Dive Summary:
- A new charter school bill being considered in Florida is notable for allowing districts to operate their own version of a charter school instead of an outside entity, and for being backed by state Sen. Bill Montford, a prominent Democrat and CEO of the Florida Association of District School Superintendents.
- The Florida Innovation Zone Schools Act features frequent use of the term "innovation schools" in place of charter schools, and legislative staff say such a school focuses on innovation, high academic achievement and accountability in exchange for more flexibility and certain statute exemptions.
- In order to qualify for an "innovation school" under the bill, which was heard by the Senate Education Committee for the first time Monday afternoon, a district would have to be classified as a "high performer" with a "B" grade or higher over the last three years.
From the article:
... “The purpose of an innovation school is to utilize innovation and enhance high academic achievement and accountability in exchange for flexibility and exemptions from specific statutes,” according to an analysis by legislative staff. ...
