief, and other behavior that does not pose a 889 serious threat to school safety. 890 (e) Specifies that students may not be arrested or 891 otherwise referred to the criminal justice system or the 892 juvenile justice system for petty acts of misconduct unless it 893 is determined that the failure to do so would endanger the 894 physical safety of other students or staff at the school. Such 895 determination must be documented in a written report that 896 includes a description of the behavior at issue and an 897 explanation of why an arrest or referral was necessary. 898 (f)(d)Minimizes the victimization of students, staff, or 899 volunteers, including taking all steps necessary to protect the 900 victim of any violent crime from any further victimization. 901 (g)(e)Establishes a procedure that provides each student 902 with the opportunity for a review of the disciplinary action 903 imposed pursuant to s. 1006.07. 904 (h)(f)Requires the threat assessment team to consult with 905 law enforcement when a student exhibits a pattern of behavior, 906 based upon previous acts or the severity of an act, that would 907 pose a threat to school safety. 908 (i) Establishes data-sharing protocols so that each school 909 district receives, at least twice a year, a report on the number 910 of school-based arrests of students. All data must be 911 disaggregated by race, ethnicity, gender, school, offense, and 912 the name of the law enforcement officer involved, and match the 913 school district’s records on grade, disability, and status as a 914 limited English proficient student. 915 (3) This section does not limit a school’s authority and 916 discretion under law to use other disciplinary consequences and 917 interventions as appropriate to address school-based incidents. 918 (4)(3)The policy on referrals to the criminal justice 919 system or the juvenile justice systemZero-tolerance policies920 must require a student who isstudentsfound to have committed 921 one of the following offenses to be expelled, with or without 922 continuing educational services, from the student’s regular 923 school for a period of not less than 1 full year, and to be 924 referred to the criminal justice system or juvenile justice 925 system. 926 (a) Bringing a firearm or weapon, as defined in s. 790.001 927 or 18 U.S.C. s. 921chapter 790, to school, to any school 928 function, or onto any school-sponsored transportation or 929 possessing a firearm at school. 930 (b) Making a threat or false report, as provided indefined931byss. 790.162 and 790.163, respectively, involving school or 932 school personnel’s property, school transportation, or a school 933 sponsored activity. 934 935 A district school boardboardsmay assign the student to a 936 disciplinary program for the purpose of continuing educational 937 services during the period of expulsion. A district school 938 superintendentsuperintendentsmay consider the 1-year expulsion 939 requirement on a case-by-case basis and request the district 940 school board to modify the requirement by assigning the student 941 to a disciplinary program or second chance school if the request 942 for modification is in writing and it is determined to be in the 943 best interest of the student and the school system. If a student 944 committing any of the offenses in this subsection is a student 945 who has a disability, the district school board shall comply 946 with applicable State Board of Education rules. 947 (5)(4)(a)Each district school board, in collaboration with 948 students, educators, parents, and stakeholders, shall enter into 949 cooperative agreements with the county sheriff’s office and 950 local police department specifying guidelines for ensuring that 951 acts that pose a serious threat to school safety, whether 952 committed by a student or adult, are reported to a law 953 enforcement agency. Such agreements must: 954 (a)(b)The agreements mustInclude the role of school 955 safety officers and school resource officers, if applicable,in 956 handling reported incidents that pose a serious threat to school 957 safety and,circumstances in which school officials may handle 958 incidents without filing a report with a law enforcement agency,959and a procedure for ensuring that school personnel properly960report appropriate delinquent acts and crimes. 961 (b)(c)Clarifying thatZero-tolerance policies do not962require the reporting ofpetty acts of misconduct and 963 misdemeanors may not be reported to a law enforcement agency, 964 including, but not limited to, disorderly conduct, loitering, 965 simple assault or battery, affray, theft of less than $300, 966 trespassing,andvandalism of less than $1,000, criminal 967 mischief, and other misdemeanors that do not pose a serious 968 threat to school safety. However, if a student commits more than 969 one misdemeanor, the threat assessment team must consult with 970 law enforcement to determine if the act should be reported to 971 law enforcement. 972 (c)(d)Clarify the role of the school principal in ensuring 973shall ensurethat all school personnel are properly informed of 974as totheir responsibilities regarding crime reporting, that 975 appropriate delinquent acts and crimes are properly reported, 976 and that actions taken in cases with special circumstances are 977 properly taken and documented. 978 (d) Specify training for each school resource officer and 979 school safety officer on school grounds to foster appropriate 980 and positive interactions with students in different stages of 981 mental, emotional, and physical development, and to implement 982 the range of interventions and school-based consequences that 983 should be used to avoid an arrest. Training must include, but is 984 not limited to, all the following: 985 1. Child and adolescent development and psychology. 986 2. Teaching students to respond in age-appropriate ways. 987 3. Cultural differences and unconscious bias. 988 4. Restorative justice practices. 989 5. Rights of students with disabilities and appropriate 990 responses to their behaviors. 991 6. Practices that improve the school climate. 992 7. The creation of safe environments for lesbian, gay, 993 bisexual, and transgender students. 994 (e) Include clear guidelines for selecting school resource 995 officers and school safety officers, who must meet all of the 996 following minimum qualifications: 997 1. Proficiency in verbal, written, and interpersonal skills 998 that include public speaking. 999 2. Knowledge and experience in matters involving cultural 1000 diversity and sensitivity. 1001 3. Training in best practices for working with students as 1002 specified in paragraph (d). 1003 4. Commitment to serving as a positive role model for 1004 students. 1005 5. Passion for and desire to interact positively with 1006 students. 1007 6. An employment record with no history of excessive force 1008 or racial bias. 1009 (f) Require a school district to annually review the cost 1010 and effectiveness of its school safety programs, including the 1011 use of school safety officers, school resource officers, and 1012 other security measures, to report its findings to the 1013 Department of Education by August 1 of each school year, and to 1014 use these findings to reevaluate and improve school safety 1015 programs. 1016 (6)(5)Notwithstanding any other provision of law, each 1017 district school board shall adopt rules providing that aany1018 student found to have committed ananyoffense in s. 784.081(1), 1019 (2), or (3) shall be expelled or placed in an alternative school 1020 setting or other program, as appropriate. Upon being charged 1021 with the offense, and pending disposition, the student shall be 1022 removed from the classroom immediately and placed in an 1023 alternative school settingpending disposition. 1024 (7)(a)(6)(a)Notwithstanding any provision of law 1025 prohibiting the disclosure of the identity of a minor, if a 1026whenever anystudent who is attending a public school is 1027 adjudicated guilty of or delinquent for, or is found to have 1028 committed, regardless of whether adjudication is withheld, or 1029 pleads guilty or nolo contendere to, a felony violation of: 1030 1. Chapter 782, relating to homicide; 1031 2. Chapter 784, relating to assault, battery, and culpable 1032 negligence; 1033 3. Chapter 787, relating to kidnapping, false imprisonment, 1034 luring or enticing a child, and custody offenses; 1035 4. Chapter 794, relating to sexual battery; 1036 5. Chapter 800, relating to lewdness and indecent exposure; 1037 6. Chapter 827, relating to abuse of children; 1038 7. Section 812.13, relating to robbery; 1039 8. Section 812.131, relating to robbery by sudden 1040 snatching; 1041 9. Section 812.133, relating to carjacking; or 1042 10. Section 812.135, relating to home-invasion robbery, 1043 1044 and, before or at the time of such adjudication, withholding of 1045 adjudication, or plea, the studentoffenderwas attending a 1046 school attended by the victim or a sibling of the victim of the 1047 offense, the Department of Juvenile Justice shall notify the 1048 appropriate district school board of the adjudication or plea, 1049 the requirements ofinthis paragraph, and whether the student 1050offenderis prohibited from attending that school or riding on a 1051 school bus ifwheneverthe victim or a sibling of the victim is 1052 attending the same school or riding on the same school bus, 1053 except as provided pursuant to a written disposition order under 1054 s. 985.455(2). Upon receipt of such notice, the district school 1055 board shall take appropriate action to effectuate the provisions 1056 in paragraph (b). 