Transformational Learning Opportunities:

Virtual & Online Schooling:

• At the state level, Florida Virtual School enrolled 369,892 part-time and 9,710 full-time students during the 2022-23 school year, while over 25,000 students are enrolled in a district-level school. A full list of public virtual education options can be found here.

• Broward County Public Schools and Orange County Public Schools are members of Digital Promise’s League of Innovative Schools. The League of Innovative Schools is a national network of school leaders in 150 districts in 38 states that aim to enhance and scale digital learning opportunities for students across the nation.

Digital Learning Resources:

• The Florida Department of Education does not require specific digital learning standards or models, but does provide resources for technology integration in schools such as technology toolkits, webinars, professional development, and digital learning and teaching best practices.

• Curious about your district’s internet access? ConnectK-12 provides state- and district-specific information on access to the recommended bandwidth speeds and monthly internet costs. 

Career & Technical and/or Work-based Education:

• Florida statute allows schools to offer work-based learning and state policy allows students to earn credits towards graduation for work-based learning activities. The state also allows students to CTE diploma.

• According to CTE K-12 Funding, Florida funds CTE programming using a weighted formula based on Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) enrollment. For students in CTE programs, Florida increases the per-pupil funding, with additional funding available for students who finish an industry-certified career or professional academy program and earn the highest level of industry certification alongside their high school diploma.

• During the 2023 legislative session, Florida took initiative to enhance their CTE and work-based learning programs; SB240 urges school districts to establish policies and procedures for collaborating with organizations to introduce students to various industries, businesses, and career opportunities. Additionally, all school districts must ensure that students can take at least one work-based learning opportunity during their high school career. The bill also requires the Florid’s Department of Education to “convene a workgroup to review and identify certain education programs and pathways,” to promote ongoing innovation in CTE and work-based learning.

Personalized, Competency- and/or Mastery-based Learning:

• Florida allows competency-based graduation requirements.

• In 2016, Florida launched a pilot program that waived traditional graduation and grade advancement requirements in Palm Beach, Pinellas and Seminole County School Districts, and PK Yonge Developmental Research School, all of which are implementing personalized learning. 

Innovation Schools, Zones, and/or Districts:

• Legislation allows the District Innovation School of Technology Program, which enables participating schools to implement one of three blended learning models: flipped classroom model, flex model, and rotation model.