CS for CS for SB 1226 - Education Summary

• Repeals obsolete education statutes including provisions related to the K-8 Virtual School Program, educational television requirements, and various scholarship programs (Seminole/Miccosukee Indian Scholarship, Virgil Hawkins Fellows, and Florida Higher Education Loan Authority).

• Revises high school graduation requirements by updating references from outdated assessment names (FCAT, common core) to "statewide, standardized assessments" and modifies course/credit requirements for standard diplomas and certificates of completion.

• Allows district school superintendents' designees to submit truancy petitions and establishes a referendum process for districts to modify school board membership numbers and election methods.

• Updates instructional materials standards to reference "Next Generation Sunshine State Standards" and "course descriptions" instead of curriculum frameworks, and modifies related selection and adoption procedures.

• Removes restrictions on educational television stations' use of state funds, prohibits their use for political candidate advancement (with penalties), and eliminates various reporting requirements and best financial management practice reviews.