Florida School Climate Policy

 

 

Florida has 74 school districts that service 4,319 K-12 schools. There were 2,791,687 students enrolled in Florida public schools during the 2020-2021 school year. About 59% of students are eligible for free or reduced-price lunches. Florida has no policies directly addressing school climate. However, their other policies that address aspects of school climate include bullying prevention, dropout prevention, suicide prevention and awareness, parental involvement, emergency drills, and anti-discrimination. There is a policy regarding media literacy called FINDS (Florida’s Library Media Research Model) that educates students on technology competencies. There is also a policy addressing disability history and awareness instruction.

Safety

There is currently no policy surrounding School Climate in Florida. For more information on school climate, please visit us at Services – National School Climate Center

Florida Statutes 1006.147 Bullying and harassment prohibited.

Defines the terms bullying, cyberbullying, and harassment as well as behaviors associated with these actions.

https://law.justia.com/codes/florida/2022/title-xlviii/chapter-1006/part-i/subpart-c/section-1006-147/

 Florida asks schools to develop and implement procedures to prevent bullying and harassment behavior and the consequences of such behavior. Policies also explain that procedures are needed for reporting an incidence of bullying and investigating it as well as how this policy will be communicated. This policy also covers conduct that occurs off school property.

  • Florida Statutes 1006.147 Bullying and harassment prohibited.

https://law.justia.com/codes/florida/2022/title-xlviii/chapter-1006/part-i/subpart-c/section-1006-147/

  • Florida Statutes 1006.13 – Policy of zero tolerance for crime and victimization.

https://law.justia.com/codes/florida/2022/title-xlviii/chapter-1006/part-i/subpart-c/section-1006-13/

Florida Statutes 1006.135 Hazing is prohibited at schools with any grades 6-12.

Each school district shall adopt in rule a policy that prohibits hazing and establishes consequences for a student who commits an act of hazing. The policy will include a definition of what hazing is as well.

https://law.justia.com/codes/florida/2022/title-xlviii/chapter-1006/part-i/subpart-c/section-1006-135/


Who does this protect? Students, Teachers

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? No

Florida Statutes 1006.07 District school board duties relating to student discipline and school safety. 

  • Formulate and prescribe policies and procedures, in consultation with the appropriate public safety agencies, for emergency drills and actual emergencies. This includes preparation for fires, natural disasters, active shooter and hostage situations, and bomb threats.
  • Drills for active shooter and hostage situations shall be conducted by developmentally appropriate and age-appropriate procedures at least as often as other emergency drills.

https://law.justia.com/codes/florida/2022/title-xlviii/chapter-1006/part-i/subpart-c/section-1006-07/

Florida Statutes 1006.12 – Safe-school officers at each public school.

Defines school resource officer, school safety officer, school guardian, and school security guard. It states what their powers and responsibilities are, and what is required of them to be in the position they are in. For example;

  • School resource officers will complete mental health crisis intervention training to address situations involving students with emotional disturbance or mental illness.
  • Out of all the stated positions, school safety officers are the only ones who can carry weapons when performing their duties.

https://law.justia.com/codes/florida/2022/title-xlviii/chapter-1006/part-i/subpart-c/section-1006-12/

Florida Statutes 790.115 – Possessing or Discharging Weapons or Firearms at a School-Sponsored Event or on School Property Prohibited; Penalties; Exceptions.

A person shall not possess any firearm, electric weapon or device, destructive device, or other weapons, including a razor blade or box cutter, except as authorized in support of school-sanctioned activities, at a school-sponsored event, or on the property of any school, school bus, or school bus stop.

https://law.justia.com/codes/florida/2022/title-xlvi/chapter-790/section-790-115/

 Florida Statutes 1006.1493 – Florida Safe Schools Assessment Tool.

