Measures to ease class-size amendment requirements, replace the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test with end of course examinations and require teachers in the state's pre-kindergarten program to hold a bachelor's degree are all up for consideration as the Legislature goes into session this spring.

Florida voters approved an amendment in 2002 to ensure smaller classes, the requirements of which have been gradually implemented over the last eight years. The final phase are scheduled to take effect next fall, when every class must meet a specific grade-level cap, rather than calculate a school or districtwide average.

The issue has split along political lines, with two Republican senators proposing an amendment that would keep counts at the school-wide average and permit the addition of a few extra seats where necessary.

Gov. Charlie Crist has expressed his support for the bill, saying Florida has successfully reduced class size by two students each year and that the state needs "a more reasonable approach that does not overburden taxpayers."

The state has spent about $16 billion on class-size reductions so far, and Crist estimates the proposed changes would save $350 million a year. Proponents of the bill say that if the class-size requirements go forward in its present format, districts may have to bus, rezone and, in the process, will disrupt student learning.

Democrats and the Florida Education Association, the state teachers union, meanwhile, argue the requirements have yielded positive results and should go forth as approved by voters.

"I think it's time the Legislature keep the promise to the voters and make sure we have a school system that is high quality, well funded and able to compete in a global economy," FEA president Andy Ford said.

Sen. Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, and Rep. Will Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel, will need a three-fifths vote in the Legislature for the bill to be placed on the November ballot. Voters would then need to approve it by a 60 percent majority. Previous attempts have succeeded in the House but failed in the Senate. More