HB 1331 Summary

• Creates the Schools of Excellence Program designating high-performing schools (80th percentile or higher in school grades for 2 of last 3 years) with up to 3-year renewable designations and specific administrative flexibilities.

• Grants Schools of Excellence exemptions from minimum reading instruction requirements, enables principal autonomy, allows substitution of 1 school year of employment for 20 inservice points (up to 60 in 5-year cycle), and permits flexible school day scheduling based on average class size calculations.

• Allows temporary certificate holders employed at Schools of Excellence to earn professional certificates by completing requirements under section 1012.56(7)(a)3 instead of taking the professional education competency examination if rated highly effective.

• Authorizes charter schools and charter management organizations to develop professional development certification programs with required departmental approval by December 31, 2017; requires all school districts and charter schools to submit programs for approval by June 30, 2018, with certification requirements unmet after December 31, 2018 unless approved.

• Revises educator certification procedures including issuance of temporary certificates within 14 days, electronic notification requirements, and allows 2-year extension of temporary certificates under extraordinary circumstances or 1-year extension for effective/highly effective ratings.