The FSSAT must be the primary physical site security assessment tool as revised and required by the Office of Safe Schools which is used by school officials at each school district and public school site in the state in conducting security assessments.

https://law.justia.com/codes/florida/2022/title-xlviii/chapter-1006/part-i/subpart-c/section-1006-1493/


Who does this protect? Students, Staff

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? No

Florida Statutes 1006.147 Bullying and harassment prohibited.

The anti-bullying policy will include a procedure to refer victims and perpetrators of bullying or harassment for counseling.

https://law.justia.com/codes/florida/2022/title-xlviii/chapter-1006/part-i/subpart-c/section-1006-147/

Florida Administrative Code 6A-1.099811 School Improvement State System of Support for Deficient and Failing Schools.

Multi-tiered system of support should be incorporated into school functioning.

https://regulations.justia.com/states/florida/department-6/division-6a/chapter-6a-1/section-6a-1-099811/

Florida Statutes 1003.573 Use of restraint and seclusion on students with disabilities.

The school district’s plan for reducing restraint and seclusion may include activities like, parental involvement, additional training in positive behavioral support and crisis management, and changes to the school environment.

https://law.justia.com/codes/florida/2022/title-xlviii/chapter-1003/part-v/section-1003-573/

Florida Statutes 1003.53 Dropout prevention and academic intervention.

The educational program shall provide curricula, character development and law education, and related services that support the program goals and lead to improved performance in the areas of academic achievement, attendance, and discipline.

https://law.justia.com/codes/florida/2022/title-xlviii/chapter-1003/part-v/section-1003-53/


Who does this protect? Students, Staff

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? Yes

Teaching/Learning

Florida provides students with disabilities the accommodations and resources they need to have an appropriate education.

  • Florida Statutes 1003.571 – Instruction for exceptional students who have a disability.

https://law.justia.com/codes/florida/2022/title-xlviii/chapter-1003/part-v/section-1003-571/

  • Florida Statutes 1003.576 – Individual education plans for exceptional students.

https://law.justia.com/codes/florida/2022/title-xlviii/chapter-1003/part-v/section-1003-576/

  • Florida Statutes 1003.57 – Exceptional students instruction.

https://law.justia.com/codes/florida/2022/title-xlviii/chapter-1003/part-v/section-1003-57/

  • Florida Statutes 1003.5716 – Transition to postsecondary education and career opportunities.

https://law.justia.com/codes/florida/2022/title-xlviii/chapter-1003/part-v/section-1003-5716/

Florida Statutes 1003.53 Dropout prevention and academic intervention.

Dropout prevention and academic intervention programs may differ from traditional educational programs and schools in scheduling, administrative structure, philosophy, curriculum, or setting and shall employ alternative teaching methodologies, curricula, learning activities, and diagnostic and assessment procedures to meet the needs, interests, abilities, and talents of eligible students.

https://law.justia.com/codes/florida/2022/title-xlviii/chapter-1003/part-v/section-1003-53/

 Florida Statutes 1003.56 – English language instruction for limited English proficient students.

Instruction in the English language shall be provided to limited English proficient students. Such instruction shall be designed to develop the student’s mastery of the four language skills, including listening, speaking, reading, and writing, as rapidly as possible.

https://law.justia.com/codes/florida/2022/title-xlviii/chapter-1003/part-v/section-1003-56/


Who does this protect? Students, Students with disabilities

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? Yes

Florida Statutes 1003.497 – Service learning.

The Department of Education shall encourage school districts to initiate, adopt, expand, and institutionalize service-learning programs, activities, and policies in kindergarten through grade 12.

https://law.justia.com/codes/florida/2022/title-xlviii/chapter-1003/part-iv/section-1003-497/


Who does this protect? Students

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? No

Interpersonal Relationships

Florida Statutes 1000.05 – Discrimination against students and employees in the Florida K-20 public education system prohibited; equality of access required.

Discrimination based on race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, disability, religion, or marital status against a student or an employee in the state system of public K-20 education is prohibited.

https://law.justia.com/codes/florida/2022/title-xlviii/chapter-1000/part-i/section-1000-05/


Who does this protect? Students and Staff of all races, ethnicities, ability status, etc.

