FL H1583

Creates parent-teacher compacts allowing certified teachers (not employed by Florida public schools in prior 9 months) to enter written contracts with state resident parents to provide educational instruction to students in kindergarten through grade 12.

Compacts must include teacher certification verification, student and parent names/addresses, list of students served, service descriptions, and termination clauses allowing either party to exit for any reason.

Teachers serving under compacts must maintain student portfolios with activity logs and work samples, evaluate student progress annually, offer state standardized assessments, and may participate in Florida Retirement System and health care benefits.

Funds students in compacts at the unweighted full-time equivalent rate plus categorical program funds, with quarterly payments made to parents on September 1, November 1, February 1, and April 1 by warrant endorsed to the teacher.

State assumes no liability for student participation in compacts and regulatory authority is limited to requirements expressly stated in the statute; bill takes effect July 1, 2021.