HB 715 Summary

• Creates the Student Preparedness Pilot Program (2011-2012 through 2017-2018) allowing students aged 16-18 in participating districts who file intent to terminate enrollment to pursue alternative paths including high school diplomas, equivalency diplomas, career training, or industry certification instead of traditional attendance.

• Requires Duval County School District and other selected pilot program districts to develop nontraditional academic options and flexible attendance schedules for students aged 16-18 whose academic goals may not include a traditional diploma.

• Redefines "habitual truancy" to include students subject to the Student Preparedness Pilot Program and adds new definition of "regular program attendance" for pilot program participants enforced by district superintendents.

• Establishes that pilot program students selecting nontraditional academic options are excluded from school grading calculations and requires the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability to conduct annual studies on dropout rates, graduation rates, employability, and juvenile crime impacts.

• Amends multiple cross-references in statutes 1002.01, 1002.20, 1002.42, 1002.43, 1003.26 to conform with new pilot program requirements and clarify attendance options for home education and private school students.