FL S0888

Authorizes Department of Education employees to access child abuse and neglect reports and records when investigating or prosecuting misconduct by certified educators.

Requires school districts to add three special consideration points to the matrix of services calculation for deaf students enrolled in auditory-oral education programs, beginning with the 2016-2017 school year.

Establishes an educator liability insurance program administered by the Department of Education beginning in the 2015-2016 school year, providing at least $2 million in coverage to all full-time instructional personnel and optional coverage to part-time personnel, administrators, and teacher preparation students.

Modifies the Education Practices Commission membership from 25 to 25 members with revised composition: 10 teachers, 5 administrators, 4 lay citizens, and 4 law enforcement officials; authorizes the Commissioner of Education to appoint up to 5 emeritus members for 1-year terms.

Allows the Commissioner of Education to issue a letter of guidance to an educator in lieu of a probable cause determination in response to complaints, except for cases involving felonies or moral turpitude.