Florida ‘schools of choice’ numbers soar in a year, prompting call for clearer definitions

Florida school districts dramatically increased their use of a loophole in the state’s class size law last year, according to newly released Department of Education data that’s bolstering lawmakers’ call for changes to the rule. By the numbers, districts identified 56 percent more of their schools as “schools of choice” in 2014-15 than a year…

Proposed amendment could dissolve, merge Florida school districts

The size, shape, number and even the politics of Florida’s school districts could change dramatically if voters support a constitutional amendment proposed by two South Florida lawmakers. Sen. Jeff Brandes and state Rep. Matt Caldwell introduced legislation that would empower the Legislature to abolish existing school districts. It also would present the opportunity to create…

Commissioner’s FSA cut score recommendations are final, spokeswoman says

If the Florida Board of Education wants to increase state test cut scores to reflect NAEP proficiency, state education commissioner Pam Stewart isn’t offering any cover. Stewart has no plans to alter her Florida Standards Assessments cut score recommendations, which she issued in September, a Department of Education spokeswoman told the Gradebook. Stewart conducted a thorough…

School Board Vice Chair Dr. Lawerence Feldman Receives The Champion of Education Farmworkers Award

MEDIA ADVISORY FROM DR. LAWRENCE FELDMAN The Mexican-American Council recently honored School Board Vice Chair Dr. Lawrence Feldman with The Champion of Education Farmworkers Award in recognition of his generosity, support and leadership in promoting education equality for farmworker children during the Farmworker Celebration Luncheon. The event celebrated at Rancho Victoria honored local and state…