FL S1630

Creates the English Language Learner Advisory Council within the Department of Education to review ELL data and identify improvement areas.

Council composition includes the Commissioner of Education (chair), Office of Policy and Budget director, chairs of the Florida Hispanic Legislative Caucus and Florida Legislative Black Caucus, representatives from 12 specified organizations, and two public members with expertise in ESOL or bilingual teacher preparation.

Members serve 4-year terms with staggered initial terms; council must hold first meeting by October 1, 2017, and meet at least quarterly thereafter, with at least one annual in-person meeting.

Council must identify three most pressing ELL issues annually related to accountability policies, state law changes, teacher preparation standards, parental engagement, funding, higher education resources, and other matters.

Council shall publish meeting notices and agendas on a website, allow public attendance, and submit annual reports to the Governor, Legislature, State Board of Education chair, Board of Governors chair, and Commissioner of Education by February 1.