Addressing inequities in public schools improves student performance. The Real Talk Coalition for Education Equity platform identifies four prime equity areas: Early Education, Healthy Learning Environments, Strong Teaching, and Needs-Based Funding. These four areas provide an index for measuring whether legislation will likely increase equity in education and thus drive better student performance, especially in children with the most needs.
The following report card assigns a Pass/Fail grade to 2019 Florida education bills. PASS says the bill advances opportunity for all students, especially for children with the most needs. FAIL the bill gives preference to some students or directs funds to private interests. Bills are sorted by whether they are moving or stalled in committee. Based on the following analysis, the 2019 legislation likely to pass will not drive better student outcomes or school performance.
2nd Edition: Two stalled bills are moving, and the credentials bill has been improved
| GRADE | EARLY LEARNING | HEALTHY ENVIRONMENTS | STRONG TEACHING | NEEDS-BASED FUNDING |
| PASS Moving | HB 1027/ SB 1456 HB 1193 | HB 587/SB 290 HB 259/SB 982SB 226SB 1120 | HB 7061 | SB 190 |
| FAIL Moving | SB 7030/HB 7093+SB 7070* | SB 7070* | SB 7070* | |
| PASS Stalled | SB 712SB 926/HB 703SB 1064HB 1003/SB 1282HB 1223 | HB 631/SB 1096 | SB 1234 |
*SB 7070 earns a failing grade because it does not advance opportunity for all students. Students should not have to compete for prizes to receive a high-quality education. Funding for public education should be based on need above all else. +Arming teachers creates an unhealthy learning environment.
Florida needs an Equity Index to score education bills. Our report card is a first step to help meet the mandate for a free high-quality public education for all students.
- Strengthening Early Learning for All: Every child will have access to quality pre-kindergarten education that supports learning opportunities necessary to set them on a trajectory of success. Once in grade school (Kindergarten to 2nd grade), children will receive the resources needed to achieve thirdgrade competency standards.
- Cultivating Healthy Learning Environments: Every child will be treated with dignity and respect regardless of race, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or ability. Discipline will be redefined to maximize learning opportunities, prioritizing classroom instructional time for every child.
- Strong Teachers in High-Need Classrooms: Every child will have competent and caring teachers who help them achieve their learning potential. Teachers will have the training, experience, and cultural and language competencies necessary to be effective educators with all students.
- Needs-Based Education Funding: Every child will receive the funding and resources necessary to reach their learning potential. All learning institutions receiving public dollars will adhere to one statewide accountability standard to ensure every child succeeds in school and life.
| BILL | NAME | EQUITY | GRADE |
| SB 7070 | K-12 Education | All Areas | FAIL |
| SB 7030/HB 7093 | School Safety and Security (Arming Teachers) | Healthy Environment |
FAIL |
| HB 7061/SB 1576 | Teacher Preparation | Strong Teaching |
PASS |
| HB 1027/SB 1456 | Office of Early Learning | Early Learning | PASS |
| HB 1193/SB1594 | Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program | Early Learning | PASS |
| HB 587/SB 290 | Medicaid-based School Services | Healthy Environment |
PASS |
| HB 703/SB 926 | Human Sexuality Education in Public Schools | Healthy Environment |
PASS |
| HB 1003/SB 1282 | Wellness Examinations (Religious Exemption) | Healthy Environment |
PASS |
| HB 1223/SB 1798 | Postsecondary Grant Programs (summer) | Healthy Environment |
PASS |
| SB 226/HB 401 | Mastery-based Education | Healthy Environment |
PASS |
| SB 712/HB 655 | School Safety Funding | Healthy Environment |
PASS |
| HB 259/SB 982 | Human Trafficking Education in Schools | Healthy Environment |
PASS |
| SB 1064 | Student and Parent Rights | Healthy Environment |
PASS |
| SB 1120/HB 1361 | Corporal Punishment in Public Schools | Healthy Environment |
PASS |
| SB 190/HB 839 | Education (Bright Futures Eligibility) | Needs-Based Funding |
PASS |
| SB 1234/HB 457 | Eligibility: State Financial Aid Awards & Tuition Assistance Grants |
Needs-Based Funding |
PASS |
| HB 631/SB 1096 | Reemployment After Retirement | Strong Teaching |
PASS |