1057 (b) Each district school board shall adopt a cooperative 1058 agreement with the Department of Juvenile Justice which 1059 establishes guidelines for ensuring that aanyno contact order 1060 entered by a court is reported and enforced and that all of the 1061 necessary steps are taken to protect the victimof the offense. 1062 Any studentoffenderdescribed in paragraph (a),who is not 1063 exemptexemptedas provided in paragraph (a),may not attend the 1064anyschool attended by the victim or a sibling of the victimof1065the offenseor ride on a school bus on which the victim or a 1066 sibling of the victim is riding. Theoffender shall be permitted1067by thedistrict school board shall allow the student to attend 1068 another school within the district in which the studentoffender1069 resides, only if the other school is not attended by the victim 1070 or a sibling of the victim. Another district school board may 1071 allowof the offense; orthe studentoffender may be permitted1072by another district school boardto attend a school in that 1073 district if the studentoffenderis unable to attend any school 1074 in the district in which the studentoffenderresides. 1075 (c) If the studentoffenderis unable to attend any other 1076 school in the district in which the studentoffenderresides and 1077 is prohibited from attending a school in another school 1078 district, the district school board in the school district in 1079 which the studentoffenderresides shall take every reasonable 1080 precaution to keep the studentoffenderseparated from the 1081 victim while on school grounds or on school transportation. The 1082 steps to be taken by a district school board to keep the student 1083offenderseparated from the victim must include, but are not 1084 limited to, in-school suspension of the studentoffenderand the 1085 scheduling of classes, lunch, or other school activities of the 1086 victim and the studentoffenderso as not to coincide. 1087 (d) The studentoffender, or the parents of the student 1088offenderif the studentoffenderis a juvenile, shall arrange 1089 and pay for transportation associated with or required by the 1090 studentoffender’sattending another school or that would be 1091 required as a consequence of the prohibition against riding on a 1092 school bus on which the victim or a sibling of the victim is 1093 riding. If the student is experiencing homelessness as described 1094 in s. 1003.01(12) or belongs to a family whose income does not 1095 exceed 150 percent of the federal poverty level, the school 1096 district shall arrange and pay for the transportation.However,1097 The studentoffenderor the parents of the studentoffendermay 1098 not be charged for existing modes of transportation that can be 1099 used by the studentoffenderat no additional cost to the 1100 district school board. 1101 (8)(7)Any disciplinary or prosecutorial action taken 1102 against a student who violates thea zero-tolerancepolicy on 1103 referrals to the criminal justice or juvenile justice system 1104 must be based on the particular circumstances of the student’s 1105 misconduct. 1106 (9)(8)A threat assessment team shallmayuse alternatives 1107 to expulsion or referral to a law enforcement agencyagencies1108 unless the use of such alternatives will pose a threat to school 1109 safety. By August 1 of each year, a school district shall 1110 provide to the department all policies and agreements adopted or 1111 implemented pursuant to this section. 1112 (10) To assist a school district in developing policies 1113 that ensure students are not arrested or otherwise referred to 1114 the criminal justice system or the juvenile justice system for 1115 petty acts of misconduct, the department shall, by March 1, 1116 2020, in collaboration with students, educators, parents, and 1117 stakeholders, develop and provide to each school district a 1118 model policy. 1119 (11) On or before January 1 of each year, the Commissioner 1120 of Education shall report to the Governor, the President of the 1121 Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives on the 1122 implementation of this section. The report must include data 1123 regarding school-based arrests and referrals of students to law 1124 enforcement agencies. 1125 Section 5. Paragraph (d) of subsection (5) of section 1126 16.555, Florida Statutes, is amended to read: 1127 16.555 Crime Stoppers Trust Fund; rulemaking.— 1128 (5) 1129(d)Grants may be awarded to fund student crime watch1130programs pursuant to s. 1006.07(3).1131 Section 6. Paragraph (a) of subsection (8) of section 1132 1001.42, Florida Statutes, is amended to read: 1133 1001.42 Powers and duties of district school board.—The 1134 district school board, acting as a board, shall exercise all 1135 powers and perform all duties listed below: 1136 (8) STUDENT WELFARE.— 1137 (a) In accordance withthe provisions ofchapters 1003 and 1138 1006, provide for the proper accounting for all students of 1139 school age, for the attendance and disciplinecontrolof 1140 students at school, and for proper attention to health, safety, 1141 and other matters relating to the welfare of students. 1142 Section 7. Subsection (5) of section 1002.20, Florida 1143 Statutes, is amended to read: 1144 1002.20 K-12 student and parent rights.—Parents of public 1145 school students must receive accurate and timely information 1146 regarding their child’s academic progress and must be informed 1147 of ways they can help their child to succeed in school. K-12 1148 students and their parents are afforded numerous statutory 1149 rights including, but not limited to, the following: 1150 (5) SAFETY.—In accordance with s. 1006.13(7)the provisions1151of s. 1006.13(6), students who have been victims of certain 1152 felony offenses by other students, as well as the siblings of 1153 the student victims, have the right to be kept separated from 1154 the student offender both at school and during school 1155 transportation. 1156 Section 8. Subsection (5) of section 1002.23, Florida 1157 Statutes, is amended to read: 1158 1002.23 Family and School Partnership for Student 1159 Achievement Act.— 1160 (5) Each school district shall develop and disseminate a 1161 parent guide to successful student achievement, consistent with 1162 the guidelines of the Department of Education, which addresses 1163 what parents need to know about their child’s educational 1164 progress and how parents can help their child to succeed in 1165 school. The guide must: 1166 (a) Be understandable to students and parents; 1167 (b) Be distributed to all parents, students, and school 1168 personnel at the beginning of each school year; 1169 (c) Be discussed at the beginning of each school year in 1170 meetings of students, parents, and teachers; 1171 (d) Include information concerning services, opportunities, 1172 choices, academic standards, and student assessment; and 1173 (e) Provide information on the importance of student health 1174 and available immunizations and vaccinations, including, but not 1175 limited to: 1176 1. A recommended immunization schedule in accordance with 1177 United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1178 recommendations. 1179 2. Detailed information regarding the causes, symptoms, and 1180 transmission of meningococcal disease and the availability, 1181 effectiveness, known contraindications, and appropriate age for 1182 the administration of any required or recommended vaccine 1183 against meningococcal disease, in accordance with the 1184 recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization 1185 Practices of the United States Centers for Disease Control and 1186 Prevention. 1187 1188 The parent guide described in this subsection may be included as 1189 a part of the standards for intervention under s. 1006.07code1190of student conduct that is required in s. 1006.07(2). 1191 Section 9. Paragraph (a) of subsection (7) of section 1192 1002.33, Florida Statutes, is amended to read: 1193 1002.33 Charter schools.— 1194 (7) CHARTER.—The terms and conditions for the operation of 1195 a charter school shall be set forth by the sponsor and the 1196 applicant in a written contractual agreement, called a charter. 1197 The sponsor and the governing board of the charter school shall 1198 use the standard charter contract pursuant to subsection (21), 1199 which shall incorporate the approved application and any addenda 1200 approved with the application. Any term or condition of a 1201 proposed charter contract that differs from the standard charter 1202 contract adopted by rule of the State Board of Education shall 1203 be presumed a limitation on charter school flexibility. The 1204 sponsor may not impose unreasonable rules or regulations that 1205 violate the intent of giving charter schools greater flexibility 1206 to meet educational goals. The charter shall be signed by the 1207 governing board of the charter school and the sponsor, following 1208 a public hearing to ensure community input. 1209 (a) The charter shall address and criteria for approval of 1210 the charter shall be based on: 1211 1. The school’s mission, the students to be served, and the 1212 ages and grades to be included. 1213 2. The focus of the curriculum, the instructional methods 1214 to be used, any distinctive instructional techniques to be 1215 employed, and identification and acquisition of appropriate 1216 technologies needed to improve educational and administrative 1217 performance which include a means for promoting safe, ethical, 1218 and appropriate uses of technology which comply with legal and 1219 professional standards. 