CS/HB 875 2025
CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb875-01-c1
Page 1 of 57
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
A bill to be entitled 1
An act relating to educator preparation; amending s. 2
1004.04, F.S.; providing for the future repeal of 3
provisions relating to the uniform core curricula for 4
certain teacher preparation programs; revising 5
requirements for certain teacher preparation program s; 6
revising the criteria for continued approval of such 7
programs; revising the term "field experience" to 8
"clinical experience"; revising the requirements for 9
such experience; revising the requirements certain 10
personnel must meet; amending s. 1004.85, F.S. ; 11
revising the purpose of postsecondary educator 12
preparation institutes; revising requirements for such 13
institutes; revising requirements for the continued 14
approval of such programs; amending s. 1012.39, F.S.; 15
providing requirements for the hiring of certa in 16
nondegreed teachers of fine and performing arts; 17
creating s. 1012.551, F.S.; providing for the uniform 18
core curricula for certain teacher preparation 19
programs; providing requirements for such curricula; 20
providing requirements for teacher candidates 21
beginning in a specified school year; providing 22
reporting requirements for certain teacher preparation 23
programs; requiring the State Board of Education to 24
approve or reject certain courses for such programs; 25
CS/HB 875 2025
CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb875-01-c1
Page 2 of 57
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
prohibiting such programs from requiring students to 26
take a specified additional course; creating s. 27
1012.552, F.S.; establishing the Coaching for Educator 28
Readiness and Teaching Certification Program; 29
providing the intent for the program; providing 30
program requirements; providing requirements for 31
approval and continued approval of such programs; 32
requiring the state board to adopt rules; amending s. 33
1012.555, F.S.; revising the requirements for teachers 34
serving as mentors through a teacher apprenticeship 35
program; amending s. 1012.56, F.S.; providing for the 36
future repeal of professional learning certification 37
programs and professional education competency 38
programs; revising requirements relating to meeting 39
the mastery of general knowledge and mastery of 40
professional preparation and education competence for 41
certification as an educator; removing a requirement 42
for a passing score on a specified examination for 43
certain candidates for certification as an educator 44
beginning on a certain date; revising requirements for 45
a professional and temporary educator certifica tes; 46
amending s. 1012.585, F.S.; revising requirements for 47
the renewal of a professional certificate; amending s. 48
1012.98, F.S.; revising requirements for specified 49
professional learning systems; removing obsolete 50
CS/HB 875 2025
CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb875-01-c1
Page 3 of 57
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
language; creating s. 1012.981, F.S.; esta blishing the 51
Florida Institute for Teaching Excellence at Miami 52
Dade College, subject to an appropriation; providing 53
the purpose and duties of the institute; authorizing 54
the institute to submit a professional learning system 55
for approval and seek specified funding; providing for 56
the supervision, administration, and governance of the 57
institute; amending ss. 1012.55, 1012.57, and 1012.98, 58
F.S.; conforming cross -references to changes made by 59
the act; providing effective dates. 60
61
Be It Enacted by the Legisla ture of the State of Florida: 62
63
Section 1. Effective July 1, 2029, subsection (2), 64
paragraph (a) of subsection (3), paragraph (a) of subsection 65
(4), and subsection (5) of section 1004.04, Florida Statutes, 66
are amended, to read: 67
1004.04 Public accounta bility and state approval for 68
teacher preparation programs. — 69
(2) UNIFORM CORE CURRICULA AND CANDIDATE ASSESSMENT. — 70
(a) The State Board of Education shall adopt rules 71
pursuant to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 which establish uniform 72
core curricula for each state-approved teacher preparation 73
program. 74
(b) The rules to establish uniform core curricula for each 75
CS/HB 875 2025
CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb875-01-c1
Page 4 of 57
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
state-approved teacher preparation program must include, but are 76
not limited to, the following: 77
1. Candidate instruction and assessment in the Florid a 78
Educator Accomplished Practices across content areas. 79
2. The use of state -adopted content standards to guide 80
curricula and instruction. 81
3. Scientifically researched and evidence -based reading 82
instructional strategies grounded in the science of readin g 83
which improve reading performance for all students, including 84
explicit, systematic, and sequential approaches to teaching 85
phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and text 86
comprehension and multisensory intervention strategies. The 87
primary instructional strategy for teaching word reading is 88
phonics instruction for decoding and encoding. Instructional 89
strategies for foundational skills may not employ the three -90
cueing system model of reading or visual memory as a basis for 91
teaching word reading. In structional strategies may include 92
visual information and strategies that improve background and 93
experiential knowledge, add context, and increase oral language 94
and vocabulary to support comprehension, but may not be used to 95
teach word reading. 96
4. Content literacy and mathematics practices. 97
5. Strategies appropriate for the instruction of English 98
language learners. 99
6. Strategies appropriate for the instruction of students 100
CS/HB 875 2025
CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb875-01-c1
Page 5 of 57
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
with disabilities. 101
7. Strategies to differentiate instruction based on 102
student needs. 103
8. Strategies and practices to support evidence -based 104
content aligned to state standards and grading practices. 105
9. Strategies appropriate for the early identification of 106
a student in crisis or experiencing a mental health challenge 107
and the referral of such student to a mental health professional 108
for support. 109
10. Strategies to support the use of technology in 110
education and distance learning. 111
11. Strategies and practices to support effective, 112
research-based assessment and grading practices aligned to the 113
state's academic standards. 114
(a)(c) Each candidate must receive instruction and be 115
assessed on the uniform core curricula , approved pursuant to s. 116
1012.551, in the candidate's area or areas of program 117
concentration during course work and clinical field experiences. 118
Beginning with candidates entering a teacher preparation program 119
in the 2022-2023 school year, a candidate for certification in a 120
coverage area identified pursuant to s. 1012.585(3)(f) must 121
successfully complete all competencies for a reading 122
endorsement, including completion of the endorsement practicum 123
through the candidate's clinical field experience under 124
subsection (5), in order to graduate from the program. 125
CS/HB 875 2025
CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb875-01-c1
Page 6 of 57
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
(b)(d) Before program completion, each candidate must 126
demonstrate his or her ability to positively impact student 127
learning growth in the candidate's area or areas of program 128
concentration during a prekindergarten through grade 12 clinical 129
field experience and must pass each portion of the Florida 130
Teacher Certification Ex amination required for a professional 131
certificate in the area or areas of program concentration. 132
(c)(e) Teacher preparation program courses: 133
1. May not distort significant historical events or 134
include a curriculum or instruction that teaches identity 135
politics, violates s. 1000.05, or is based on theories that 136
systemic racism, sexism, oppression, and privilege are inherent 137
in the institutions of the United States and were created to 138
maintain social, political, and economic inequities. 139
2. Must afford candidates the opportunity to think 140
critically, achieve mastery of academic program content, learn 141
instructional strategies, and demonstrate mastery of the 142
cognitive science of learning and its application in high -impact 143
teaching strategies, and the crucial role of background 144
knowledge in developing high -level literacy competence. 145
(3) INITIAL STATE PROGRAM APPROVAL. — 146
(a) A program approval process based on standards adopted 147
pursuant to this subsection and subsection (2) must be 148
established for postseconda ry teacher preparation programs. Each 149
program shall be approved by the department, consistent with the 150
CS/HB 875 2025
CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb875-01-c1
Page 7 of 57
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
intent set forth in subsection (1) and based upon evidence of 151
the institution's and the program's capacity to meet the 152
requirements for continued approva l as provided in subsection 153
(4) and by the rules of the State Board of Education. 154
(4) CONTINUED PROGRAM APPROVAL. —Continued approval of a 155
teacher preparation program shall be based upon evidence that 156
the program continues to implement the requirements fo r initial 157
approval and upon significant, objective, and quantifiable 158
measures of the program and the performance of the program 159
completers. 160
(a) The criteria for continued approval must include each 161
of the following: 162
1. Candidate readiness based on pass age rates on educator 163
certification examinations under s. 1012.56, as applicable. 164
2. Evidence of performance in each of the following areas: 165
a. Performance of students in prekindergarten through 166
grade 12 who are assigned to in -field program completers on 167
statewide assessments using the results of the student learning 168
growth formula adopted under s. 1012.34. 169
b. Results of program completers' annual evaluations in 170
accordance with the timeline as set forth in s. 1012.34. 171
c. Workforce contributions, inc luding placement of program 172
completers in instructional positions in Florida public and 173
private schools, with additional weight given to production of 174
program completers in statewide critical teacher shortage areas 175
CS/HB 875 2025
CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb875-01-c1
Page 8 of 57
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
as identified in s. 1012.07. 176
3. Beginning July 1, 2029, candidate readiness based on 177
scores on the Florida Teacher Excellence Examination developed 178
pursuant to s. 1012.56(10) and administered before program 179
completion. 180
3. Results of the program completers' survey measuring 181
their satisfaction with preparation for the realities of the 182
classroom. 183
4. Results of the employers' survey measuring satisfaction 184
with the program and the program's responsiveness to local 185
school districts. 186
