FL S0360

Department of Education must issue a competitive solicitation to contract with private vendors to conduct a comprehensive study of states with high-performing middle school students in grades 6-8 in reading and mathematics based on National Assessment of Educational Progress performance.

Study must review academic expectations and instructional strategies, including curriculum rigor, accelerated courses, student support services, course sequencing, before- and after-school programs, and electives.

Study must examine teacher quality including certification requirements, teacher preparedness for rigorous courses, middle school-specific training, recruitment and vacancy issues, staff development, and collaboration practices.

Study must also review attendance policies, student mobility, middle school administrator leadership, and parental and community involvement.

Department must submit findings and recommendations to the Governor, State Board of Education, and Legislature by December 2017; $50,000 in nonrecurring General Revenue Fund appropriation provided for fiscal year 2017-2018; effective July 1, 2017.