FL S1378

Replaces terminology of "concordant" with "equivalent" scores for statewide assessments used to meet high school graduation requirements.

Requires the Commissioner of Education to develop alternative assessments for exceptional students and limited English proficiency students, and to create a pilot project for more frequent retesting of students who fail initial statewide assessments with results due by January 1, 2018.

Delays implementation of local district assessments to no sooner than the 2016-2017 school year and establishes a state platform for item banks and assessments to be implemented by June 30, 2014, with districts field testing during the 2015-2016 school year.

Extends the deadline for district school boards to adopt performance salary schedules from July 1, 2014 to no sooner than July 1, 2016, and allows classroom teachers using student learning growth measures to remain on grandfathered salary schedules under certain circumstances.

Modifies hearing procedures for suspension, dismissal, and performance evaluation disputes by allowing district school boards to choose between direct board hearings, subcommittee hearings, or administrative law judge hearings, with employee appeal rights within 30 days.