A measure (SB 1368) that would allow students to graduate from high school early and make a series of other changes to education in Florida sailed through the Senate Education Committee on Tuesday, but only after senators on both sides of aisle raised some concerns about provisions of the bill.
Some senators are concerned about provisions that would allow students to have a 3.0 grade-point average and score well on standardized tests to take Advanced Placement courses — which allow students to earn college credit in high school.
The Foundation for Florida’s Future, which supports both measures, also raised concerns about the AP requirement, saying it would fall heavily on minority students.
“I don’t want to be responsible for us, in pursuit of really good policy, of denying minority students or low-performing students the opportunity to find that one subject or that one opportunity to shine, and find that which really encourages them to do well in school,” said Sen. Lizbeth Benacquisto, R-Fort Myers.
Other concerns include a provision that would tie the funding for some classes to student performance.
“A school district cannot afford to offer classes and not get paid,” said Sen. Bill Montford, D-Tallahassee.
The measure still has to pass the Senate Budget Committee to go to the floor.
