Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has made significant strides in the field of education with the recent signing of five bills focused on expanding educational opportunities in the state. Among these bills, HB 1361 stands out for its emphasis on access to education through scholarships.
The HB 1361, which was promoted by Republican Rep. John Temple of Wildwood, will bring about a change in Florida education starting July 1, 2024. In addition to expanding the New Worlds scholarship, the legislation also includes provisions for providing grants to school districts for the implementation of artificial intelligence to support students and teachers.
The new law not only expands educational opportunities through scholarships, but also assigns key responsibilities to the Lastinger Center in improving early learning and literacy. The Center will oversee programs such as the New Worlds Reading Initiative and the New Worlds Tutoring Program, aimed at raising learning standards in critical areas like literacy and mathematics. Additionally, a scholarship program for personalized tutoring and professional development for teachers using AI platforms promises to enhance educational quality in Florida.
In addition to the education-focused bills, Governor DeSantis also signed law HB1589, which imposes significant penalties for driving a vehicle without a valid driver’s license in the state. The law aims to crack down on illegal immigration by targeting licenses issued by other states to unauthorized immigrants, labeling them as invalid for driving in Florida.
These legislative changes in Florida highlight the state’s commitment to improving education access and quality, as well as addressing issues related to illegal immigration. With these new laws in place, Florida’s education system is set to undergo significant enhancements in the coming years.