Students across Florida began taking their computerized state math and language arts tests this week, with significantly fewer problems than occurred a year ago. Last spring, when the Florida Standards Assessments and their platform were new, students all over Florida experienced troubles logging in and in some instances were knocked out of their exams, unable…
WASHINGTON – Florida health officials have been pretty successful controlling recent outbreaks of Dengue fever and the chikungunya virus. Zika is shaping up to be far more challenging. Obama administration officials said Monday the virus’ broad health consequences and ability to spread through sexual contact make it much harder to combat than other mosquito-borne diseases.…
Next year’s state budget boasts what Governor Scott has called record funding for K-12 education. After deep cuts spurred by the Recession, per-pupil spending, known as FEFP, or Florida Education Finance Program has indeed hit a new high—but not when you account for inflation. In real terms, the state’s contribution is down nearly 8%, and…
Some South Florida charter schools have been known to vanish quickly, and so have their taxpayer-funded books, computers and furniture. School districts are required to inventory charter school property before and after a school closes. Districts can then use the returned property at other traditional or charter schools in the county. Read full article
TALLAHASSEE- A four-week trial challenging Florida’s entire public education system and its hallmark components — such as standardized testing, school grades and “school choice” options, like charter schools — concluded Friday. Numerous witnesses, including state Education Commissioner Pam Stewart, testified in Leon County Circuit Court during the trial, which began in mid-March. Judge George Reynolds…
TALLAHASSEE — After cutting state borrowing by about $2.5 billion since he took office, Gov. Rick Scott has reversed course and backed a legislative plan to finance more than $600 million in education construction projects in the new budget. It will mark the first time since 2011 that the state has issued bonds to pay…
1. How quickly will students find their careers? http://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/10/education/edlife/will-you-sprint-stroll-or-stumble-into-a-career.html?_r=0 2. If you haven’t heard of Sal Khan, you should have: http://chronicle.com/article/How-Sal-Khan-Hopes-to-Remake/235895 3. Florida’s testing season has begun: http://www.sunshinestatenews.com/story/florida-standards-assessment-smooth-start 4. Short on teachers? You are not alone: http://aminewswire.com/stories/510704904-teacher-shortages-continue-nationwide 5. SREF could be a little more flexible: http://www.capitalnewyork.com/article/florida/2016/04/8595959/schools-could-get-new-flexibility-construction-laws
TALLAHASSEE — School districts would have new flexibility from state building laws under a massive education bill passed by the Legislature during the final hours of the 2016 session. HB 7029, which Gov. Rick Scott is considering, includes a variety of changes to laws governing school facilities construction, including provisions that would free districts from…
April is the official National Financial Literacy Month, yet there is a lack of basic financial education in Florida’s schools, setting the stage for major problems for individuals, families, businesses and communities. On Monday, April 4th, PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers) released results from a new study called, “Bridging the Financial Literacy Gap: Empowering teachers to support the…
TALLAHASSEE — The landscape of Florida high school athletics is poised to change starting next school year, but just how drastically remains to be seen. The “school choice” legislation that lawmakers passed last month — and that awaits Republican Gov. Rick Scott’s signature — includes provisions long sought by the Republican-led Legislature to ensure that…