1220 a. The charter shall ensure that reading is a primary focus 1221 of the curriculum and that resources are provided to identify 1222 and provide specialized instruction for students who are reading 1223 below grade level. The curriculum and instructional strategies 1224 for reading must be consistent with the Next Generation Sunshine 1225 State Standards and grounded in scientifically based reading 1226 research. 1227 b. In order to provide students with access to diverse 1228 instructional delivery models, to facilitate the integration of 1229 technology within traditional classroom instruction, and to 1230 provide students with the skills they need to compete in the 1231 21st century economy, the Legislature encourages instructional 1232 methods for blended learning courses consisting of both 1233 traditional classroom and online instructional techniques. 1234 Charter schools may implement blended learning courses which 1235 combine traditional classroom instruction and virtual 1236 instruction. Students in a blended learning course must be full 1237 time students of the charter school pursuant to s. 1238 1011.61(1)(a)1. Instructional personnel certified pursuant to s. 1239 1012.55 who provide virtual instruction for blended learning 1240 courses may be employees of the charter school or may be under 1241 contract to provide instructional services to charter school 1242 students. At a minimum, such instructional personnel must hold 1243 an active state or school district adjunct certification under 1244 s. 1012.57 for the subject area of the blended learning course. 1245 The funding and performance accountability requirements for 1246 blended learning courses are the same as those for traditional 1247 courses. 1248 3. The current incoming baseline standard of student 1249 academic achievement, the outcomes to be achieved, and the 1250 method of measurement that will be used. The criteria listed in 1251 this subparagraph shall include a detailed description of: 1252 a. How the baseline student academic achievement levels and 1253 prior rates of academic progress will be established. 1254 b. How these baseline rates will be compared to rates of 1255 academic progress achieved by these same students while 1256 attending the charter school. 1257 c. To the extent possible, how these rates of progress will 1258 be evaluated and compared with rates of progress of other 1259 closely comparable student populations. 1260 1261 The district school board is required to provide academic 1262 student performance data to charter schools for each of their 1263 students coming from the district school system, as well as 1264 rates of academic progress of comparable student populations in 1265 the district school system. 1266 4. The methods used to identify the educational strengths 1267 and needs of students and how well educational goals and 1268 performance standards are met by students attending the charter 1269 school. The methods shall provide a means for the charter school 1270 to ensure accountability to its constituents by analyzing 1271 student performance data and by evaluating the effectiveness and 1272 efficiency of its major educational programs. Students in 1273 charter schools shall, at a minimum, participate in the 1274 statewide assessment program created under s. 1008.22. 1275 5. In secondary charter schools, a method for determining 1276 that a student has satisfied the requirements for graduation in 1277 s. 1002.3105(5), s. 1003.4281, or s. 1003.4282. 1278 6. A method for resolving conflicts between the governing 1279 board of the charter school and the sponsor. 1280 7. The admissions procedures and dismissal procedures, 1281 including the school’s standards of interventioncode of student1282conduct. Admission or dismissal must not be based on a student’s 1283 academic performance. 1284 8. The ways by which the school will achieve a 1285 racial/ethnic balance reflective of the community it serves or 1286 within the racial/ethnic range of other public schools in the 1287 same school district. 1288 9. The financial and administrative management of the 1289 school, including a reasonable demonstration of the professional 1290 experience or competence of those individuals or organizations 1291 applying to operate the charter school or those hired or 1292 retained to perform such professional services and the 1293 description of clearly delineated responsibilities and the 1294 policies and practices needed to effectively manage the charter 1295 school. A description of internal audit procedures and 1296 establishment of controls to ensure that financial resources are 1297 properly managed must be included. Both public sector and 1298 private sector professional experience shall be equally valid in 1299 such a consideration. 1300 10. The asset and liability projections required in the 1301 application which are incorporated into the charter and shall be 1302 compared with information provided in the annual report of the 1303 charter school. 1304 11. A description of procedures that identify various risks 1305 and provide for a comprehensive approach to reduce the impact of 1306 losses; plans to ensure the safety and security of students and 1307 staff; plans to identify, minimize, and protect others from 1308 violent or disruptive student behavior; and the manner in which 1309 the school will be insured, including whether or not the school 1310 will be required to have liability insurance, and, if so, the 1311 terms and conditions thereof and the amounts of coverage. 1312 12. The term of the charter which shall provide for 1313 cancellation of the charter if insufficient progress has been 1314 made in attaining the student achievement objectives of the 1315 charter and if it is not likely that such objectives can be 1316 achieved before expiration of the charter. The initial term of a 1317 charter shall be for 5 years, excluding 2 planning years. In 1318 order to facilitate access to long-term financial resources for 1319 charter school construction, charter schools that are operated 1320 by a municipality or other public entity as provided by law are 1321 eligible for up to a 15-year charter, subject to approval by the 1322 district school board. A charter lab school is eligible for a 1323 charter for a term of up to 15 years. In addition, to facilitate 1324 access to long-term financial resources for charter school 1325 construction, charter schools that are operated by a private, 1326 not-for-profit, s. 501(c)(3) status corporation are eligible for 1327 up to a 15-year charter, subject to approval by the district 1328 school board. Such long-term charters remain subject to annual 1329 review and may be terminated during the term of the charter, but 1330 only according to the provisions set forth in subsection (8). 1331 13. The facilities to be used and their location. The 1332 sponsor may not require a charter school to have a certificate 1333 of occupancy or a temporary certificate of occupancy for such a 1334 facility earlier than 15 calendar days before the first day of 1335 school. 1336 14. The qualifications to be required of the teachers and 1337 the potential strategies used to recruit, hire, train, and 1338 retain qualified staff to achieve best value. 1339 15. The governance structure of the school, including the 1340 status of the charter school as a public or private employer as 1341 required in paragraph (12)(i). 1342 16. A timetable for implementing the charter which 1343 addresses the implementation of each element thereof and the 1344 date by which the charter shall be awarded in order to meet this 1345 timetable. 1346 17. In the case of an existing public school that is being 1347 converted to charter status, alternative arrangements for 1348 current students who choose not to attend the charter school and 1349 for current teachers who choose not to teach in the charter 1350 school after conversion in accordance with the existing 1351 collective bargaining agreement or district school board rule in 1352 the absence of a collective bargaining agreement. However, 1353 alternative arrangements shall not be required for current 1354 teachers who choose not to teach in a charter lab school, except 1355 as authorized by the employment policies of the state university 1356 which grants the charter to the lab school. 1357 18. Full disclosure of the identity of all relatives 1358 employed by the charter school who are related to the charter 1359 school owner, president, chairperson of the governing board of 1360 directors, superintendent, governing board member, principal, 1361 assistant principal, or any other person employed by the charter 1362 school who has equivalent decisionmaking authority. For the 1363 purpose of this subparagraph, the term “relative” means father, 1364 mother, son, daughter, brother, sister, uncle, aunt, first 1365 cousin, nephew, niece, husband, wife, father-in-law, mother-in 1366 law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, 1367 stepfather, stepmother, stepson, stepdaughter, stepbrother, 1368 stepsister, half brother, or half sister. 