(5) PRESERVICE CLINICAL FIELD EXPERIENCE.—All 187
postsecondary instructors, school district personnel and 188
instructional personnel, and school sites preparing 189
instructional personnel through preservice clinical field 190
experience courses and internships shall meet special 191
requirements. District school boards may pay student teachers 192
during their internships. 193
(a) All individuals in postsecondary teacher preparation 194
programs who instruct or supervise preservice clinical field 195
experience courses or internships in which a candidate 196
demonstrates his or her impact on student learning growth shall 197
meet the requirements of a clinical educator established under 198
s. 1012.56(7) have the following: specialized training in 199
clinical supervision; at least 3 years of successful, relevant 200
CS/HB 875 2025
CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb875-01-c1
Page 9 of 57
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
prekindergarten through grade 12 teaching, student services, or 201
school administration experience; and an annual demonstration of 202
experience in a relevant prekindergarten through grade 12 school 203
setting as defined by State Board of Education rule . 204
(b)1. All school district personnel and instructional 205
personnel who supervise or direct teacher preparation students 206
during clinical field experience courses or internships taking 207
place in this state in which candid ates demonstrate an impact on 208
student learning growth must meet the requirements of a clinical 209
educator established under s. 1012.56(7). have: 210
a. Evidence of "clinical educator" training; 211
b. A valid professional certificate issued pursuant to s. 212
1012.56; 213
c. At least 3 years of teaching experience in 214
prekindergarten through grade 12; 215
d. Earned an effective or highly effective rating on the 216
prior year's performance evaluation under s. 1012.34 or be a 217
peer evaluator under the district's evaluation syst em approved 218
under s. 1012.34; and 219
e. Beginning with the 2022 -2023 school year, for all such 220
personnel who supervise or direct teacher preparation students 221
during internships in kindergarten through grade 3 or who are 222
enrolled in a teacher preparation pro gram for a certificate area 223
identified pursuant to s. 1012.585(3)(f), a certificate or 224
endorsement in reading. 225
CS/HB 875 2025
CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb875-01-c1
Page 10 of 57
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
226
The State Board of Education shall approve the training 227
requirements. 228
2. All instructional personnel who supervise or direct 229
teacher preparation students during clinical field experience 230
courses or internships in another state, in which a candidate 231
demonstrates his or her impact on student learning growth, 232
through a Florida online or distance program must have received 233
"clinical educator" training pursuant to s. 1012.98 or its 234
equivalent in that state, hold a valid professional certificate 235
issued by the state in which the clinical field experience takes 236
place, and have at le ast 3 years of teaching experience in 237
prekindergarten through grade 12. 238
3. All instructional personnel who supervise or direct 239
teacher preparation students during clinical field experience 240
courses or internships, in which a candidate demonstrates his or 241
her impact on student learning growth, on a United States 242
military base in another country through a Florida online or 243
distance program must have received "clinical educator" training 244
pursuant to s. 1012.98 or its equivalent, hold a valid 245
professional certificate issued by the United States Department 246
of Defense or a state or territory of the United States, and 247
have at least 3 years teaching experience in prekindergarten 248
through grade 12. 249
(c) Preservice clinical field experience must fully 250
CS/HB 875 2025
CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb875-01-c1
Page 11 of 57
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
prepare a candidate to manage a classroom by requiring the 251
candidate to practice and demonstrate the uniform core curricula 252
specific to the candidate's area or areas of program 253
concentration with a diverse population of students in a variety 254
of challenging environments, including, but not limited to, 255
high-poverty schools, urban schools, and rural schools. 256
Beginning with candidates entering a program in the 2023 -2024 257
school year, a minimum of 60 hours of preservice clinical field 258
experience must be completed before the cul minating clinical 259
field experience, which must include a minimum of 12 weeks of 260
student teaching. 261
(d) Postsecondary teacher preparation programs in 262
cooperation with district school boards and approved private 263
school associations shall select the school s ites for preservice 264
clinical field experience activities based upon the 265
qualifications of the supervising personnel as described in this 266
subsection and the needs of the candidates. These sites must 267
represent the full spectrum of school communities, includi ng, 268
but not limited to, schools serving low -achieving students. In 269
order to be selected, school sites must demonstrate commitment 270
to the education of public school students and to the 271
preparation of future teachers. 272
Section 2. Effective July 1, 2029, s ubsections (5) through 273
(8) of section 1004.85, Florida Statutes, are renumbered as 274
subsections (4) through (7), respectively, and paragraph (a) of 275
CS/HB 875 2025
CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb875-01-c1
Page 12 of 57
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
subsection (2), paragraph (a) of subsection (3), subsection (4), 276
and present subsections (5) and (6) are amen ded, to read: 277
1004.85 Postsecondary educator preparation institutes. — 278
(2)(a) Postsecondary institutions that are accredited or 279
approved as described in State Board of Education rule may seek 280
approval from the Department of Education to create educator 281
preparation institutes for the purpose of providing any or all 282
of the following: 283
1. Professional learning instruction to assist teachers in 284
improving classroom instruction and in meeting certification or 285
recertification requirements. 286
2. Instruction to assist potential and existing substitute 287
teachers in performing their duties. 288
3. Instruction to assist paraprofessionals in meeting 289
education and training requirements. 290
4. Instruction for baccalaureate degree holders to become 291
certified teachers as pr ovided in this section in order to 292
increase routes to the classroom for professionals who hold a 293
baccalaureate degree and college graduates who were not 294
education majors. 295
5. Instruction and professional learning for part -time and 296
full-time nondegreed teachers of career programs under s. 297
1012.39(1)(c). 298
6. Instruction that does not distort significant 299
historical events or include a curriculum or instruction that 300
CS/HB 875 2025
CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb875-01-c1
Page 13 of 57
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
teaches identity politics, violates s. 1000.05, or is based on 301
theories that systemic racism, sexism, oppression, and privilege 302
are inherent in the institutions of the United States and were 303
created to maintain social, political, and economic inequities. 304
Courses and instruction within the educator preparation 305
institute must afford candidates the op portunity to think 306
critically, achieve mastery of academic program content, learn 307
instructional strategies, and demonstrate competence. 308
(3) Educator preparation institutes approved pursuant to 309
this section may offer competency -based certification program s 310
specifically designed for noneducation major baccalaureate 311
degree holders to enable program participants to meet the 312
educator certification requirements of s. 1012.56. An educator 313
preparation institute choosing to offer a competency -based 314
certification program pursuant to the provisions of this section 315
must implement a program developed by the institute and approved 316
by the department for this purpose. Approved programs shall be 317
available for use by other approved educator preparation 318
institutes. 319
(a) Within 90 days after receipt of a request for 320
approval, the Department of Education shall approve a 321
preparation program pursuant to the requirements of this 322
subsection or issue a statement of the deficiencies in the 323
request for approval. The department shall approve a 324
certification program if the institute provides evidence of the 325
CS/HB 875 2025
CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb875-01-c1
Page 14 of 57
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
institute's capacity to implement a competency -based program 326
that: 327
1. Instructs and assesses each candidate in the uniform 328
core curricula approved under s. 1012.551 and following: 329
1.a. the Florida Educator Accomplished Practices approved 330
by the state board. 331
b. The state academic standards provided under s. 1003.41, 332
including scientifically based reading instruction, content 333
literacy, and mathematical practices, for each subject 334
identified on the statement of status of eligibility or the 335
temporary certificate. 336
c. Scientifically researched and evidence -based reading 337
instructional strategies grounded in the science of reading 338
which improve reading performance for all students, in cluding 339
explicit, systematic, and sequential approaches to teaching 340
phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and text 341
comprehension and multisensory intervention strategies. The 342
primary instructional strategy for teaching word reading is 343
phonics instruction for decoding and encoding. Instructional 344
strategies for foundational skills may not employ the three -345
cueing system model of reading or visual memory as a basis for 346
teaching word reading. Instructional strategies may include 347
visual information an d strategies which improve background and 348
experiential knowledge, add context, and increase oral language 349
and vocabulary to support comprehension, but may not be used to 350
CS/HB 875 2025
CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb875-01-c1
Page 15 of 57
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
teach word reading. 351
2. An educational plan for each participant to meet 352
certification requirements and demonstrate his or her ability to 353
teach the subject area for which the participant is seeking 354
certification, which is based on an assessment of his or her 355
competency in the areas listed in subparagraph 1. 356
2.3. Provides clinical Field experiences appropriate to 357
the certification subject area specified in the educational plan 358
under the supervision of clinical educators who meet the 359
requirements of s. 1012.56(7) qualified educators. The state 360
board shall determine in rule the amount of f ield experience 361
necessary to serve as the teacher of record, beginning with 362
candidates entering a program in the 2023 -2024 school year. 363
3.4. Provides a certification ombudsman to facilitate the 364
