Despite Problems With Florida’s New Test, Lawmaker Opposes Cancelling Contract

The chairman of the Senate Education committee says lawmakers aren’t interested in cancelling the six-year, $220 million contract with Florida new statewide test provider despite multiple problems with the new exams already. Twice this year contractor American Institutes for Research made changes to their system which prevented students and administrators from accessing the exam. Some…

Florida education department clarifies rules on student retention, teacher evaluations

The passage of HB 7069 into law changed the rules for evaluating Florida students and teachers. Exactly how has been the subject of much debate. There’s been a healthy back and forth, for instance, over whether the Legislature’s action gave school districts more flexibility on retaining third graders who score at the lowest levels of…

Legislative stalemate puts Florida school districts in a budgeting bind

The early end to this year’s legislative session, without an approved budget, has put Florida school district leaders on edge. Even in normal circumstances, school boards often struggle to craft spending plans largely dictated by state funding formulas. This year, they face the task without any hard numbers as a starting point. “It’s exceedingly difficult,”…

Miami-Dade County Public Schools’ Physical Education Program named as a model program by UNESCO

Miami-Dade County Public Schools’ Physical Education Program has been named as a model program for North America by the United Nations’ Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in their case study report, “Quality Physical Education”. This publication was developed in partnership with the European Commission, the International Council of Sport Science and Physical Education, the International…