1369 19. Implementation of the activities authorized under s. 1370 1002.331 by the charter school when it satisfies the eligibility 1371 requirements for a high-performing charter school. A high 1372 performing charter school shall notify its sponsor in writing by 1373 March 1 if it intends to increase enrollment or expand grade 1374 levels the following school year. The written notice shall 1375 specify the amount of the enrollment increase and the grade 1376 levels that will be added, as applicable. 1377 Section 10. Paragraph (d) of subsection (8) of section 1378 1002.40, Florida Statutes, is amended to read: 1379 1002.40 The Hope Scholarship Program.— 1380 (8) DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION OBLIGATIONS.—The department 1381 shall: 1382 (d) Contract with an independent entity to provide an 1383 annual evaluation of the program by: 1384 1. Reviewing the school bullying prevention education 1385 program, climate, and standards for interventioncode of student1386conductof each public school from which 10 or more students 1387 transferred to another public school or private school using the 1388 Hope scholarship to determine areas in the school or school 1389 district procedures involving reporting, investigating, and 1390 communicating a parent’s and student’s rights that are in need 1391 of improvement. At a minimum, the review must include: 1392 a. An assessment of the investigation time and quality of 1393 the response of the school and the school district. 1394 b. An assessment of the effectiveness of communication 1395 procedures with the students involved in an incident, the 1396 students’ parents, and the school and school district personnel. 1397 c. An analysis of school incident and discipline data. 1398 d. The challenges and obstacles relating to implementing 1399 recommendations from the review. 1400 2. Reviewing the school bullying prevention education 1401 program, climate, and standards for interventioncode of student1402conductof each public school to which a student transferred if 1403 the student was from a school identified in subparagraph 1. in 1404 order to identify best practices and make recommendations to a 1405 public school at which the incidents occurred. 1406 3. Reviewing the performance of participating students 1407 enrolled in a private school in which at least 51 percent of the 1408 total enrolled students in the prior school year participated in 1409 the program and in which there are at least 10 participating 1410 students who have scores for tests administered. 1411 4. Surveying the parents of participating students to 1412 determine academic, safety, and school climate satisfaction and 1413 to identify any challenges to or obstacles in addressing the 1414 incident or relating to the use of the scholarship. 1415 Section 11. Subsection (1) of section 1003.02, Florida 1416 Statutes, is amended to read: 1417 1003.02 District school board operation and control of 1418 public K-12 education within the school district.—As provided in 1419 part II of chapter 1001, district school boards are 1420 constitutionally and statutorily charged with the operation and 1421 control of public K-12 education within their school district. 1422 The district school boards must establish, organize, and operate 1423 their public K-12 schools and educational programs, employees, 1424 and facilities. Their responsibilities include staff 1425 development, public K-12 school student education including 1426 education for exceptional students and students in juvenile 1427 justice programs, special programs, adult education programs, 1428 and career education programs. Additionally, district school 1429 boards must: 1430 (1) Provide for the proper accounting for all students of 1431 school age, for the attendance and disciplinecontrolof 1432 students at school, and for proper attention to health, safety, 1433 and other matters relating to the welfare of students in the 1434 following areas: 1435 (a) Admission, classification, promotion, and graduation of 1436 students.—Adopt rules for admitting, classifying, promoting, and 1437 graduating students to or from the various schools of the 1438 district. 1439 (b) Enforcement of attendance laws.—Provide for the 1440 enforcement of all laws and rules relating to the attendance of 1441 students at school. District school boards are authorized to 1442 establish policies that allow accumulated unexcused tardies, 1443 regardless of when they occur during the school day, and early 1444 departures from school to be recorded as unexcused absences. 1445 District school boards are also authorized to establish policies 1446 that require referral to a school’s child study team for 1447 students who have fewer absences than the number required by s. 1448 1003.26(1)(b). 1449 (c) DisciplineControlof students.— 1450 1. Adopt rules for thecontrol,attendance, discipline, in 1451 school suspension, suspension, and expulsion of students and 1452 decide all cases recommended for expulsion. 1453 2. Maintain standards for interventiona code of student1454conductas provided in chapter 1006. 1455 (d) Courses of study and instructional materials.— 1456 1. Provide adequate instructional materials for all 1457 students as follows and in accordance with the requirements of 1458 chapter 1006, in the core courses of mathematics, language arts, 1459 social studies, science, reading, and literature, except for 1460 instruction for which the school advisory council approves the 1461 use of a program that does not include a textbook as a major 1462 tool of instruction. 1463 2. Adopt courses of study for use in the schools of the 1464 district. 1465 3. Provide for proper requisitioning, distribution, 1466 accounting, storage, care, and use of all instructional 1467 materials as may be needed, and ensure that instructional 1468 materials used in the district are consistent with the district 1469 goals and objectives and the course descriptions approved by the 1470 State Board of Education, as well as with the state and school 1471 district performance standards required by law and state board 1472 rule. 1473 (e) Transportation.—Make provision for the transportation 1474 of students to the public schools or school activities they are 1475 required or expected to attend, efficiently and economically, in 1476 accordance with the requirements of chapter 1006, which function 1477 may be accomplished, in whole or part, by means of an interlocal 1478 agreement under s. 163.01. 1479 (f) Facilities and school plant.— 1480 1. Approve and adopt a districtwide school facilities 1481 program, in accordance with the requirements of chapter 1013. 1482 2. Approve plans for locating, planning, constructing, 1483 sanitating, insuring, maintaining, protecting, and condemning 1484 school property as prescribed in chapter 1013. 1485 3. Approve and adopt a districtwide school building 1486 program. 1487 4. Select and purchase school sites, playgrounds, and 1488 recreational areas located at centers at which schools are to be 1489 constructed, of adequate size to meet the needs of projected 1490 students to be accommodated. 1491 5. Approve the proposed purchase of any site, playground, 1492 or recreational area for which school district funds are to be 1493 used. 1494 6. Expand existing sites. 1495 7. Rent buildings when necessary, which function may be 1496 accomplished, in whole or part, by means of an interlocal 1497 agreement under s. 163.01. 1498 8. Enter into leases or lease-purchase arrangements, in 1499 accordance with the requirements and conditions provided in s. 1500 1013.15(2). 1501 9. Provide for the proper supervision of construction. 1502 10. Make or contract for additions, alterations, and 1503 repairs on buildings and other school properties. 1504 11. Ensure that all plans and specifications for buildings 1505 provide adequately for the safety and well-being of students, as 1506 well as for economy of construction. 1507 12. Provide adequately for the proper maintenance and 1508 upkeep of school plants, which function may be accomplished, in 1509 whole or part, by means of an interlocal agreement under s. 1510 163.01. 1511 13. Carry insurance on every school building in all school 1512 plants including contents, boilers, and machinery, except 1513 buildings of three classrooms or less which are of frame 1514 construction and located in a tenth class public protection zone 1515 as defined by the Florida Inspection and Rating Bureau, and on 1516 all school buses and other property under the control of the 1517 district school board or title to which is vested in the 1518 district school board, except as exceptions may be authorized 1519 under rules of the State Board of Education. 1520 14. Condemn and prohibit the use for public school purposes 1521 of any building under the control of the district school board. 1522 (g) School operation.— 1523 1. Provide for the operation of all public schools as free 1524 schools for a term of 180 days or the equivalent on an hourly 1525 basis as specified by rules of the State Board of Education; 1526 determine district school funds necessary in addition to state 1527 funds to operate all schools for the minimum term; and arrange 1528 for the levying of district school taxes necessary to provide 1529 the amount needed from district sources. 1530 2. Prepare, adopt, and timely submit to the Department of 1531 Education, as required by law and by rules of the State Board of 1532 Education, the annual school budget, so as to promote the 1533 improvement of the district school system. 1534 (h) Records and reports.— 1535 1. Keep all necessary records and make all needed and 1536 required reports, as required by law or by rules of the State 1537 Board of Education. 