process and procedures required for participants who complet e 365
the program to meet any requirements related to the background 366
screening pursuant to s. 1012.32 and educator professional or 367
temporary certification pursuant to s. 1012.56. 368
(4) The state board shall adopt rules for the continued 369
approval of each progra m approved pursuant to this section. 370
(4)(a)(5) Each institute approved pursuant to this section 371
shall submit to the Department of Education annual performance 372
evaluations that measure the effectiveness of the programs. 373
(b) Beginning July 1, 2029, conti nued approval criteria 374
for educator preparation programs must include candidate 375
CS/HB 875 2025
CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb875-01-c1
Page 16 of 57
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
readiness based on scores on the Florida Teacher Excellence 376
Examination developed pursuant to s. 1012.56(10) and 377
administered before program completion. 378
(5)(6) Instructors and supervisors of clinical field 379
experiences in which participants demonstrate an impact on 380
student learning growth for a certification program approved 381
pursuant to this section must meet the same qualifications as 382
those required in s. 1004.04(5). 383
Section 3. Paragraph (d) is added to subsection (1) of 384
section 1012.39, Florida Statutes, to read: 385
1012.39 Employment of substitute teachers, teachers of 386
adult education, nondegreed teachers of career education, and 387
career specialists, and nondegreed teachers of fine and 388
performing arts; students performing clinical field experience. — 389
(1) Notwithstanding ss. 1012.32, 1012.55, 1012.56, and 390
1012.57, or any other provision of law or rule to the contrary, 391
each district school board shall establish the minimal 392
qualifications for: 393
(d) Part-time, nondegreed teachers of fine and performing 394
arts. Qualifications must be established for nondegreed teachers 395
of fine and performing arts courses in the course code 396
directory. The qualifications for such teachers must requi re: 397
1. The filing of a complete set of fingerprints in the 398
same manner as required by s. 1012.32. 399
2. Documentation of education and successful experience, 400
CS/HB 875 2025
CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb875-01-c1
Page 17 of 57
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
including documentation of: 401
a. A high school diploma or the equivalent. 402
b. Completion of 3 y ears of full-time successful 403
experience or the equivalent of part -time experience in the 404
teaching specialization area. 405
Section 4. Section 1012.551, Florida Statutes, is created 406
to read: 407
1012.551 Teacher preparation core principles, standards, 408
and content.– 409
(1) Each teacher preparation program approved pursuant to 410
ss. 1004.04, 1004.85, and 1012.552 must provide uniform core 411
curricula courses aligned with the Florida Educator Accomplished 412
Practices that are grounded in the principles of cognitive 413
science and establish the foundational standards and 414
expectations for quality instruction and professional 415
responsibility. The State Board of Education shall establish in 416
rule the uniform core curricula. 417
(a) The uniform core curricula for each state -approved 418
teacher preparation program must meet, at a minimum, the 419
following standards: 420
1. May not distort significant historical events or 421
include curriculum or instruction that teaches identity 422
politics, violates s. 1000.05, or is based on theories that 423
systemic racism, sexism, oppression, and privilege are inherent 424
in the institutions of the United States and were created to 425
CS/HB 875 2025
CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb875-01-c1
Page 18 of 57
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
maintain social, political, and economic inequities. 426
2. Must afford candidates the opportunity to think 427
critically, achieve mastery of academic program content, learn 428
instructional strategies, and demonstrate competence. 429
3. Must use state-approved academic standards to guide 430
instruction. 431
4. Must provide training on the use of high -quality 432
instructional materials included on the state -adopted 433
instructional materials list pursuant to s. 1006.28, materials 434
evaluated and identified pursuant to s. 1001.215(4), materials 435
developed pursuant to s. 1006.39, and materials posted online by 436
the department, including when and how to use interventi on 437
materials. 438
5. Must include scientifically researched and evidence -439
based reading instructional strategies grounded in the science 440
of reading which improve reading performance for all students, 441
including explicit, systematic, and sequential approaches t o 442
teaching phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and 443
text comprehension and multisensory intervention strategies. The 444
primary instructional strategy for teaching word reading is 445
phonics instruction for decoding and encoding. Instructional 446
strategies for foundational skills may not employ the three -447
cueing system model of reading or visual memory as a basis for 448
teaching word reading. Instructional strategies may include 449
visual information and strategies that improve background and 450
CS/HB 875 2025
CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb875-01-c1
Page 19 of 57
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
experiential knowledge, add context, and increase oral language 451
and vocabulary to support comprehension, but may not be used to 452
teach word reading. 453
6. Must include content literacy and mathematics 454
practices. 455
7. Must include strategies for differentiated instruction 456
to meet student needs, including English language learners and 457
students with disabilities, while maintaining grade -level 458
expectations. 459
8. Must include strategies and practices to support 460
effective, evidence-based assessment and grading practices 461
aligned to the state's academic standards. 462
9. Must require the completion of a mastery -based clinical 463
experience in classroom settings to provide direct application 464
of program content and instruction and mastery of the components 465
of teaching as outlined in the Flo rida Educator Accomplished 466
Practices. These clinical experiences must allow candidates to 467
demonstrate mastery of curriculum and pedagogy through 468
observable performance evaluations aligned with instructional 469
personnel evaluation systems approved pursuant to s. 1012.34. 470
Mastery must be assessed through in -classroom performance, with 471
candidate feedback provided for growth and refinement, rather 472
than solely through written assignments or project -based 473
assessments. Clinical experience may only be provided by 474
individuals who meet the requirements of s. 1012.56(7). 475
CS/HB 875 2025
CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb875-01-c1
Page 20 of 57
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
(b) Beginning with teacher candidates initially entering a 476
state-approved teacher preparation program in the 2029 -2030 477
school year and thereafter, each teacher candidate must 478
complete: 479
1. One introduction to education course that allows 480
teacher candidates to demonstrate competency in the cognitive 481
science of learning principles, including cognitive load theory, 482
working memory, and long -term memory; retrieval practice; 483
attention and selective attention ; social science of motivation 484
and persistence; background knowledge; and production effect. 485
2. One classroom management and high -impact teaching 486
strategies course that allows teacher candidates to demonstrate 487
competency of instructional strategies based on Florida Educator 488
Accomplished Practices. 489
(2) Each state-approved teacher preparation program must 490
annually report all teacher preparation core courses to the 491
department by each course's statewide course number. 492
(3) By December 1, 2028, and each Dec ember 1 thereafter, 493
the State Board of Education must approve or reject the list of 494
courses for each state -approved teacher preparation program. 495
(4) A teacher preparation program may not require a 496
student to take an additional course to meet a program 497
requirement that was completed by the student with a course that 498
has since been removed as a teacher preparation program core 499
course. 500
CS/HB 875 2025
CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb875-01-c1
Page 21 of 57
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
Section 5. Section 1012.552, Florida Statutes, is created 501
to read: 502
1012.552 The Coaching for Educator Readiness and Te aching 503
Certification (CERT) Program. — 504
(1) INTENT.—The Coaching for Educator Readiness and 505
Teaching (CERT) Certification Program is established to create 506
an alternative pathway for teachers to enter the teaching 507
profession. School districts, charter schools, and charter 508
management organization s may implement the CERT program to 509
provide a cohesive, competency -based training and certification 510
pathway for teachers who have a state -issued temporary 511
certificate to earn their professional certificate through an 512
on-the-job mentorship and learning prog ram. 513
(2) PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS. —A CERT program must include all 514
of the following: 515
(a) A teacher mentorship and induction component. Mentors 516
must meet the requirements of s. 1012.56(7). 517
(b) An assessment of teaching performance aligned to the 518
district, charter school, or charter management organization 519
system for personnel evaluation under s. 1012.34 which provides 520
for: 521
1. An initial evaluation of each educator's competencies 522
to determine an appropriate individualized professional learning 523
plan. 524
2. A summative evaluation to assure successful completion 525
CS/HB 875 2025
CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb875-01-c1
Page 22 of 57
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
of the program. 526
(c) Professional learning, in accordance with s. 1012.98, 527
tailored to each educator's growth and learning needs according 528
to observational data and feedback. 529
(d) Required achievement of passing scores on the subject 530
area examination required by State Board of Education rule. 531
(e) Required successful completion of all competencies for 532
a reading endorsement, including completion of the endorsement 533
practicum, for a candidate certification in a coverage area 534
identified pursuant to s. 1012.585(3)(f). 535
(f) Provide guidance and on -the-job training in the 536
classroom on mastering Florida Educator Accomplished Practices. 537
(3) APPROVAL AND CONTINUED APPROVAL. —CERT programs are 538
approved for a period of 5 years in a format to be established 539
by the department. A teacher may not satisfy requirements for a 540
professional certificate through a CERT program unless the 541
program has been approved by the department pursuant to this 542
section. Continued approval of CERT programs must include a 543
criteria for candidate readiness based on scores on the Florida 544
Teacher Excellence Examination developed pursuant to s. 545
