FL S0488

Establishes education recovery scholarship accounts to mitigate learning loss for students whose public schools closed for at least 10 consecutive school days due to an emergency.

Students in grades 3-5 are eligible if they attend a closed school and either scored below Level 3 on state standardized English Language Arts or mathematics assessments or were identified as needing additional support through their school's early warning system.

Scholarship funds may be used for instructional materials, curriculum, part-time tutoring services from certified educators or subject matter experts, and fees for summer or after-school programs focused on mathematics, reading, or literacy skills.

Restricts providers from sharing scholarship funds with parents or students and prohibits billing insurance companies, Medicaid, or other agencies for services paid with scholarship funds; scholarship awards determined by General Appropriations Act.

Requires school districts to notify eligible parents within 10 school days of a qualifying closure and notify the Department of Education within 20 school days; takes effect July 1, 2022.