TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida could push ahead with a dramatic plan to shift students from chronically failing schools to charter schools run by private organizations.
The Florida Legislature on Monday approved a sweeping education bill that also makes changes to school testing and a teacher bonus program.
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The legislation also mandates that elementary schools must set aside 20 minutes each day for "free-play recess," although the requirement does not apply to charter schools.
The House approved the bill 73-36, while the Senate narrowly approved the measure by a 20-18 vote.
Many Democrats, however, were sharply critical of the bill because the full details were not released until last Friday. Top Republicans negotiated key components in secret.
The bill heads to Gov. Rick Scott, who could veto the legislation because it is linked to the overall state budget.