1012.56(10) and administered before program completion. 546
(4) RULEMAKING.—The State Board of Education shall adopt 547
rules to administer this section. 548
Section 6. Effective July 1, 2029, subsection (3) of 549
section 1012.555, Florida Statutes, is amended to read: 550
CS/HB 875 2025
CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb875-01-c1
Page 23 of 57
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
1012.555 Teacher Apprenticeship Program. — 551
(3) A teacher who serves as a mentor i n the apprenticeship 552
program shall mentor his or her apprentice teacher using team 553
teaching strategies and must, at a minimum, meet all of the 554
following requirements of s. 1012.56(7): 555
(a) Have at least 5 years of teaching experience in this 556
state. 557
(b) Have received an aggregate score of highly effective 558
on the three most recent available value -added model (VAM) 559
scores, as used by the department, or have received an aggregate 560
score of highly effective on the three most recent available 561
performance evaluations if the teacher does not generate a state 562
VAM score. 563
(c) Satisfy any other requirements established by the 564
department. 565
Section 7. Effective July 1, 2029, subsections (10) 566
through (17) of section 1012.56, Florida Statutes, are 567
renumbered as subsections (8) through (15), respectively, 568
paragraph (b) of subsection (1), paragraph (d) of subsection 569
(2), paragraphs (e) and (f) of subsection (3), subsection (6), 570
paragraphs (a), (b), and (e) of subsection (7), and present 571
subsections (8) and (9) are amend ed, and paragraph (g) is added 572
to subsection (3) of that section, to read: 573
1012.56 Educator certification requirements. — 574
(1) APPLICATION.—Each person seeking certification 575
CS/HB 875 2025
CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb875-01-c1
Page 24 of 57
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
pursuant to this chapter shall submit a completed application 576
containing the applicant's social security number to the 577
Department of Education and remit the fee required pursuant to 578
s. 1012.59 and rules of the State Board of Education. Pursuant 579
to the federal Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity 580
Reconciliation Act of 1996, eac h party is required to provide 581
his or her social security number in accordance with this 582
section. Disclosure of social security numbers obtained through 583
this requirement is limited to the purpose of administration of 584
the Title IV-D program of the Social Se curity Act for child 585
support enforcement. 586
(b) The department shall issue a temporary certificate to 587
a qualifying applicant within 14 calendar days after receipt of 588
a request from an employer with a professional education 589
competence demonstration program pursuant to paragraph (6)(f) 590
and subsection (9). The temporary certificate must cover the 591
classification, level, and area for which the applicant is 592
deemed qualified. The department shall electronically notify the 593
applicant's employer that the temporary ce rtificate has been 594
issued and provide the applicant an official statement of status 595
of eligibility at the time the certificate is issued. 596
597
The statement of status of eligibility must be provided 598
electronically and must advise the applicant of any 599
qualifications that must be completed to qualify for 600
CS/HB 875 2025
CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb875-01-c1
Page 25 of 57
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
certification. Each method by which an applicant can complete 601
the qualifications for a professional certificate must be 602
included in the statement of status of eligibility. Each 603
statement of status of eligibility is valid for 5 years after 604
its date of issuance, except as provided in paragraph (2)(d). 605
(2) ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA. —To be eligible to seek 606
certification, a person must: 607
(d) Submit to background screening in accordance with 608
subsection (9) (11). If the background screening indicates a 609
criminal history or if the applicant acknowledges a criminal 610
history, the applicant's records shall be referred to the 611
investigative section in the Department of Education for review 612
and determination of eligibility for certi fication. If the 613
applicant fails to provide the necessary documentation requested 614
by the department within 90 days after the date of the receipt 615
of the certified mail request, the statement of eligibility and 616
pending application shall become invalid. 617
(3) MASTERY OF GENERAL KNOWLEDGE. —Acceptable means of 618
demonstrating mastery of general knowledge are: 619
(e) Achievement of passing scores, identified in state 620
board rule, on national or international examinations that test 621
comparable content and relevant stan dards in verbal, analytical 622
writing, and quantitative reasoning skills, including, but not 623
limited to, the verbal, analytical writing, and quantitative 624
reasoning portions of the Graduate Record Examination and the 625
CS/HB 875 2025
CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb875-01-c1
Page 26 of 57
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
SAT, ACT, and Classic Learning Test. Passi ng scores identified 626
in state board rule must be at approximately the same level of 627
rigor as is required to pass the general knowledge examinations; 628
or 629
(f) Documentation of receipt of a master's or higher 630
degree from an accredited postsecondary education al institution 631
that the Department of Education has identified as having a 632
quality program resulting in a baccalaureate degree or higher ; 633
or 634
(g) Successful completion of an introduction to education 635
course and a classroom management and high -impact teaching 636
strategies course approved pursuant to s. 1012.551 . 637
638
A school district that employs an individual who does not 639
achieve passing scores on any subtest of the general knowledge 640
examination must provide information regarding the availability 641
of state-level and district-level supports and instruction to 642
assist him or her in achieving a passing score. Such information 643
must include, but need not be limited to, state -level test 644
information guides, school district test preparation resources, 645
and preparation courses offered by state universities and 646
Florida College System institutions. The requirement of mastery 647
of general knowledge shall be waived for an individual who has 648
been provided 3 years of supports and instruction and who has 649
been rated effective or highly effective under s. 1012.34 for 650
CS/HB 875 2025
CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb875-01-c1
Page 27 of 57
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
each of the last 3 years . 651
(6) MASTERY OF PROFESSIONAL PREPARATION AND EDUCATION 652
COMPETENCE.—Acceptable means of demonstrating mastery of 653
professional preparation and education competence are: 654
(a) Successful completion of a state-approved an approved 655
teacher preparation progra m at a postsecondary educational 656
institution within this state and achievement of a passing score 657
on the professional education competency examination required by 658
state board rule; 659
(b) Successful completion of a teacher preparation program 660
at a postsecondary educational institution outside Florida and 661
achievement of a passing score on the professional education 662
competency examination required by state board rule; 663
(c) Documentation of a valid professional standard 664
teaching certificate issued by another s tate; 665
(d) Documentation of a valid certificate issued by the 666
National Board for Professional Teaching Standards or a national 667
educator credentialing board approved by the State Board of 668
Education; 669
(e) Documentation of two semesters of successful, full -670
time or part-time teaching in a Florida College System 671
institution, state university, or private college or university 672
that awards an associate or higher degree and is an accredited 673
institution or an institution of higher education identified by 674
the Department of Education as having a quality program and 675
CS/HB 875 2025
CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb875-01-c1
Page 28 of 57
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
achievement of a passing score on the professional education 676
competency examination required by state board rule; 677
(f) Successful completion of professional preparation 678
courses as specified in state board rule, successful completion 679
of a professional education competence program pursuant to 680
subsection (9), and documentation of 3 years of being rated 681
effective or highly effective under s. 1012.34 while holding a 682
temporary certificate; 683
(g) Successful comple tion of a professional learning 684
certification program, outlined in subsection (8); or 685
(f)(h) Successful completion of a competency -based 686
certification program pursuant to s. 1004.85 and achievement of 687
a passing score on the professional education compete ncy 688
examination required by rule of the State Board of Education ; or689
(g) Successful completion of a Coaching for Educator 690
Readiness and Teaching Certification Program as established in 691
s. 1012.552. 692
693
The State Board of Education shall adopt rules to implem ent this 694
subsection, including rules to approve specific teacher 695
preparation programs that are not identified in this subsection 696
which may be used to meet requirements for mastery of 697
professional preparation and education competence. A passing 698
score on the professional education competency examination shall 699
not be required of candidates who have successfully completed a 700
CS/HB 875 2025
CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb875-01-c1
Page 29 of 57
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
teacher preparation program approved, after July 1, 2029, 701
pursuant to s. 1004.04, s. 1004.85, or s. 1012.551. 702
(7) TYPES AND TERMS OF CERT IFICATION.— 703
(a) The Department of Education shall issue a professional 704
certificate for a period not to exceed 5 years to any applicant 705
who fulfills one of the following: 706
1. Meets all the applicable requirements outlined in 707
subsection (2). 708
2. For a professional certificate covering grades 6 709
through 12: 710
a. Meets the applicable requirements of paragraphs (2)(a) -711
(h). 712
b. Holds a master's or higher degree in the area of 713
science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. 714
c. Teaches a high school course in the subject of the 715
advanced degree. 716
d. Is rated highly effective as determined by the 717
teacher's performance evaluation under s. 1012.34, based in part 718
on student performance as measured by a statewide, standardized 719
assessment or an Advanced Placement, Advanced International 720
Certificate of Education, or International Baccalaureate 721
examination. 722
e. Achieves a passing score on the Florida professional 723
education competency examination required by state board rule. 724
3. Meets the applicable requirements of paragraphs (2)(a)-725
CS/HB 875 2025
CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb875-01-c1
