FL H7091

Establishes new standard high school diploma requirements for students entering grade 9 in 2013-2014 and beyond, requiring 24 credits including 4 ELA, 4 mathematics (including Algebra I and Geometry), 3 science (including Biology I), 3 social studies, 1 fine/performing/practical arts, 1 physical education, and 8 electives, with at least one course completed online and a 2.0 GPA minimum; repeals prior graduation statutes (ss. 1003.429 and 1003.43).

Redefines "Next Generation Sunshine State Standards" to explicitly include common core standards in English Language Arts and Mathematics, expands social studies standards to require financial literacy (covering budgeting, credit, student loans, investing, and identity theft prevention), and directs the Commissioner to prepare a cost analysis of a separate half-credit financial literacy course by October 1, 2013.

Overhauls the statewide assessment program, maintaining FCAT Reading (grades 3-10) and Mathematics (grades 3-8) until replaced by common core assessments (ELA grades 3-11, Math grades 3-8 plus Algebra I/II and Geometry), with end-of-course assessments in Algebra I, Geometry, Biology I, U.S. History, and Civics counting 30% of students' final course grades; Algebra I EOC and 10th grade FCAT Reading remain must-pass requirements for a standard diploma.

Creates scholar and industry diploma designations: the scholar designation requires passing additional assessments (Algebra II, 11th grade ELA), completing chemistry or physics, two foreign language credits, and at least one AP/IB/AICE/dual enrollment credit; the industry designation requires attaining industry certifications from an approved list; a new veterans diploma provision allows the Commissioner to award diplomas to honorably discharged veterans.

Restructures industry certification FTE funding by assigning 0.2 FTE for certifications with statewide college credit articulation agreements and 0.1 FTE for non-articulated certifications (maximum 0.3 FTE per student), increases the annual appropriation cap from $15 million to $60 million, and requires districts to allocate at least 80% of generated funds to the originating program.

Creates teacher bonus structures: AP teachers receive $50 per student scoring 3+ on AP exams (up to $2,000, or $3,000 if passing-rate thresholds are met) plus an additional $500 at D- or F-graded schools; industry certification teachers receive $25-$50 per student earning qualifying certifications, capped at $2,000 per year.

Strengthens middle grades promotion requirements to include 3 credits each in ELA, mathematics, science, and social studies (including a mandatory civics course with EOC assessment beginning 2013-2014), plus a career and education planning course incorporating diploma designation options, career dual enrollment information, and Department of Economic Opportunity labor market data beginning 2014-2015.

Requires districts to administer local assessments for every course offered beginning 2014-2015, shifts EOC-based FTE funding adjustments from 2014-2015 to the 2016-2017 fiscal year, and mandates that students scoring Level 1 or 2 on reading or mathematics assessments enroll in intensive remediation courses.

Establishes Florida Digital Learning programs—Cyber Security Recognition and Digital Arts Recognition (elementary) and Digital Tools Certificate (middle grades)—at no cost to districts, with a legislative goal that 75% of public middle school students earn the Digital Tools Certificate by July 1, 2018; qualifying middle schools receive $50 per certified student (capped at $15,000 per school annually).

Authorizes district school boards to appoint 7-member governing boards for technical centers, expands career dual enrollment and early admission options tied to industry certifications, permits industry certification courses to substitute for up to 2 math credits and 1 science credit toward graduation, and allows students to earn course credit by passing a statewide EOC assessment without prior enrollment in the course. The act takes effect July 1, 2013.