The higher educations appropriations subcommittee in the Florida House convened this past week to listen to testimony for four bills. One of those bills being, HB 1279.
Sponsored by Representative Lauren Melo (R-80), the proposed legislation would, "Require the Florida Talent Development Council would submit to the Governor, Senate President, Speaker of the House, and Board of Governors a report of recommendations that address pathways of technology for early college and high school programs."
This is called the PTEC program. As defined in the bill, PTEC is "A program that incorporates secondary and post-secondary education with workforce education, work experience using a flexible 6-year integrated model in which students work at their own pace."
Melo is sponsoring this bill in order to address the "skills gap" which vaguely means that students are not acquiring much knowledge on their careers after school.
Melo also hopes that underprivileged youth are provided with a more "Innovative education that creates a direct pathway to college attainment and career readiness."
The bill, although only in committee, has managed to garner widespread support, especially from those who are affected by the legislation. For instance, Stepfanie Steele from Project Lead the Way and James Mosteller with the Foundation of Florida's Future both waiving in support.
The committee passed the bill unanimously with 13 yays and 0 nays.