Page 30 of 57
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
(h) and completes a Coaching for Educator Readiness and Teaching 726
Certification Program pursuant to s. 1012.551 professional 727
learning certification program approved by the department 728
pursuant to paragraph (8)(c) or an educator preparation 729
institute approved by the department pursuant to s. 1004.85. An 730
applicant who completes one of these programs and is rated 731
highly effective as determined by his or her performance 732
evaluation under s. 1012.34 is not required to take or achieve a 733
passing score on the professional education competency 734
examination in order to be awarded a professional certificate. 735
(b) The department shall issue a temporary certificate to 736
any applicant who: 737
1. Completes the requirements outlined in paragraphs 738
(2)(a)-(f) and completes the subject area content requirements 739
specified in state board rule or demonstrates mastery of subject 740
area knowledge pursuant to subsection (5) and holds an 741
accredited degree or a degree approved by the Department of 742
Education at the level requ ired for the subject area 743
specialization in state board rule; 744
2. For a subject area specialization for which the state 745
board otherwise requires a bachelor's degree, documents 48 746
months of active-duty military service with an honorable 747
discharge or a medical separation; completes the requirements 748
outlined in paragraphs (2)(a), (b), and (d) -(f); completes the 749
subject area content requirements specified in state board rule 750
CS/HB 875 2025
CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb875-01-c1
Page 31 of 57
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
or demonstrates mastery of subject area knowledge pursuant to 751
subsection (5); and docu ments completion of 60 college credits 752
with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 753
scale, as provided by one or more accredited institutions of 754
higher learning or a nonaccredited institution of higher 755
learning identified by the Department of Education as having a 756
quality program resulting in a bachelor's degree or higher; or 757
3. Is enrolled in a state -approved teacher preparation 758
program under s. 1004.04; is actively completing the final 759
semester of the clinical experience or required program field 760
experience or internship at a public school immediately 761
preceding graduation ; completes the requirements outlined in 762
paragraphs (2)(a), (b), and (d) -(f); completes the subject area 763
content requirements specified in state board rule or 764
demonstrates mastery of subject area knowledge pursuant to 765
subsection (5); and documents completion of 60 college credits 766
with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 767
scale, as provided by one or more accredited institutions of 768
higher learning or a nonaccredited institution of higher 769
learning identified by the Department of Education as having a 770
quality program resulting in a bachelor's degree or higher. 771
(e) A person who is issued a temporary certificate under 772
paragraph (b) must be assigned a teach er mentor or clinical 773
educator for a minimum of 2 school years after commencing 774
employment. Each teacher mentor or clinical educator selected by 775
CS/HB 875 2025
CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb875-01-c1
Page 32 of 57
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
the school district, charter school, or charter management 776
organization must: 777
1. Hold a valid professional certificate issued pursuant 778
to this section; 779
2. Have earned at least 3 years of teaching experience in 780
prekindergarten through grade 12; and 781
3. Have earned an effective or highly effective rating on 782
the prior 3 year's performance evaluation under s. 1012.34 ;. 783
4. Provide evidence of successful completion of clinical 784
educator training pursuant to s. 1012.98; and 785
5. Be certified or endorsed in reading when assigned to an 786
individual providing instruction to stud ents in kindergarten 787
through grade 3 or an individual enrolled in a teacher 788
preparation program for a certificate area identified pursuant 789
to s. 1012.585(3)(f). 790
791
At least 1 year before an individual's temporary certificate is 792
set to expire, the department shall electronically notify the 793
individual of the date on which his or her certificate will 794
expire and provide a list of each method by which the 795
qualifications for a professional certificate can be completed. 796
(8) PROFESSIONAL LEARNING CERTIFICATION PROG RAM.— 797
(a) The Department of Education shall develop and each 798
school district, charter school, and charter management 799
organization may provide a cohesive competency -based 800
CS/HB 875 2025
CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb875-01-c1
Page 33 of 57
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
professional learning certification program by which 801
instructional staff may satisfy the mastery of professional 802
preparation and education competence requirements specified in 803
subsection (6) and rules of the State Board of Education. 804
Participants must hold a state -issued temporary certificate. A 805
school district, charter school, or charter management 806
organization that implements the program shall provide a 807
competency-based certification program developed by the 808
Department of Education or developed by the district, charter 809
school, or charter management organization and approved by the 810
Department of Education. These entities may collaborate with 811
other supporting agencies or educational entities for 812
implementation. The program shall include the following: 813
1. A teacher mentorship and induction component. 814
a. Each individual selected by the di strict, charter 815
school, or charter management organization as a mentor: 816
(I) Must hold a valid professional certificate issued 817
pursuant to this section; 818
(II) Must have earned at least 3 years of teaching 819
experience in prekindergarten through grade 12; 820
(III) Must have completed training in clinical supervision 821
and participate in ongoing mentor training provided through the 822
coordinated system of professional learning under s. 1012.98(4); 823
(IV) Must have earned an effective or highly effective 824
rating on the prior year's performance evaluation; and 825
CS/HB 875 2025
CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb875-01-c1
Page 34 of 57
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
(V) May be a peer evaluator under the district's 826
evaluation system approved under s. 1012.34. 827
b. The teacher mentorship and induction component must, at 828
a minimum, provide routine opportunities for mentoring and 829
induction activities, including ongoing professional learning as 830
described in s. 1012.98 targeted to a teacher's needs, 831
opportunities for a teacher to observe other teachers, co -832
teaching experiences, and reflection and followup discussions. 833
Professional learning must meet the criteria established in s. 834
1012.98(3). Mentorship and induction activities must be provided 835
for an applicant's first year in the program and may be provided 836
until the applicant attains his or her professional certificate 837
in accordance with this section. 838
2. An assessment of teaching performance aligned to the 839
district's, charter school's, or charter management 840
organization's system for personnel evaluation under s. 1012.34 841
which provides for: 842
a. An initial evaluation of each edu cator's competencies 843
to determine an appropriate individualized professional learning 844
plan. 845
b. A summative evaluation to assure successful completion 846
of the program. 847
3. Professional education preparation content knowledge, 848
which must be included in the mentoring and induction activities 849
under subparagraph 1., that includes, but is not limited to, the 850
CS/HB 875 2025
CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb875-01-c1
Page 35 of 57
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
following: 851
a. The state academic standards provided under s. 1003.41, 852
including scientifically researched and evidence -based reading 853
instructional strate gies grounded in the science of reading, 854
content literacy, and mathematical practices, for each subject 855
identified on the temporary certificate. Reading instructional 856
strategies for foundational skills shall include phonics 857
instruction for decoding and enc oding as the primary 858
instructional strategy for word reading. Instructional 859
strategies may not employ the three -cueing system model of 860
reading or visual memory as a basis for teaching word reading. 861
Instructional strategies may include visual information an d 862
strategies which improve background and experiential knowledge, 863
add context, and increase oral language and vocabulary to 864
support comprehension, but may not be used to teach word 865
reading. 866
b. The educator-accomplished practices approved by the 867
state board. 868
4. Required achievement of passing scores on the subject 869
area and professional education competency examination required 870
by State Board of Education rule. Mastery of general knowledge 871
must be demonstrated as described in subsection (3). 872
5. Beginning with candidates entering a program in the 873
2022-2023 school year, a candidate for certification in a 874
coverage area identified pursuant to s. 1012.585(3)(f) must 875
CS/HB 875 2025
CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb875-01-c1
Page 36 of 57
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
successfully complete all competencies for a reading 876
endorsement, including completion of the endorsement practicum. 877
(b) Professional learning certification program courses: 878
1. May not distort significant historical events or 879
include curriculum or instruction that teaches identity 880
politics, violates s. 1000.05, or is based on theories that 881
systemic racism, sexism, oppression, and privilege are inherent 882
in the institutions of the United States and were created to 883
maintain social, political, and economic inequities. 884
2. Must afford candidates the opportunity to think 885
critically, achieve mastery o f academic program content, learn 886
instructional strategies, and demonstrate competence. 887
(c) The State Board of Education shall adopt rules for the 888
approval and continued approval of professional learning 889
certification programs aligned to paragraph (a). A teacher may 890
not satisfy requirements for a professional certificate through 891
a professional learning certification program unless the program 892
has been approved by the department pursuant to this paragraph. 893
(9) PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION COMPETENCY PROGRAM. — 894
(a) Each school district must and a private school or 895
state-supported public school, including a charter school, may 896
develop and maintain a system by which members of the 897
instructional staff may demonstrate mastery of professional 898
preparation and educati on competence as required by law. Each 899
program must be based on classroom application of the Florida 900
CS/HB 875 2025
CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb875-01-c1
Page 37 of 57