1538 2. At regular intervals require reports to be made by 1539 principals or teachers in all public schools to the parents of 1540 the students enrolled and in attendance at their schools, 1541 apprising them of the academic and other progress being made by 1542 the student and giving other useful information. 1543 (i) Parental notification of acceleration options.—At the 1544 beginning of each school year, notify parents of students in or 1545 entering high school of the opportunity and benefits of advanced 1546 placement, International Baccalaureate, Advanced International 1547 Certificate of Education, dual enrollment, and Florida Virtual 1548 School courses and options for early graduation under s. 1549 1003.4281. 1550 (j) Return on investment.—Notify the parent of a student 1551 who earns an industry certification that articulates for 1552 postsecondary credit of the estimated cost savings to the parent 1553 before the student’s high school graduation versus the cost of 1554 acquiring such certification after high school graduation, which 1555 would include the tuition and fees associated with available 1556 postsecondary credits. Also, the student and the parent must be 1557 informed of any additional industry certifications available to 1558 the student. 1559 Section 12. Section 1003.32, Florida Statutes, is amended 1560 to read: 1561 1003.32 Authority of teacher; responsibility for discipline 1562controlof students; district school board and principal 1563 duties.—Subject to law and to the rules of the district school 1564 board, each teacher or other member of the staff of any school 1565 shall have such authority for thecontrol anddiscipline of 1566 students as may be assigned to him or her by the principal or 1567 the principal’s designated representative and shall keep good 1568 order in the classroom and in other places in which he or she is 1569 assigned to be in charge of students. 1570 (1) In accordance with this section and within the 1571 framework of the district school board’s standards for 1572 interventioncode of student conduct, teachers and other 1573 instructional personnel shall have the authority to undertake 1574 any of the following actions in managing student behavior and 1575 ensuring the safety of all students in their classes and school 1576 and their opportunity to learn in an orderly and disciplined 1577 classroom: 1578 (a) Establish classroom rules of conduct. 1579 (b) Establish and implement consequences, designed to 1580 change behavior, for infractions of classroom rules. 1581 (c) Have disobedient, disrespectful, violent, abusive, 1582 uncontrollable, or disruptive students removed from the 1583 classroom for behavior management intervention. 1584 (d) Have violent, abusive, uncontrollable, or disruptive 1585 students directed for information or assistance from appropriate 1586 school or district school board personnel. 1587 (e) Assist in enforcing school rules on school property, 1588 during school-sponsored transportation, and during school 1589 sponsored activities. 1590 (f) Request and receive information as to the disposition 1591 of any referrals to the administration for violation of 1592 classroom or school rules. 1593 (g) Request and receive immediate assistance in classroom 1594 management if a student becomes uncontrollable or in case of 1595 emergency. 1596 (h) Request and receive training and other assistance to 1597 improve skills in classroom management, violence prevention, 1598 conflict resolution, and related areas. 1599 (i) Press charges if there is a reason to believe that a 1600 crime has been committed on school property, during school 1601 sponsored transportation, or during school-sponsored activities. 1602 (j) Use reasonable force, according to standards adopted by 1603 the State Board of Education, to protect himself or herself or 1604 others from injury. 1605 (k) Use corporal punishment according to school board 1606 policy and at least the following procedures, if a teacher feels 1607 that corporal punishment is necessary: 1608 1. The use of corporal punishment shall be approved in 1609 principle by the principal before it is used, but approval is 1610 not necessary for each specific instance in which it is used. 1611 The principal shall prepare guidelines for administering such 1612 punishment which identify the types of punishable offenses, the 1613 conditions under which the punishment shall be administered, and 1614 the specific personnel on the school staff authorized to 1615 administer the punishment. 1616 2. A teacher or principal may administer corporal 1617 punishment only in the presence of another adult who is informed 1618 beforehand, and in the student’s presence, of the reason for the 1619 punishment. 1620 3. A teacher or principal who has administered punishment 1621 shall, upon request, provide the student’s parent with a written 1622 explanation of the reason for the punishment and the name of the 1623 other adult who was present. 1624 (2) Teachers and other instructional personnel shall: 1625 (a) Set and enforce reasonable classroom rules that treat 1626 all students equitably. 1627 (b) Seek professional development to improve classroom 1628 management skills when data show that they are not effective in 1629 handling minor classroom disruptions. 1630 (c) Maintain an orderly and disciplined classroom with a 1631 positive and effective learning environment that maximizes 1632 learning and minimizes disruption. 1633 (d) Work with parents and other school personnel to solve 1634 discipline problems in their classrooms. 1635 (3) A teacher may send a student to the principal’s office 1636 to maintain effective discipline in the classroom and may 1637 recommend an appropriate consequence consistent with the 1638 standards for interventionstudent code of conductunder s. 1639 1006.07. The principal shall respond by employing the teacher’s 1640 recommended consequence or a more serious disciplinary action if 1641 the student’s history of disruptive behavior warrants it. If the 1642 principal determines that a lesser disciplinary action is 1643 appropriate, the principal should consult with the teacher 1644 beforeprior totaking disciplinary action. 1645 (4) A teacher may remove from class a student whose 1646 behavior the teacher determines interferes with the teacher’s 1647 ability to communicate effectively with the students in the 1648 class or with the ability of the student’s classmates to learn. 1649 Each district school board, each district school superintendent, 1650 and each school principal shall support the authority of 1651 teachers to remove disobedient, violent, abusive, 1652 uncontrollable, or disruptive students from the classroom. 1653 (5) If a teacher removes a student from class under 1654 subsection (4), the principal may place the student in another 1655 appropriate classroom, in in-school suspension, or in a dropout 1656 prevention and academic intervention program as provided by s. 1657 1003.53; or the principal may recommend the student for out-of 1658 school suspension or expulsion, as appropriate. The student may 1659 be prohibited from attending or participating in school 1660 sponsored or school-related activities. The principal may not 1661 return the student to that teacher’s class without the teacher’s 1662 consent unless the committee established under subsection (6) 1663 determines that such placement is the best or only available 1664 alternative. The teacher and the placement review committee must 1665 render decisions within 5 days afterofthe removal of the 1666 student from the classroom. 1667 (6)(a) Each school shall establish a placement review 1668 committee to determine placement of a student when a teacher 1669 withholds consent to the return of a student to the teacher’s 1670 class. A school principal must notify each teacher in that 1671 school about the availability, the procedures, and the criteria 1672 for the placement review committee as outlined in this section. 1673 (b) The principal must report on a quarterly basis to the 1674 district school superintendent and district school board each 1675 incidence of a teacher’s withholding consent for a removed 1676 student to return to the teacher’s class and the disposition of 1677 the incident, and the superintendent must annually report these 1678 data to the department. 1679 (c) The Commissioner of Education shall annually review 1680 each school district’s compliance with this section, and success 1681 in achieving orderly classrooms, and shall use all appropriate 1682 enforcement actions up to and including the withholding of 1683 disbursements from the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund until 1684 full compliance is verified. 1685 (d) Placement review committee membership must include at 1686 least the following: 1687 1. Two teachers, one selected by the school’s faculty and 1688 one selected by the teacher who has removed the student. 1689 2. One member from the school’s staff who is selected by 1690 the principal. 1691 1692 The teacher who withheld consent to readmitting the student may 1693 not serve on the committee. The teacher and the placement review 1694 committee must render decisions within 5 days after the removal 1695 of the student from the classroom. If the placement review 1696 committee’s decision is contrary to the decision of the teacher 1697 to withhold consent to the return of the removed student to the 1698 teacher’s class, the teacher may appeal the committee’s decision 1699 to the district school superintendent. 