CS/CS/HB 827 - Instructional Support Summary

• Reduces the public access window for online viewing of recommended instructional materials from 45 to 20 calendar days before school board adoption hearings.

• Establishes a process for parents and county residents to recommend instructional materials, requiring district school boards to contact publishers of recommended materials and prohibiting additional bidding processes beyond the standard review cycle.

• Requires public access to and opportunity to comment on instructional materials recommended for state adoption, with comments provided to the Commissioner of Education; prohibits additional bidding processes for state-level purchases.

• Exempts instructional materials adopted after July 1, 2018, that fully meet or exceed Next Generation Sunshine State Standards from public review procedures, though district school board members may initiate review if they have evidence materials do not meet criteria.

• Modifies assessment requirements to incorporate social studies content into English Language Arts assessments and requires published assessment items to be in a format facilitating the sharing of assessment items; appropriates $550,000 and $5,600,000 in recurring funds for instructional materials acquisition and assessment implementation.