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
Educator Accomplished Practices and instructional performance 901
and, for public schools, must be aligned with the district's or 902
state-supported public school 's evaluation system established 903
under s. 1012.34, as applicable. 904
(b) The Commissioner of Education shall determine the 905
continued approval of programs implemented under this paragraph, 906
based upon the department's review of performance data. The 907
department shall review the performance data as a part of the 908
periodic review of each school district's professional learning 909
system required under s. 1012.98. 910
Section 8. Effective July 1, 2029, paragraph (a) of 911
subsection (3) of section 1012.585, Florida Statu tes, is amended 912
to read: 913
1012.585 Process for renewal of professional 914
certificates.— 915
(3) For the renewal of a professional certificate, the 916
following requirements must be met: 917
(a) The applicant must earn a minimum of 6 college credits 918
or 120 inservice points or a combination thereof. For each area 919
of specialization to be retained on a certificate, the applicant 920
must earn at least 3 of the required credit hours or equivalent 921
inservice points in the specialization area. Education in 922
"clinical educator" Training pursuant to s. 1012.98(4) s. 923
1004.04(5)(b); participation in mentorship and induction 924
activities, including as a mentor , pursuant to s. 1012.56(8)(a) ; 925
CS/HB 875 2025
CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb875-01-c1
Page 38 of 57
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
and credits or points that provide training in the area of 926
scientifically researched, knowledge -based reading literacy 927
grounded in the science of reading, including explicit, 928
systematic, and sequential approaches to reading instruction, 929
developing phonemic awareness, and implementing multisensory 930
intervention strategies, and computational skills acqu isition, 931
exceptional student education, normal child development, and the 932
disorders of development may be applied toward any 933
specialization area. Credits or points that provide training in 934
the areas of drug abuse, child abuse and neglect, strategies in 935
teaching students having limited proficiency in English, or 936
dropout prevention, or training in areas identified in the 937
educational goals and performance standards adopted pursuant to 938
ss. 1000.03(5) and 1008.345 may be applied toward any 939
specialization area, e xcept specialization areas identified by 940
State Board of Education rule that include reading instruction 941
or intervention for any students in kindergarten through grade 942
6. Each district school board shall include in its inservice 943
master plan the ability for teachers to receive inservice points 944
for supporting students in extracurricular career and technical 945
education activities, such as career and technical student 946
organization activities outside of regular school hours and 947
training related to supervising stud ents participating in a 948
career and technical student organization. Credits or points 949
earned through approved summer institutes may be applied toward 950
CS/HB 875 2025
CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb875-01-c1
Page 39 of 57
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
the fulfillment of these requirements. Inservice points may also 951
be earned by participation in professional growth components 952
approved by the State Board of Education and specified pursuant 953
to s. 1012.98 in the district's approved master plan for 954
inservice educational training; however, such points may not be 955
used to satisfy the specialization requirements of t his 956
paragraph. 957
Section 9. Subsections (3) and (4) and paragraph (b) of 958
subsection (5) of section 1012.98, Florida Statutes, are amended 959
to read: 960
1012.98 School Community Professional Learning Act. — 961
(3) Professional learning activities must be linked to 962
student learning, provide and professional growth for 963
instructional and administrative staff , and meet the following 964
criteria: 965
(a) For instructional personnel, utilize materials aligned 966
to the state's academic standards. 967
(b) For school administrators, utilize materials aligned 968
to the Florida Educational Leadership Standards adopted in rule 969
by the State Board of Education state's educational leadership 970
standards. 971
(c) Have clear, defined, and measurable outcomes for both 972
individual inservice activities and multiple day sessions. 973
(d) Employ multiple measurement tools for data on teacher 974
growth, participants' use of new knowledge and skills, student 975
CS/HB 875 2025
CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb875-01-c1
Page 40 of 57
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
learning outcomes, instructional growth outcomes, and leadership 976
growth outcomes, as applicable. 977
(e) Utilize active learning and engage participants 978
directly in designing and trying out strategies, providing 979
participants with the opportunity to engage in authentic 980
teaching and leadership experiences. 981
(f) Utilize artifacts, i nteractive activities, and other 982
strategies to provide deeply embedded and highly contextualized 983
professional learning. 984
(g) Create opportunities for collaboration. 985
(h) Utilize coaching and expert support to involve the 986
sharing of expertise about conten t and evidence-based practices, 987
focused directly on instructional personnel and school 988
administrator needs. 989
(i) Provide opportunities for instructional personnel and 990
school administrators to think about, receive input on, and make 991
changes to practice by facilitating reflection and providing 992
feedback. 993
(j) Provide sustained duration with followup for 994
instructional personnel and school administrators to have 995
adequate time to learn, practice, implement, and reflect upon 996
new strategies that facilitate change s in practice. 997
(k) Provide training on the use of high -quality 998
instructional materials included on the state -adopted 999
instructional materials list pursuant to s. 1006.28, materials 1000
CS/HB 875 2025
CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb875-01-c1
Page 41 of 57
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
evaluated and identified pursuant to s. 1001.215(4), materials 1001
developed pursuant to s. 1006.39, and materials posted online by 1002
the department, including when and how to use intervention 1003
materials. 1004
(4) The inservice activities designed to implement this 1005
section must: 1006
(a) Support and increase the success of educators through 1007
collaboratively developed school improvement plans that focus 1008
on: 1009
1. Enhanced and differentiated instructional strategies to 1010
engage students in a rigorous and knowledge-based relevant 1011
curriculum based on the Florida Educator Accomplished Practices 1012
state and local educational standards, goals, and initiatives ; 1013
and 1014
2. Increased opportunities to provide meaningful 1015
relationships between teachers and all students; and 1016
2.3. Increased opportunities for professional 1017
collaboration among and between teachers, c ertified school 1018
counselors, instructional leaders, postsecondary educators 1019
engaged in preservice training for new teachers, and the 1020
workforce community. 1021
(b) Assist the school community in providing stimulating, 1022
scientific research-based educational activ ities that encourage 1023
and motivate students to achieve at the highest levels and to 1024
participate as active learners and that prepare students for 1025
CS/HB 875 2025
CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb875-01-c1
Page 42 of 57
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
success at subsequent educational levels and the workforce. 1026
(c) Provide continuous support for all education 1027
professionals as well as temporary intervention for education 1028
professionals who need improvement in knowledge, skills, and 1029
performance. 1030
(d) Provide instructional personnel and school 1031
administrators with the knowledge, skills, and best practices 1032
necessary to support excellence in classroom instruction and 1033
educational leadership. 1034
(e) Provide training to individuals who serve as mentors 1035
or clinical educators teacher mentors as part of the 1036
professional learning certification program under s. 1012.56(8) 1037
and the professional education competency program under s. 1038
1012.56(9). The department shall develop criteria for the 1039
initial review and continued approval of clinical educator and 1040
mentor training that must include, at a minimum: 1041
1. Instruction and assessment in the Florida Educator 1042
Accomplished Practices. 1043
2. Effective communication strategies to guide reflection 1044
and personal growth. 1045
3. Effective modeling of high -impact teaching practices 1046
and skills. 1047
4. Fostering resilience in educators 1048
components on teacher development, peer coaching, time 1049
management, and other related topics as determined by the 1050
CS/HB 875 2025
CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb875-01-c1
Page 43 of 57
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
Department of Education . 1051
(5) The Department of Education, school districts, 1052
schools, Florida College System institutions, and state 1053
universities share the responsibilities described in this 1054
section. These responsibilities include the following: 1055
(b) Each school district shall develop a professional 1056
learning system as specified in subsection (4). The system shall 1057
be developed in consultation with teachers, teacher -educators of 1058
Florida College System institutions and state universities, 1059
business and community representatives, and local education 1060
foundations, consortia, and professional organizations. The 1061
professional learning syste m must: 1062
1. Be reviewed and approved by the department for 1063
compliance with s. 1003.42(3) and this section. Effective March 1064
1, 2024, The department shall establish a calendar for the 1065
review and approval of all professional learning systems. A 1066
professional learning system must be reviewed and approved every 1067
5 years. Any substantial revisions to the system must be 1068
submitted to the department for review and approval. The 1069
department shall establish a format for the review and approval 1070
of a professional learning system. 1071
2. Be based on analyses of student achievement data and 1072
instructional strategies and methods that support rigorous, 1073
relevant, and challenging curricula for all students. Schools 1074
and districts, in developing and refining the professional 1075
CS/HB 875 2025
CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb875-01-c1
Page 44 of 57
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
learning system, shall also review and monitor school discipline 1076
data; school environment surveys; assessments of parental 1077
satisfaction; performance appraisal data of teachers, managers, 1078
and administrative personnel; and other performance indicators 1079
to identify school and student needs that can be met by improved 1080
professional performance. 1081