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? No

Florida Statutes 1012.583 Continuing education and in-service training for youth suicide awareness and prevention.

The Department of Education, in consultation with the Statewide Office for Suicide Prevention and suicide prevention experts, shall develop a list of approved youth suicide awareness and prevention training materials and suicide screening instruments that may be used for training in youth suicide awareness, suicide prevention, and suicide screening for instructional personnel in elementary school, middle school, and high school.

https://law.justia.com/codes/florida/2022/title-xlviii/chapter-1012/part-iii/subpart-d/section-1012-583/

 Florida Statutes 1012.582 – Continuing education and in-service training for teaching students with developmental disabilities.

The Commissioner of Education shall develop recommendations to incorporate instruction regarding autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, and other developmental disabilities into continuing education or in-service training requirements for instructional personnel.

https://law.justia.com/codes/florida/2022/title-xlviii/chapter-1012/part-iii/subpart-d/section-1012-582/

Florida Statutes 1012.584 Continuing education and in-service training for youth mental health awareness and assistance.

The Department of Education shall establish an evidence-based youth mental health awareness and assistance training program to help school personnel identify and understand the signs of emotional disturbance, mental illness, and substance use disorders and provide such personnel with the skills to help a person who is developing or experiencing an emotional disturbance, mental health, or substance use problem.

https://law.justia.com/codes/florida/2022/title-xlviii/chapter-1012/part-iii/subpart-d/section-1012-584/

Florida Statutes 1012.98 School Community Professional Development Act.

The purpose of the professional development system is to increase student achievement, enhance classroom instructional strategies that promote rigor and relevance throughout the curriculum, and prepare students for continuing education and the workforce.

https://law.justia.com/codes/florida/2022/title-xlviii/chapter-1012/part-v/section-1012-98/


Who does this protect? Staff and Students

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? No

Florida Statutes 1006.147 Bullying and harassment prohibited.

The anti-bullying policy will include a procedure to refer victims and perpetrators of bullying or harassment for counseling.

https://law.justia.com/codes/florida/2022/title-xlviii/chapter-1006/part-i/subpart-c/section-1006-147/

 Florida Administrative Code 6A-1.099811 School Improvement State System of Support for Deficient and Failing Schools.

Multi-tiered system of support should be incorporated into school functioning

https://regulations.justia.com/states/florida/department-6/division-6a/chapter-6a-1/section-6a-1-099811/

 Florida Statutes 1003.573 Use of restraint and seclusion on students with disabilities.

The school district’s plan for reducing restraint and seclusion may include activities like, parental involvement, additional training in positive behavioral support and crisis management, and changes to the school environment.

https://law.justia.com/codes/florida/2022/title-xlviii/chapter-1003/part-v/section-1003-573/

 Florida Statutes 1003.53 Dropout prevention and academic intervention.

The educational program shall provide curricula, character development and law education, and related services that support the program goals and lead to improved performance in the areas of academic achievement, attendance, and discipline.

https://law.justia.com/codes/florida/2022/title-xlviii/chapter-1003/part-v/section-1003-53/


Who does this protect? Students

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? Yes

Institutional Environments

Florida Statutes 1000.03. Function, mission, and goals of the Florida K-12 education system.

One of this system’s priorities is increasing family and community involvement in education for the success of the students

https://law.justia.com/codes/florida/2020/title-xlviii/chapter-1000/part-i/section-1000-03/index.html

Florida Statutes 1001.42 Powers and duties of the district school board.

The district school board will

  • Adopt rules to strengthen family involvement and empowerment. The rules shall be developed in collaboration with administrative personnel, parents, teachers, and community partners.
  • Develop and disseminate a parent guide to successful student achievement which addresses what parents need to know about their child’s educational progress and how they can help their child to succeed in school.

https://law.justia.com/codes/florida/2020/title-xlviii/chapter-1001/part-ii/subpart-a/section-1001-42/index.html

 Florida Statutes 1002.23 Family and School Partnership for Student Achievement Act.

