FL S0972

Creates the Student Preparedness Pilot Program beginning in the 2011–2012 school year through 2017–2018, with Duval County School District and other selected districts required to participate.

Requires students ages 16–17 in pilot program districts who opt to terminate school enrollment to continue pursuing one of four options: high school diploma credits, high school equivalency diploma with Florida Ready to Work Certification, career/job training leading to industry certification or skill licensure, or the Florida Ready to Work Certification Program.

Redefines "habitual truant" to include students subject to the Student Preparedness Pilot Program and adds "regular program attendance" definition for pilot program students selecting traditional or nontraditional academic options.

Excludes pilot program students who select nontraditional academic options from being counted as eligible students for school grading purposes under s. 1008.34(3)(c).

Requires the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability to conduct annual studies on the pilot program's impact on dropout rates, graduation rates, student employability, and juvenile crime, with reports due to state leaders by January 1 each year beginning in 2015.