3. Provide inservice activities coupled with followup 1082
support appropriate to accomplish district -level and school-1083
level improvement goals and standards. The inservice activities 1084
for instructional and school administrative personnel shall 1085
focus on analysis of student achievement data; ongoing formal 1086
and informal assessments of student achievement; identification 1087
and use of enhanced and differentiated instructional strategies 1088
that emphasize rigor, relevance, and reading in the content 1089
areas; enhancement of subject content expertise; integrated use 1090
of classroom technology that enhances teaching and learning; 1091
classroom management; parent involvement; and school safety. 1092
4. Provide inservice activities and support targeted to 1093
the individual needs of new teachers participating in the 1094
professional learning certification and education competency 1095
program under s. 1012.56(8)(a). 1096
5. Include a professional learning catalog for inservice 1097
activities, pursuant to rules of the State Board of Education, 1098
for all district employees from all fund sources. The catalog 1099
must be updated annually by September 1, must be based on input 1100
CS/HB 875 2025
CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb875-01-c1
Page 45 of 57
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
from teachers and district and school instructional leaders, and 1101
must use the latest available student achievement data and 1102
research to enhance rigor and relevance in the classroom. Each 1103
district inservice catalog must be aligned to and support the 1104
school-based inservice catalog and school improvement plans 1105
pursuant to s. 1001.42(18). Each district inservice catalog must 1106
provide a description of the training that middle grades 1107
instructional personnel and school administrators receive on the 1108
district's code of student conduct adopted pursuant to s. 1109
1006.07; integrated digital instruction and competency -based 1110
instruction and CAPE Digital Tool certificates and CAPE industry 1111
certifications; classroom management; student behavior and 1112
interaction; extended learning opportunities for students; and 1113
instructional leadership. District p lans must be approved by the 1114
district school board annually in order to ensure compliance 1115
with subsection (1) and to allow for dissemination of research -1116
based best practices to other districts. District school boards 1117
shall submit verification of their appr oval to the Commissioner 1118
of Education no later than October 1, annually. Each school 1119
principal may establish and maintain an individual professional 1120
learning plan for each instructional employee assigned to the 1121
school as a seamless component to the school improvement plans 1122
developed pursuant to s. 1001.42(18). An individual professional 1123
learning plan must be related to specific performance data for 1124
the students to whom the teacher is assigned, define the 1125
CS/HB 875 2025
CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb875-01-c1
Page 46 of 57
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
inservice objectives and specific measurable improvem ents 1126
expected in student performance as a result of the inservice 1127
activity, and include an evaluation component that determines 1128
the effectiveness of the professional learning plan. 1129
6. Include inservice activities for school administrative 1130
personnel, aligned to the state's educational leadership 1131
standards, which address updated skills necessary for 1132
instructional leadership and effective school management 1133
pursuant to s. 1012.986. 1134
7. Provide for systematic consultation with regional and 1135
state personnel designated to provide technical assistance and 1136
evaluation of local professional learning programs. 1137
8. Provide for delivery of professional learning by 1138
distance learning and other technology -based delivery systems to 1139
reach more educators at lower costs. 1140
9. Provide for the continuous evaluation of the quality 1141
and effectiveness of professional learning programs in order to 1142
eliminate ineffective programs and strategies and to expand 1143
effective ones. Evaluations must consider the impact of such 1144
activities on the performance of participating educators and 1145
their students' achievement and behavior. 1146
10. For all grades, emphasize: 1147
a. Interdisciplinary planning, collaboration, and 1148
instruction. 1149
b. Alignment of curriculum and instructional materials to 1150
CS/HB 875 2025
CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb875-01-c1
Page 47 of 57
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
the state academic standards adopted pursuant to s. 1003.41. 1151
c. Use of small learning communities; problem -solving, 1152
inquiry-driven research and analytical approaches for students; 1153
strategies and tools based on student needs; competency -based 1154
instruction; integrated digital instruction; and project -based 1155
instruction. 1156
1157
Each school that includes any of grades 6, 7, or 8 shall include 1158
in its school improvement plan, required under s. 1001.42(18), a 1159
description of the specific strategies used by the school to 1160
implement each item listed in this subparagraph. 1161
11. Provide training to reading coaches, interventionists, 1162
classroom teachers, and school administrators in effective 1163
methods of identifying characteristics of conditions such as 1164
dyslexia and other causes of diminishe d phonological processing 1165
skills; incorporating instructional techniques into the general 1166
education setting which are proven to improve reading 1167
performance for all students; and using predictive and other 1168
data to make instructional decisions based on indiv idual student 1169
needs. The training must help teachers integrate phonemic 1170
awareness; phonics, word study, and spelling; reading fluency; 1171
vocabulary, including academic vocabulary; and text 1172
comprehension strategies into an explicit, systematic, and 1173
sequential approach to reading instruction, including 1174
multisensory intervention strategies. Such training for teaching 1175
CS/HB 875 2025
CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb875-01-c1
Page 48 of 57
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
foundational skills must be based on the science of reading and 1176
include phonics instruction for decoding and encoding as the 1177
primary instructional strategy for word reading. Instructional 1178
strategies included in the training may not employ the three -1179
cueing system model of reading or visual memory as a basis for 1180
teaching word reading. Such instructional strategies may include 1181
visual information and str ategies which improve background and 1182
experiential knowledge, add context, and increase oral language 1183
and vocabulary to support comprehension, but may not be used to 1184
teach word reading. Each district must provide all elementary 1185
grades instructional personne l access to training sufficient to 1186
meet the requirements of s. 1012.585(3)(f). 1187
Section 10. Section 1012.981, Florida Statutes, is created 1188
to read: 1189
1012.981 The Florida Institute for Teaching Excellence. — 1190
(1) The Florida Institute for Teaching Excel lence is 1191
established at Miami Dade College, subject to an appropriation, 1192
for the purpose of preparing high -quality teachers in this state 1193
through rigorous, evidence -based programs grounded in cognitive 1194
science, high-impact teaching strategies, and the impl ementation 1195
of knowledge-rich curricula. 1196
(2) The institute shall do all of the following: 1197
(a) Develop and deliver evidence -based professional 1198
learning opportunities aligned to the Florida Educator 1199
Accomplished Practices. 1200
CS/HB 875 2025
CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb875-01-c1
Page 49 of 57
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
(b) Develop and deliver educ ator training programs 1201
pursuant to s. 1012.98 that integrate high -quality instructional 1202
materials included on the state -adopted instructional materials 1203
list under s. 1006.28, materials evaluated and identified 1204
pursuant to s. 1001.215(4), and materials deve loped by or under 1205
the direction of the department as provided in s. 1006.39. These 1206
programs must focus on the effective use of knowledge -based 1207
curricula, highlighting when and how to incorporate intervention 1208
materials, and emphasize the importance of backg round knowledge 1209
in building advanced reading comprehension grounded in the 1210
science of reading and critical thinking skills. 1211
(c) Develop and design models of high -quality clinical 1212
experiences, for aspiring teachers. These model experiences 1213
shall serve as a standard that institutions approved pursuant to 1214
ss. 1004.04 and 1004.85 can adopt or adapt, enabling 1215
participants to demonstrate mastery of instructional techniques, 1216
classroom management strategies, and the application of high -1217
impact teaching strategies in authentic educational settings. 1218
(d) Collaborate with school districts and other 1219
educational stakeholders to identify emerging needs in teacher 1220
preparation and align institute programs accordingly, conducting 1221
gap analyses to provide comprehensive cover age of the science of 1222
learning, high-impact teaching strategies, and knowledge -rich 1223
curriculum implementation. 1224
(e) Establish a statewide network of teachers and 1225
CS/HB 875 2025
CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb875-01-c1
Page 50 of 57
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
instructional leaders equipped with the knowledge and skills to 1226
mentor and support aspiring a nd current educators participating 1227
in the institute's programs. This network shall model effective 1228
pedagogical practices and facilitate professional growth. 1229
(f) Conduct research and disseminate findings on high -1230
impact teaching practices and the implement ation of knowledge-1231
based curricula to inform policy, improve classroom instruction, 1232
and address the importance of background knowledge in student 1233
achievement. 1234
(g) Report to the department the completion of 1235
professional learning by individuals who are not employed by 1236
entities with an approved professional learning system. 1237
(3) The institute may submit a professional learning 1238
system for approval pursuant to s. 1012.98. 1239
(4) The institute may apply for and receive federal, 1240
state, or local agency grants for the purposes of this section. 1241
(5) The Miami Dade College Board of Trustees in 1242
collaboration with the Florida Department of Education shall 1243
establish policies for the supervision, administration, and 1244
governance of the institute. 1245
Section 11. Effective July 1, 2029, subsection (5) of 1246
section 1012.55, Florida Statutes, is amended to read: 1247
1012.55 Positions for which certificates required. — 1248
(5) Notwithstanding this section and ss. 1012.32 and 1249
1012.56, or any other provision of law or rule to the contr ary, 1250
CS/HB 875 2025
CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb875-01-c1
Page 51 of 57
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
