(1) PARTICIPATION.—The P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School and the Lake, Palm Beach, Pinellas, and Seminole County School Districts may submit an application in a format prescribed by the department to participate in the pilot program.

(2) APPLICATION.—The application to participate in the pilot program must, at a minimum, include:

(a) The vision and timelines for the implementation of competency-based education within the school district, including a list of the schools that will participate in the pilot program during the first school year and the list of schools that will be integrated into the program in subsequent school years.

(b) The annual goals and performance outcomes for participating schools, including, but not limited to:

1. Student performance as defined in s. 1008.34.

2. Promotion and retention rates.

3. Graduation rates.

4. Indicators of college and career readiness.

(c) A communication plan for parents and other stakeholders, including local businesses and community members.

(d) The scope of and timelines for professional development for school instructional and administrative personnel.

(e) A plan for student progression based on the mastery of content, including mechanisms that determine and ensure that a student has satisfied the requirements for grade-level promotion and content mastery.

(f) A plan for using technology and digital and blended learning to enhance student achievement and facilitate the competency-based education system.

(g) The proposed allocation of resources for the pilot program at the school and district levels.

(h) The recruitment and selection of participating schools.

(i) The rules to be waived for participating schools pursuant to subsection (3) to implement the pilot program.

(3) EXEMPTION FROM RULES.—In addition to the waivers authorized in s. 1001.10(3), the State Board of Education may authorize the commissioner to grant an additional waiver of rules relating to student progression and the awarding of credits.

(4) STUDENT FUNDING.—Students enrolled in a participating school shall be reported for and generate funding pursuant to s. 1011.62.

(5) DEPARTMENT DUTIES.—The department shall:

(a) Compile the student and staff schedules of participating schools before and after implementation of the pilot program.

(b) Provide participating schools with access to statewide, standardized assessments required under s. 1008.22.

(c) Annually, by June 1, provide to the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives a report summarizing the activities and accomplishments of the pilot program and any recommendations for statutory revisions.

(6) RULES.—The State Board of Education shall adopt rules to administer this section.

History.—s. 1, ch. 2016-149.