HB 955 & SB 392-High School Graduation Requirements
On Monday, April 3rd, HB 955, by Representative Larry Ahern (R-Seminole), was heard by the House PreK-12 Appropriations Subcommittee, and unanimously passed by a vote of 14 yeas to 0 nays. AIF’s Senior Vice President of State and Federal Affairs, Brewster Bevis, stood in support of this bill.
On Wednesday, April 5th, SB 392, by Senator Dorothy Hukill (R-Port Orange), was heard by the Senate Appropriations Committee and passed by a vote of 17 yeas to 0 nays. AIF’s Senior Vice President of State and Federal Affairs, Brewster Bevis, stood in support of this bill.
Currently, based on 56 Next Generation Sunshine State Standards in financial literacy, high school students receive financial literacy instruction as part of the one-half Economics course credit required for graduation. The bill requires students entering grade 9 in the 2017-2018 school year and thereafter to complete a one-half course credit in personal financial literacy and revises the Next Generation Sunshine State Standards to include additional specified financial literacy topics.
HB 955 will go on to be heard on the House floor.
SB 392 will go on to be heard on the floor of the Senate.
AIF SUPPORTS legislation that gives students tools to learn about relevant, and real life subjects that will prepare them for the workforce in the future.
SB 868-Educational Options and Services
On Monday, April 3rd, SB 868, by Senator Dennis Baxley (R-Lady Lake), was heard before the Senate Committee on Education and passed by a vote of 9 yeas to 0 nays. AIF’s Senior Vice President of State and Federal Affairs, Brewster Bevis, stood in support of this bill.
This bill expands educational options and services to accommodate for learning differences among students and to prepare students for higher education and entry into the workforce.
SB 868 will move on to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on PreK-12 Education.
AIF SUPPORTS legislation that addresses the differences in learning among students and provides for a solution to meet their individual needs.
HB 859-Relating to Postsecondary Distance Education
On Thursday, April 6th, HB 859, by Representative Amber Mariano (R-Port Richey), was heard by the House Education Committee and passed unanimously by a vote of 18 yeas to 0 nays. AIF stood in support of this bill.
This legislation seeks to authorize Florida’s participation in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement known as “SARA” created by the Southern Regional Education Board and the National Council on State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements. This would allow for Florida’s postsecondary institutions to voluntarily participate in what is a multi-state reciprocity agreement allowing them to offer online education without excessive fees and regulatory compliance processes. This reciprocity offers student’s greater access to more distance education, enhances oversight of distance education offerings to Florida students by another state, and expands experiential learning opportunities across state lines. Not only is this good for students but it also helps lessen the burden on Florida businesses and taxpayers to fund construction and facility costs.
HB 859 will move on to the House floor to be heard.
AIF SUPPORTS our independent colleges and universities continued efforts to address the growing challenges that comes with increased enrollment.