the State Board of Education shall adopt rules to allow for the 1251
issuance of a classical education teaching certificate, upon the 1252
request of a classical school, to any applicant who fulfills the 1253
requirements of s. 1012.56(2)(a) -(f) and (9) (11) and any other 1254
criteria established by the department. Such certificate is only 1255
valid at a classical school. For the purposes of this 1256
subsection, the term "classical school" means a school that 1257
implements and provides professional learning in a classical 1258
education school model that emphasizes the development of 1259
students in the principles of moral character and civic virtue 1260
through a well-rounded education in the liberal arts and 1261
sciences that is based on the classical trivium stages of 1262
grammar, logic, and r hetoric. 1263
Section 12. Effective July 1, 2029, subsection (1) of 1264
section 1012.57, Florida Statutes, is amended to read: 1265
1012.57 Certification of adjunct educators. — 1266
(1) Notwithstanding the provisions of ss. 1012.32, 1267
1012.55, and 1012.56, or any other provision of law or rule to 1268
the contrary, district school boards and charter school 1269
governing boards shall adopt rules to allow for the issuance of 1270
an adjunct teaching certificate to any applicant who fulfills 1271
the requirements of s. 1012.56(2)(a) -(f) and (9) (11) and who 1272
has expertise in the subject area to be taught. An applicant is 1273
considered to have expertise in the subject area to be taught if 1274
the applicant demonstrates sufficient subject area mastery 1275
CS/HB 875 2025
CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb875-01-c1
Page 52 of 57
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
through passage of a subject area test or has achie ved an 1276
industry certification in the subject area to be taught. 1277
Section 13. Effective July 1, 2029, paragraph (b) of 1278
subsection (5) of section 1012.98, Florida Statutes, is amended 1279
to read: 1280
1012.98 School Community Professional Learning Act. — 1281
(5) The Department of Education, school districts, 1282
schools, Florida College System institutions, and state 1283
universities share the responsibilities described in this 1284
section. These responsibilities include the following: 1285
(b) Each school district shall develop a professional 1286
learning system as specified in subsection (4). The system shall 1287
be developed in consultation with teachers, teacher -educators of 1288
Florida College System institutions and state universities, 1289
business and community representatives, and local e ducation 1290
foundations, consortia, and professional organizations. The 1291
professional learning system must: 1292
1. Be reviewed and approved by the department for 1293
compliance with s. 1003.42(3) and this section. Effective March 1294
1, 2024, The department shall establ ish a calendar for the 1295
review and approval of all professional learning systems. A 1296
professional learning system must be reviewed and approved every 1297
5 years. Any substantial revisions to the system must be 1298
submitted to the department for review and approval . The 1299
department shall establish a format for the review and approval 1300
CS/HB 875 2025
CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb875-01-c1
Page 53 of 57
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
of a professional learning system. 1301
2. Be based on analyses of student achievement data and 1302
instructional strategies and methods that support rigorous, 1303
relevant, and challenging curricu la for all students. Schools 1304
and districts, in developing and refining the professional 1305
learning system, shall also review and monitor school discipline 1306
data; school environment surveys; assessments of parental 1307
satisfaction; performance appraisal data of t eachers, managers, 1308
and administrative personnel; and other performance indicators 1309
to identify school and student needs that can be met by improved 1310
professional performance. 1311
3. Provide inservice activities coupled with followup 1312
support appropriate to acco mplish district-level and school-1313
level improvement goals and standards. The inservice activities 1314
for instructional and school administrative personnel shall 1315
focus on analysis of student achievement data; ongoing formal 1316
and informal assessments of student a chievement; identification 1317
and use of enhanced and differentiated instructional strategies 1318
that emphasize rigor, relevance, and reading in the content 1319
areas; enhancement of subject content expertise; integrated use 1320
of classroom technology that enhances tea ching and learning; 1321
classroom management; parent involvement; and school safety. 1322
4. Provide inservice activities and support targeted to 1323
the individual needs of new teachers participating in the 1324
professional learning certification and education competenc y 1325
CS/HB 875 2025
CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb875-01-c1
Page 54 of 57
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
program under s. 1012.56(8)(a) . 1326
5. Include a professional learning catalog for inservice 1327
activities, pursuant to rules of the State Board of Education, 1328
for all district employees from all fund sources. The catalog 1329
must be updated annually by September 1, must be based on input 1330
from teachers and district and school instructional leaders, and 1331
must use the latest available student achievement data and 1332
research to enhance rigor and relevance in the classroom. Each 1333
district inservice catalog must be aligned to and support the 1334
school-based inservice catalog and school improvement plans 1335
pursuant to s. 1001.42(18). Each district inservice catalog must 1336
provide a description of the training that middle grades 1337
instructional personnel and school administrators recei ve on the 1338
district's code of student conduct adopted pursuant to s. 1339
1006.07; integrated digital instruction and competency -based 1340
instruction and CAPE Digital Tool certificates and CAPE industry 1341
certifications; classroom management; student behavior and 1342
interaction; extended learning opportunities for students; and 1343
instructional leadership. District plans must be approved by the 1344
district school board annually in order to ensure compliance 1345
with subsection (1) and to allow for dissemination of research -1346
based best practices to other districts. District school boards 1347
shall submit verification of their approval to the Commissioner 1348
of Education no later than October 1, annually. Each school 1349
principal may establish and maintain an individual professional 1350
CS/HB 875 2025
CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb875-01-c1
Page 55 of 57
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
learning plan for each instructional employee assigned to the 1351
school as a seamless component to the school improvement plans 1352
developed pursuant to s. 1001.42(18). An individual professional 1353
learning plan must be related to specific performance data for 1354
the students to whom the teacher is assigned, define the 1355
inservice objectives and specific measurable improvements 1356
expected in student performance as a result of the inservice 1357
activity, and include an evaluation component that determines 1358
the effectiveness of the profess ional learning plan. 1359
6. Include inservice activities for school administrative 1360
personnel, aligned to the state's educational leadership 1361
standards, which address updated skills necessary for 1362
instructional leadership and effective school management 1363
pursuant to s. 1012.986. 1364
7. Provide for systematic consultation with regional and 1365
state personnel designated to provide technical assistance and 1366
evaluation of local professional learning programs. 1367
8. Provide for delivery of professional learning by 1368
distance learning and other technology -based delivery systems to 1369
reach more educators at lower costs. 1370
9. Provide for the continuous evaluation of the quality 1371
and effectiveness of professional learning programs in order to 1372
eliminate ineffective programs and strateg ies and to expand 1373
effective ones. Evaluations must consider the impact of such 1374
activities on the performance of participating educators and 1375
CS/HB 875 2025
CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb875-01-c1
Page 56 of 57
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
their students' achievement and behavior. 1376
10. For all grades, emphasize: 1377
a. Interdisciplinary planning, collabor ation, and 1378
instruction. 1379
b. Alignment of curriculum and instructional materials to 1380
the state academic standards adopted pursuant to s. 1003.41. 1381
c. Use of small learning communities; problem -solving, 1382
inquiry-driven research and analytical approaches for students; 1383
strategies and tools based on student needs; competency -based 1384
instruction; integrated digital instruction; and project -based 1385
instruction. 1386
1387
Each school that includes any of grades 6, 7, or 8 shall include 1388
in its school improvement plan, required u nder s. 1001.42(18), a 1389
description of the specific strategies used by the school to 1390
implement each item listed in this subparagraph. 1391
11. Provide training to reading coaches , interventionists, 1392
classroom teachers, and school administrators in effective 1393
methods of identifying characteristics of conditions such as 1394
dyslexia and other causes of diminished phonological processing 1395
skills; incorporating instructional techniques into the general 1396
education setting which are proven to improve reading 1397
performance for all students; and using predictive and other 1398
data to make instructional decisions based on individual student 1399
needs. The training must help teachers integrate phonemic 1400
CS/HB 875 2025
CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb875-01-c1
Page 57 of 57
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
awareness; phonics, word study, and spelling; reading fluency; 1401
vocabulary, including aca demic vocabulary; and text 1402
comprehension strategies into an explicit, systematic, and 1403
sequential approach to reading instruction, including 1404
multisensory intervention strategies. Such training for teaching 1405
foundational skills must be based on the science of reading and 1406
include phonics instruction for decoding and encoding as the 1407
primary instructional strategy for word reading. Instructional 1408
strategies included in the training may not employ the three -1409
cueing system model of reading or visual memory as a basis for 1410
teaching word reading. Such instructional strategies may include 1411
visual information and strategies which improve background and 1412
experiential knowledge, add context, and increase oral language 1413
and vocabulary to support comprehension, but may not be use d to 1414
teach word reading. Each district must provide all elementary 1415
grades instructional personnel access to training sufficient to 1416
meet the requirements of s. 1012.585(3)(f). 1417
Section 14. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this 1418
act, this act shall take effect July 1, 2025. 1419