The purpose of this new rule is to implement s. 1003.4996, Florida Statutes, Competency-Based Education Pilot Program. Beginning with the 2016-17 school year, the Competency-Based Education Pilot Program is created within the Department of Education to be administered for a period of 5 years. The purpose and effect of the pilot program is to provide an educational environment that allows students to advance to higher levels of learning upon the mastery of concepts and skills through statutory exemptions relating to student progression and the awarding of credits. Eligible to submit an application for participation in the pilot program are the school districts of Lake, Palm Beach, Pinellas and Seminole Counties and the P. K. Yonge Developmental Research School. The proposed rule will include an application form and will establish requirements for, at a minimum, vision and timelines for implementation, annual goals and performance outcomes, a communication plan, scope and timelines for professional development for school and administrative personnel, a plan for student progression based on the mastery of content, a plan for using technology and digital and blended learning to facilitate the competency-based education system, the proposed allocation of resources, the recruitment and selection of participating schools, rules to be waived and guarantee of student funding pursuant to s. 1011.62, F.S.