District Professional Learning Systems

District professional learning systems are the policies and practices that support sustained professional learning and growth for all instructional and administrative personnel. Rule 6A-5.069, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.), outlines the required content for school district professional learning systems and provides a common system template for district use. Rule 6A-5.071, F.A.C., outlines the required content for professional learning catalogs, an integral component of the professional learning system, and provides a common template for district use.

The systems – developed in consultation with teachers and teacher-educators from state colleges and universities; business and community representatives; and local education foundations, consortia, educational leaders, and professional organizations – are based on an analysis of student and educator outcomes, and other performance indicators, to identify school and student needs that can be met by improved professional practice.

All systems are initially submitted to the Florida Department of Education for review and approval. As districts monitor and review student and educator learning data over time, refinements to the system may be necessary. Substantial revisions to district systems must be resubmitted to the department for review for continued approval.

Professional Learning System Review Process and Calendar

Section 1012.98, Florida Statutes (F.S.), requires each school district to establish and maintain a professional learning system that increases student achievement; enhances classroom instructional strategies that promote rigor and relevance throughout the curriculum; and prepares students for continuing education and the workforce.

In March of 2023, all districts were required to submit their Professional Learning Systems to the FDOE for approval. Starting in 2024, a minimum of eight districts will be identified based on the provided selection criteria for a continued approval system review. Continued approval status will be effective for a five-year period. Districts will be selected for either on-site or off-site review of updated systems and catalogs. Districts not in the continued approval cycle may continue to utilize the system approved during the 2023 review phase.

District Monitoring and Selection Criteria

The Department will annually select no less than eight (8) school districts for system review. Selection for review is based on the following criteria:

• The school district percentage of full-year-enrolled students earning a passing score on statewide, standardized assessments pursuant to s. 1008.34, F.S.;
• The school district percentage of full-year-enrolled students achieving a learning gain from the prior year to the current year on statewide, standardized assessments pursuant to s. 1008.34, F.S.;
• The school district percentage of schools receiving a grade of “D” or “F” pursuant to s. 1008.34, F.S.;
• The distribution of personnel in each of the four (4) performance levels provided in s. 1012.34(2)(e), F.S.;
• School district requests to participate in monitoring;
• Evidence of noncompliance with the requirements of s. 1012.98, F.S., Rule 6A-5.069, F.A.C., or Rule 6A-5.071, F.A.C.;
• School district requests for assistance; and
• The length of time since the last monitoring event.

*Five Year Projected System Review Calendar

*This calendar is subject to change and will be updated accordingly.