1700 (7) Any teacher who removes 25 percent of his or her total 1701 class enrollment shall be required to complete professional 1702 development to improve classroom management skills. 1703 (8) Each teacher or other member of the staff of any school 1704 who knows or has reason to suspect that any person has 1705 committed, or has made a credible threat to commit, a crime of 1706 violence on school property shall report such knowledge or 1707 suspicion in accordance withthe provisions ofs. 1006.13. Each 1708 district school superintendent and each school principal shall 1709 fully support good faith reporting in accordance withthe1710provisions ofthis subsection and s. 1006.13. Any person who 1711 makes a report required by this subsection in good faith shall 1712 be immune from civil or criminal liability for making the 1713 report. 1714 (9) When knowledgeable of the likely risk of physical 1715 violence in the schools, the district school board shall take 1716 reasonable steps to ensure that teachers, other school staff, 1717 and students are not at undue risk of violence or harm. 1718 Section 13. Paragraphs (c) and (d) of subsection (1) of 1719 section 1003.53, Florida Statutes, are amended to read: 1720 1003.53 Dropout prevention and academic intervention.— 1721 (1) 1722 (c) A student shall be identified as being eligible to 1723 receive services funded through the dropout prevention and 1724 academic intervention program based upon one of the following 1725 criteria: 1726 1. The student is academically unsuccessful as evidenced by 1727 low test scores, retention, failing grades, low grade point 1728 average, falling behind in earning credits, or not meeting the 1729 state or district proficiency levels in reading, mathematics, or 1730 writing. 1731 2. The student has a pattern of excessive absenteeism or 1732 has been identified as a habitual truant. 1733 3. The student has a history of disruptive behavior in 1734 school or has committed an offense that warrants out-of-school 1735 suspension or expulsion from school according to the district 1736 school board’s standards for interventioncode of student1737conduct. For the purposes of this program, the term “disruptive 1738 behavior” meansisbehavior that: 1739 a. Interferes with the student’s own learning or the 1740 educational process of others and requires attention and 1741 assistance beyond that which the traditional program can provide 1742 or results in frequent conflicts of a disruptive nature while 1743 the student is under the jurisdiction of the school either in or 1744 out of the classroom; or 1745 b. Severely threatens the general welfare of students or 1746 others with whom the student comes into contact. 1747 4. The student is identified by a school’s early warning 1748 system pursuant to s. 1001.42(18)(b). 1749 (d)1. “Second chance schools” means district school board 1750 programs provided through cooperative agreements between the 1751 Department of Juvenile Justice, private providers, state or 1752 local law enforcement agencies, or other state agencies for 1753 students who have been disruptive or violent or who have 1754 committed serious offenses. As partnership programs, second 1755 chance schools are eligible for waivers by the Commissioner of 1756 Education from State Board of Education rules that prevent the 1757 provision of appropriate educational services to violent, 1758 severely disruptive, or delinquent students in small 1759 nontraditional settings or in court-adjudicated settings. 1760 2. District school boards seeking to enter into a 1761 partnership with a private entity or public entity to operate a 1762 second chance school for disruptive students may apply to the 1763 Department of Education for startup grants. These grants must be 1764 available for 1 year and must be used to offset the startup 1765 costs for implementing such programs off public school campuses. 1766 General operating funds must be generated through the 1767 appropriate programs of the Florida Education Finance Program. 1768 Grants approved under this program shall be for the full 1769 operation of the school by a private nonprofit or for-profit 1770 provider or the public entity. This program must operate under 1771 rules adopted by the State Board of Education and be implemented 1772 to the extent funded by the Legislature. 1773 3. A student enrolled in a sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, 1774 or tenth grade class may be assigned to a second chance school 1775 if the student meets the following criteria: 1776 a. The student is a habitual truant as defined in s. 1777 1003.01. 1778 b. The student’s excessive absences have detrimentally 1779 affected the student’s academic progress and the student may 1780 have unique needs that a traditional school setting may not 1781 meet. 1782 c. The student’s high incidences of truancy have been 1783 directly linked to a lack of motivation. 1784 d. The student has been identified as at risk of dropping 1785 out of school. 1786 4. A student who is habitually truant may be assigned to a 1787 second chance school only if the case staffing committee, 1788 established pursuant to s. 984.12, determines that such 1789 placement could be beneficial to the student and the criteria 1790 included in subparagraph 3. are met. 1791 5. A student may be assigned to a second chance school if 1792 the district school board in which the student resides has a 1793 second chance school and if the student meets one of the 1794 following criteria: 1795 a. The student habitually exhibits disruptive behavior in 1796 violation of the standards for interventioncode of student1797conductadopted by the district school board. 1798 b. The student interferes with the student’s own learning 1799 or the educational process of others and requires attention and 1800 assistance beyond that which the traditional program can 1801 provide, or, while the student is under the jurisdiction of the 1802 school either in or out of the classroom, frequent conflicts of 1803 a disruptive nature occur. 1804 c. The student has committed a serious offense which 1805 warrants suspension or expulsion from school according to the 1806 district school board’s standards for interventioncode of1807student conduct. For the purposes of this program, the term 1808 “serious offense” meansisbehavior thatwhich: 1809 (I) Threatens the general welfare of students or others 1810 with whom the student comes into contact; 1811 (II) Includes violence; 1812 (III) Includes possession of weapons or drugs; or 1813 (IV) Is harassment or verbal abuse of school personnel or 1814 other students. 1815 6. Beforeprior toassignment of students to second chance 1816 schools, district school boards are encouraged to use 1817 alternative programs, such as in-school suspension, which 1818 provide instruction and counseling leading to improved student 1819 behavior, a reduction in the incidence of truancy, and the 1820 development of more effective interpersonal skills. 1821 7. Students assigned to second chance schools must be 1822 evaluated by the district school board’s child study team before 1823 placement in a second chance school. The study team shall ensure 1824 that students are not eligible for placement in a program for 1825 emotionally disturbed children. 1826 8. Students who exhibit academic and social progress and 1827 who wish to return to a traditional school shall complete a 1828 character development and law education program and demonstrate 1829 preparedness to reenter the regular school setting beforeprior1830toreentering a traditional school. 1831 Section 14. Paragraph (h) of subsection (1) of section 1832 1003.57, Florida Statutes, is amended to read: 1833 1003.57 Exceptional students instruction.— 1834 (1) 1835 (h) School personnel may consider any unique circumstances 1836 on a case-by-case basis when determining whether a change in 1837 placement is appropriate for a student who has a disability and 1838 violates a district school board’s standards for intervention 1839code of student conduct. School personnel may remove and place 1840 such student in an interim alternative educational setting for 1841 not more than 45 school days, without regard to whether the 1842 behavior is determined to be a manifestation of the student’s 1843 disability, if the student: 1844 1. Carries a weapon to or possesses a weapon at school, on 1845 school premises, or at a school function under the jurisdiction 1846 of the school district; 1847 2. Knowingly possesses or uses illegal drugs, or sells or 1848 solicits the sale of a controlled substance, while at school, on 1849 school premises, or at a school function under the jurisdiction 1850 of the school district; or 1851 3. Has inflicted serious bodily injury upon another person 1852 while at school, on school premises, or at a school function 1853 under the jurisdiction of the school district. 1854 Section 15. Subsection (1) of section 1006.08, Florida 1855 Statutes, is amended to read: 1856 1006.08 District school superintendent duties relating to 1857 student discipline and school safety.