FL S1704

Establishes the Blue Ribbon Panel Task Force on Teacher Recruitment, Certification, and Retention within the Department of Education with 13 members representing school boards, superintendents, teachers, unions, colleges, universities, and community organizations to investigate and recommend modifications to K-12 teacher recruitment, certification, and retention policies.

Requires the task force to submit a final report with recommendations to the Governor, Commissioner of Education, and Legislature by January 31, 2019, with the report published on the Department of Education website.

Allows the Graduate Management Admissions Test and Graduate Record Examination subject area tests to satisfy educator certification requirements for general knowledge and subject area mastery.

Requires the Commissioner of Education to publish previously administered general knowledge and Florida subject area examinations on the department website by June 30, 2021, and every 3 years thereafter to promote transparency.

Waives application fees and examination fees beginning in the 2018-2019 fiscal year for applicants seeking initial certification and for licensed educators renewing Florida educator's certificates employed at public schools, though failed examination retakes remain the applicant's responsibility.