HB 6053 - School Grading System Summary

• Repeals school grading system sections including the existing A-F school grade framework (s. 1008.34), school improvement ratings for alternative schools, and the Schools of Excellence Program, effectively eliminating the letter-grade accountability system for schools.

• Establishes early warning system for K-8 students requiring schools to identify and intervene with students exhibiting risk factors including attendance below 90%, suspensions, course failures, or low standardized test scores.

• Repeals the Opportunity Scholarship Program that allowed students in "F" or three consecutive "D" graded schools to attend higher-performing schools; maintains the McKay Scholarships for students with disabilities program.

• Modifies school improvement and intervention requirements by focusing on differentiated intervention strategies based on student performance data rather than letter grades, with intensive support for schools earning two consecutive "D" grades or an "F" grade.

• Effective date of July 1, 2018 with conforming amendments to numerous education statutes related to charter schools, virtual schools, teacher assignments, principal autonomy, and funding formulas that previously referenced school grades.