— 1858 (1) The district school superintendent shall recommend 1859 plans to the district school board for the proper accounting for 1860 all students of school age, for the attendance and discipline 1861controlof students at school, and for the proper attention to 1862 health, safety, and other matters which will best promote the 1863 welfare of students. Each district school superintendent shall 1864 fully support the authority of his or her principals, teachers, 1865 and school bus drivers to remove disobedient, disrespectful, 1866 violent, abusive, uncontrollable, or disruptive students from 1867 the classroom and the school bus and, when appropriate and 1868 available, to place such students in an alternative educational 1869 setting. When the district school superintendent makes a 1870 recommendation for expulsion to the district school board, he or 1871 she shall give written notice to the student and the student’s 1872 parent of the recommendation, setting forth the charges against 1873 the student and advising the student and his or her parent of 1874 the student’s right to due process as prescribed by ss. 120.569 1875 and 120.57(2). When district school board action on a 1876 recommendation for the expulsion of a student is pending, the 1877 district school superintendent may extend the suspension 1878 assigned by the principal beyond 10 school days if such 1879 suspension period expires before the next regular or special 1880 meeting of the district school board. 1881 Section 16. Paragraph (c) of subsection (1) and subsection 1882 (4) of section 1006.09, Florida Statutes, are amended to read: 1883 1006.09 Duties of school principal relating to student 1884 discipline and school safety.— 1885 (1) 1886 (c) The principal or the principal’s designee may recommend 1887 to the district school superintendent the expulsion of any 1888 student who has committed a serious breach of conduct, 1889 including, but not limited to, willful disobedience, open 1890 defiance of authority of a member of his or her staff, violence 1891 against persons or property, or any other act which 1892 substantially disrupts the orderly conduct of the school. A 1893 recommendation of expulsion or assignment to a second chance 1894 school may also be made for any student found to have 1895 intentionally made false accusations that jeopardize the 1896 professional reputation, employment, or professional 1897 certification of a teacher or other member of the school staff, 1898 according to the district school board’s standards for 1899 interventionboard code of student conduct. Any recommendation 1900 of expulsion mustshallinclude a detailed report by the 1901 principal or the principal’s designated representative on the 1902 alternative measures taken beforeprior tothe recommendation of 1903 expulsion. 1904 (4) When a student has been the victim of a violent crime 1905 perpetrated by another student who attends the same school, the 1906 school principal shall make full and effective use of the 1907 provisions of subsection (2) and s. 1006.13(7)s. 1006.13(6). A 1908 school principal who fails to comply with this subsection is 1909shall beineligible for any portion of the performance pay or 1910 the differentiated pay under s. 1012.22. However, if any party 1911 responsible for notification fails to properly notify the 1912 school, the school principal isshall beeligible for the 1913 performance pay or differentiated pay. 1914 Section 17. Subsection (2) of section 1006.10, Florida 1915 Statutes, is amended to read: 1916 1006.10 Authority of school bus drivers and district school 1917 boards relating to student discipline and student safety on 1918 school buses.— 1919 (2) The district school board shall require a system of 1920 progressive discipline of transported students for actions which 1921 are prohibited by the standards for interventioncode of student1922conduct. Disciplinary actions, including suspension of students 1923 from riding on district school board owned or contracted school 1924 buses, shall be subject to district school board policies and 1925 procedures and may be imposed by the principal or the 1926 principal’s designee. The principal or the principal’s designee 1927 may delegate any disciplinary authority to school bus drivers 1928 except for suspension of students from riding the bus. 1929 Section 18. Paragraph (n) of subsection (4) of section 1930 1006.147, Florida Statutes, is amended to read: 1931 1006.147 Bullying and harassment prohibited.— 1932 (4) Each school district shall adopt and review at least 1933 every 3 years a policy prohibiting bullying and harassment of a 1934 student or employee of a public K-12 educational institution. 1935 Each school district’s policy shall be in substantial conformity 1936 with the Department of Education’s model policy. The school 1937 district bullying and harassment policy shall afford all 1938 students the same protection regardless of their status under 1939 the law. The school district may establish separate 1940 discrimination policies that include categories of students. The 1941 school district shall involve students, parents, teachers, 1942 administrators, school staff, school volunteers, community 1943 representatives, and local law enforcement agencies in the 1944 process of adopting and reviewing the policy. The school 1945 district policy must be implemented by each school principal in 1946 a manner that is ongoing throughout the school year and 1947 integrated with the school’s curriculum, bullying prevention and 1948 intervention program, discipline policies, and other violence 1949 prevention efforts. The school district policy must contain, at 1950 a minimum, the following components: 1951 (n) A procedure for publicizing the policy, which must 1952 include its publication in the standards for interventioncode1953of student conductrequired under s. 1006.07s. 1006.07(2)and 1954 in all employee handbooks. 1955 Section 19. Paragraph (a) of subsection (3) of section 1956 1006.15, Florida Statutes, is amended to read: 1957 1006.15 Student standards for participation in 1958 interscholastic and intrascholastic extracurricular student 1959 activities; regulation.— 1960 (3)(a) As used in this section and s. 1006.20, the term 1961 “eligible to participate” includes, but is not limited to, a 1962 student participating in tryouts, off-season conditioning, 1963 summer workouts, preseason conditioning, in-season practice, or 1964 contests. The term does not mean that a student must be placed 1965 on any specific team for interscholastic or intrascholastic 1966 extracurricular activities. To be eligible to participate in 1967 interscholastic extracurricular student activities, a student 1968 must: 1969 1. Maintain a grade point average of 2.0 or above on a 4.0 1970 scale, or its equivalent, in the previous semester or a 1971 cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or above on a 4.0 scale, 1972 or its equivalent, in the courses required by s. 1002.3105(5) or 1973 s. 1003.4282. 1974 2. Execute and fulfill the requirements of an academic 1975 performance contract between the student, the district school 1976 board, the appropriate governing association, and the student’s 1977 parents, if the student’s cumulative grade point average falls 1978 below 2.0, or its equivalent, on a 4.0 scale in the courses 1979 required by s. 1002.3105(5) or s. 1003.4282. At a minimum, the 1980 contract must require that the student attend summer school, or 1981 its graded equivalent, between grades 9 and 10 or grades 10 and 1982 11, as necessary. 1983 3. Have a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or above on 1984 a 4.0 scale, or its equivalent, in the courses required by s. 1985 1002.3105(5) or s. 1003.4282 during his or her junior or senior 1986 year. 1987 4. Maintain satisfactory conduct, including adherence to 1988 the school’sappropriatedress code and other standards for 1989 intervention under s. 1006.07codes of student conduct policies1990described in s. 1006.07(2). If a student is convicted of, or is 1991 found to have committed, a felony or a delinquent act that would 1992 have been a felony if committed by an adult, regardless of 1993 whether adjudication is withheld, the student’s participation in 1994 interscholastic extracurricular activities is contingent upon 1995 established and published district school board policy. 1996 Section 20. Paragraphs (a) and (b) of subsection (1) of 1997 section 1006.195, Florida Statutes, are amended to read: 1998 1006.195 District school board, charter school authority 1999 and responsibility to establish student eligibility regarding 2000 participation in interscholastic and intrascholastic 2001 extracurricular activities.—Notwithstanding any provision to the 2002 contrary in ss. 1006.15, 1006.18, and 1006.20, regarding student 2003 eligibility to participate in interscholastic and 2004 intrascholastic extracurricular activities: 2005 (1)(a) A district school board must establish, through its 2006 standards for interventioncode of student conduct, student 2007 eligibility standards and related student disciplinary actions 2008 regarding student participation in interscholastic and 2009 intrascholastic extracurricular activities. The standards for 2010 interventioncode of student conductmust provide that: 2011 1. A student not currently suspended from interscholastic 2012 or intrascholastic extracurricular activities, or suspended or 2013 expelled from school, pursuant to a district school board’s 2014 suspension or expulsion powers provided in law, including ss. 2015 1006.07, 1006.08, and 1006.09, is eligible to participate in 2016 interscholastic and intrascholastic extracurricular activities. 2017 2. A student may not participate in a sport if the student 2018 participated in that same sport at another school during that 2019 school year, unless the student meets the criteria in s. 2020 1006.15(3)(h). 