FL S1642

Revises school grading system beginning 2014-2015 school year to base grades on nine components worth 100 points each, including percentages of students passing assessments in English Language Arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and demonstrating learning gains in various categories.

Changes school budget authority from mandatory ("shall") to discretionary ("may") for schools earning an "A" grade or improving two letter grades, and removes provision that authority remains until grade declines.

Requires District of Education to develop district report cards including district grades, achievement gap measures, learning gains data, student attendance, grade-level promotion rates, and transition preparation metrics.

Provides exemptions from statewide standardized assessments for children with medical complexity through superintendent approval (one year), Commissioner approval (1-3 years), or permanent Commissioner approval, with annual reporting requirements.

Establishes transition provisions for 2014-2015 school grades to serve as informational baseline, prohibiting schools from being required to implement turnaround options based on new grades and protecting schools/districts from sanctions if grades remain same or lower compared to prior year.