Governor DeSantis Signs Legislation to Further Enhance Education in Florida
The Floridant/10267760

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. ~ Jacksonville, Fla. - Governor Ron DeSantis has signed HB 1285, a bill that aims to further enhance Florida's already top-ranked education system. The legislation focuses on providing high school students with opportunities to explore military service, supporting classical education, and making key improvements to higher education.

During the signing ceremony, Governor DeSantis stated, "Florida is the number one state in the country for education. By focusing on core academic subjects and rejecting indoctrination in the classroom, we have become a standard-bearer for educational excellence. The legislation I signed today continues to build on Florida's previous accomplishments."

Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. also expressed his support for the bill, saying, "Florida strives to provide students and families with the highest quality standards and most innovative pathways to academic success. The teaching certificate in classical education bolsters our efforts to increase the teacher pipeline. This is one more reason why Florida is known as the Education State."

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Representative Jennifer Canady echoed these sentiments, stating that HB 1285 puts students and their families first. She also credited Governor DeSantis and the legislature for making Florida a leader in education.

The bill includes several provisions aimed at improving school options for students. It requires school districts and charter schools to provide 11th and 12th grade students with the opportunity to take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) Test and consult with a military recruiter.

Additionally, postsecondary institutions will now be required to allow students to work their way through school. The bill also addresses conflicts of interest between postsecondary institutions and their trustees.

One of the key components of HB 1285 is its focus on classical education. Aspiring teachers will now have the opportunity to obtain a classical teaching certificate developed by the State Board of Education. Classical schools will also be able to prioritize enrollment for families moving from one classical school to another.

In addition to these measures, Governor DeSantis also announced yesterday that the bill includes a clear and concise process for struggling schools to convert to charter schools. If a school receives two straight Ds or an F on their school grade, it will be deemed a "turnaround school." If the district's plan to turn the school around is unsuccessful, the pathway for the school to find new direction and leadership will be simple and efficient.

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The bill also addresses book challenges in schools. It limits objections for individuals who do not have children with access to the school district's materials, while still allowing unlimited objections for parents with children in the district.

Furthermore, HB 1285 continues to support military families through the Purple Star Schools of Distinction Program. It also institutes Purple Star School Districts, which recognizes districts with a high percentage of Purple Star Schools. These measures aim to ensure a seamless transition for military families moving into Florida by providing them with support and resources.

Chancellor of the State University System of Florida Ray Rodrigues praised Governor DeSantis for further solidifying Florida's higher education system as number one in the nation. He stated that HB 1285 establishes additional accountability measures and creates opportunities for universities to enhance research and innovation to meet the workforce and economic demands of the state.

For more information on HB 1285 and its impact on education in Florida, please visit [insert website link].

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