2021 3. A student’s eligibility to participate in any 2022 interscholastic or intrascholastic extracurricular activity may 2023 not be affected by any alleged recruiting violation until final 2024 disposition of the allegation pursuant to s. 1006.20(2)(b). 2025 (b) Students who participate in interscholastic and 2026 intrascholastic extracurricular activities for, but are not 2027 enrolled in, a public school pursuant to s. 1006.15(3)(c)-(e) 2028 and (8), are subject to the district school board’s standards 2029 for interventioncode of student conductfor the limited purpose 2030 of establishing and maintaining the student’s eligibility to 2031 participate at the school. 2032 Section 21. Paragraph (b) of subsection (5) of section 2033 1007.271, Florida Statutes, is amended to read: 2034 1007.271 Dual enrollment programs.— 2035 (5) 2036 (b) Each president, or designee, of a postsecondary 2037 institution offering a college credit dual enrollment course 2038 must: 2039 1. Provide a copy of the institution’s current faculty or 2040 adjunct faculty handbook to all faculty members teaching a dual 2041 enrollment course. 2042 2. Provide to all faculty members teaching a dual 2043 enrollment course a copy of the institution’s current student 2044 handbook, which may include, but is not limited to, information 2045 on registration policies, the standards for interventionstudent2046code of conduct, grading policies, and critical dates. 2047 3. Designate an individual or individuals to observe all 2048 faculty members teaching a dual enrollment course, regardless of 2049 the location of instruction. 2050 4. Use the same criteria to evaluate faculty members 2051 teaching a dual enrollment course as the criteria used to 2052 evaluate all other faculty members. 2053 5. Provide course plans and objectives to all faculty 2054 members teaching a dual enrollment course. 2055 Section 22. Paragraph (b) of subsection (4) of section 2056 1012.98, Florida Statutes, is amended to read: 2057 1012.98 School Community Professional Development Act.— 2058 (4) The Department of Education, school districts, schools, 2059 Florida College System institutions, and state universities 2060 share the responsibilities described in this section. These 2061 responsibilities include the following: 2062 (b) Each school district shall develop a professional 2063 development system as specified in subsection (3). The system 2064 shall be developed in consultation with teachers, teacher 2065 educators of Florida College System institutions and state 2066 universities, business and community representatives, and local 2067 education foundations, consortia, and professional 2068 organizations. The professional development system must: 2069 1. Be approved by the department. All substantial revisions 2070 to the system shall be submitted to the department for review 2071 for continued approval. 2072 2. Be based on analyses of student achievement data and 2073 instructional strategies and methods that support rigorous, 2074 relevant, and challenging curricula for all students. Schools 2075 and districts, in developing and refining the professional 2076 development system, shall also review and monitor school 2077 discipline data; school environment surveys; assessments of 2078 parental satisfaction; performance appraisal data of teachers, 2079 managers, and administrative personnel; and other performance 2080 indicators to identify school and student needs that can be met 2081 by improved professional performance. 2082 3. Provide inservice activities coupled with followup 2083 support appropriate to accomplish district-level and school 2084 level improvement goals and standards. The inservice activities 2085 for instructional personnel shall focus on analysis of student 2086 achievement data, ongoing formal and informal assessments of 2087 student achievement, identification and use of enhanced and 2088 differentiated instructional strategies that emphasize rigor, 2089 relevance, and reading in the content areas, enhancement of 2090 subject content expertise, integrated use of classroom 2091 technology that enhances teaching and learning, classroom 2092 management, parent involvement, and school safety. 2093 4. Provide inservice activities and support targeted to the 2094 individual needs of new teachers participating in the 2095 professional development certification and education competency 2096 program under s. 1012.56(8)(a). 2097 5. Include a master plan for inservice activities, pursuant 2098 to rules of the State Board of Education, for all district 2099 employees from all fund sources. The master plan shall be 2100 updated annually by September 1, must be based on input from 2101 teachers and district and school instructional leaders, and must 2102 use the latest available student achievement data and research 2103 to enhance rigor and relevance in the classroom. Each district 2104 inservice plan must be aligned to and support the school-based 2105 inservice plans and school improvement plans pursuant to s. 2106 1001.42(18). Each district inservice plan must provide a 2107 description of the training that middle grades instructional 2108 personnel and school administrators receive on the district’s 2109 standards for interventioncode of student conductadopted 2110 pursuant to s. 1006.07; integrated digital instruction and 2111 competency-based instruction and CAPE Digital Tool certificates 2112 and CAPE industry certifications; classroom management; student 2113 behavior and interaction; extended learning opportunities for 2114 students; and instructional leadership. District plans must be 2115 approved by the district school board annually in order to 2116 ensure compliance with subsection (1) and to allow for 2117 dissemination of research-based best practices to other 2118 districts. District school boards must submit verification of 2119 their approval to the Commissioner of Education no later than 2120 October 1, annually. Each school principal may establish and 2121 maintain an individual professional development plan for each 2122 instructional employee assigned to the school as a seamless 2123 component to the school improvement plans developed pursuant to 2124 s. 1001.42(18). An individual professional development plan must 2125 be related to specific performance data for the students to whom 2126 the teacher is assigned, define the inservice objectives and 2127 specific measurable improvements expected in student performance 2128 as a result of the inservice activity, and include an evaluation 2129 component that determines the effectiveness of the professional 2130 development plan. 2131 6. Include inservice activities for school administrative 2132 personnel that address updated skills necessary for 2133 instructional leadership and effective school management 2134 pursuant to s. 1012.986. 2135 7. Provide for systematic consultation with regional and 2136 state personnel designated to provide technical assistance and 2137 evaluation of local professional development programs. 2138 8. Provide for delivery of professional development by 2139 distance learning and other technology-based delivery systems to 2140 reach more educators at lower costs. 2141 9. Provide for the continuous evaluation of the quality and 2142 effectiveness of professional development programs in order to 2143 eliminate ineffective programs and strategies and to expand 2144 effective ones. Evaluations must consider the impact of such 2145 activities on the performance of participating educators and 2146 their students’ achievement and behavior. 2147 10. For middle grades, emphasize: 2148 a. Interdisciplinary planning, collaboration, and 2149 instruction. 2150 b. Alignment of curriculum and instructional materials to 2151 the state academic standards adopted pursuant to s. 1003.41. 2152 c. Use of small learning communities; problem-solving, 2153 inquiry-driven research and analytical approaches for students; 2154 strategies and tools based on student needs; competency-based 2155 instruction; integrated digital instruction; and project-based 2156 instruction. 2157 2158 Each school that includes any of grades 6, 7, or 8 must include 2159 in its school improvement plan, required under s. 1001.42(18), a 2160 description of the specific strategies used by the school to 2161 implement each item listed in this subparagraph. 2162 11. Provide training to reading coaches, classroom 2163 teachers, and school administrators in effective methods of 2164 identifying characteristics of conditions such as dyslexia and 2165 other causes of diminished phonological processing skills; 2166 incorporating instructional techniques into the general 2167 education setting which are proven to improve reading 2168 performance for all students; and using predictive and other 2169 data to make instructional decisions based on individual student 2170 needs. The training must help teachers integrate phonemic 2171 awareness; phonics, word study, and spelling; reading fluency; 2172 vocabulary, including academic vocabulary; and text 2173 comprehension strategies into an explicit, systematic, and 2174 sequential approach to reading instruction, including 2175 multisensory intervention strategies. Each district must provide 2176 all elementary grades instructional personnel access to training 2177 sufficient to meet the requirements of s. 1012.585(3)(f). 2178 Section 23. This act shall take effect July 1, 2019.