Each district school board shall adopt rules that strengthen family involvement and family empowerment. The rules shall be developed in collaboration with parents, school administrators, teachers, and community partners addressing topics like opportunities for parental involvement in the development, implementation, and evaluation of family involvement programs.

https://law.justia.com/codes/florida/2020/title-xlviii/chapter-1002/part-ii/section-1002-23/


Who does this protect? Students, Parents

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? Yes

Florida Statutes 1006.07 District school board duties relating to student discipline and school safety. 

  • Formulate and prescribe policies and procedures, in consultation with the appropriate public safety agencies, for emergency drills and actual emergencies. This includes preparation for fires, natural disasters, active shooter and hostage situations, and bomb threats.
  • Drills for active shooter and hostage situations shall be conducted by developmentally appropriate and age-appropriate procedures at least as often as other emergency drills.

https://law.justia.com/codes/florida/2020/title-xlviii/chapter-1006/part-i/subpart-c/section-1006-07/

Florida Statutes 1006.12 – Safe-school officers at each public school.

Defines school resource officer, school safety officer, school guardian, and school security guard. It states what their powers and responsibilities are, and what is required of them to be in the position they are in. For example;

  • School resource officers will complete mental health crisis intervention training to address situations involving students with emotional disturbance or mental illness.
  • Out of all the stated positions, school safety officers are the only ones who can carry weapons when performing their duties.

https://law.justia.com/codes/florida/2020/title-xlviii/chapter-1006/part-i/subpart-c/section-1006-12/

 Florida Statutes 790.115 – Possessing or Discharging Weapons or Firearms at a School-Sponsored Event or on School Property Prohibited; Penalties; Exceptions.

A person shall not possess any firearm, electric weapon or device, destructive device, or other weapons, including a razor blade or box cutter, except as authorized in support of school-sanctioned activities, at a school-sponsored event, or on the property of any school, school bus, or school bus stop.

https://law.justia.com/codes/florida/2020/title-xlvi/chapter-790/section-790-115/

Florida Statutes 1006.1493 – Florida Safe Schools Assessment Tool.

The FSSAT must be the primary physical site security assessment tool as revised and required by the Office of Safe Schools which is used by school officials at each school district and public school site in the state in conducting security assessments.

https://law.justia.com/codes/florida/2020/title-xlviii/chapter-1006/part-i/subpart-c/section-1006-1493/

 


Who does this protect? Students, staff

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? No

Florida Statutes 1003.4205. Disability History and Awareness Instruction.

Each district school board may provide disability history and awareness instruction in all K-12 public schools in the district during the first 2 weeks of October each year. During this period students may be provided intensive instruction to expand their knowledge, understanding, and awareness of individuals with disabilities, the history of disability, and the disability rights movement.

https://law.justia.com/codes/florida/2020/title-xlviii/chapter-1003/part-iv/section-1003-4205/


Who does this protect? Students

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? No

Social Media

Information Literacy: -FINDS- Florida’s Library Media Research Model.

Students acquire the dispositions and competencies needed to function successfully in this demanding, information-intense, technology-driven world.

  • Focus on the information need
  • Investigate resources to search for answers
  • Note and evaluate facts 
  • Develop information into knowledge for presentation
  • Self-Evaluate presentation and search

https://www.fldoe.org/academics/standards/subject-areas/library-media-services-instructional-t/info-literacy-fls-library-media-curric.stml


Who does this protect? Students

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? No

There is currently no policy surrounding Leadership in Florida. For more information on school climate, please visit us at Services – National School

There is currently no policy surrounding Professional Relationships in Florida. For more information on school climate, please visit us at Services – National School

Sources include: nasbe.org and childtrends.org