Representative Susan Valdés’ (D-Tampa) legislation (CS/HB 537) to repeal the certificate of completion, as well as establish a music-based supplemental pilot program to support STEM courses for middle school students, passed the Education and Employment Committee unanimously.
“Repealing the Certificate of Completion was my motivation to run for State Representative,” saidRepresentative Valdés. “It is the most expensive participation trophy we can give. I want our students focused on earning a high school diploma, not on the Certificate of Completion, which they can’t use to further their education. Including the music education component in the bill was important to me as music has been proven to enhance student development. I am beyond happy that this legislation passed its last committee. Our students deserve to have an education system that works for them, because an education can never be erased!”
The Senate companion, SB 590, by Senator Burgess (R-Zephyrhills), awaits its last stop in the Senate Fiscal Policy committee.
