FL H1253

Creates the Early Childhood Music Education Incentive Pilot Program within the Department of Education for 3 school years beginning 2016-2017, designed to assist selected school districts in implementing comprehensive music education programs for kindergarten through grade 2 students.

Establishes eligibility requirements for school districts including: all K-2 students enrolled in the program, instruction staffed by certified music educators, at least 30 consecutive minutes of music instruction 2 days per week, and compliance with class size and department standards.

Provides selected school districts $150 per full-time equivalent student in kindergarten through grade 2 enrolled in a comprehensive music education program, with selection based on proximity to the University of Florida and needs-based criteria established by the State Board of Education.

Requires selected school districts to annually certify compliance with program requirements to the Commissioner of Education; districts failing to provide annual certification must return all funds received for that fiscal year.

Directs the University of Florida's College of Education to evaluate program effectiveness through quantitative analysis of student achievement and qualitative evaluation of student outcomes; program expires June 30, 2019.