Appeals court deals setback to opponents of Florida’s voucher-like program for schools
TALLAHASSEE — An appeals court says Florida’s teacher union has no legal right to challenge the state’s largest private school voucher program. Read full article
The Health Case For Starting High School Later
At the start of the school day, Rory Feinberg says “all anyone talks about is how tired they are.” Rory just finished 11th grade at Miami Beach High School, and as the year progresses, he says his sleep debt tends to accumulate. By the spring, he often falls asleep as soon as he gets home…
Florida’s English language learners move toward language proficiency
When they first arrive in the country, children who don’t speak English aren’t required to take the usual battery of Florida’s standardized tests. Rather, they sit for assessments to gauge their English proficiency after time spent learning the language. Read full article
U.S. Education Department Releases Guidance on Education of Children with Disabilities Attending Public Virtual Schools
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) today issued guidance in the form of a Dear Colleague Letter to states to ensure students with disabilities attending public virtual schools are getting the special education and supports that they deserve and is their right. The guidance focuses on specific requirements…
*CALL TO ACTION* ESSA INPUT NEEDED
*CALL TO ACTION* Only 7 days remain for school board members to share input about ESSA with the Regional Advisory Committees at the U.S. Department of Education. CLICK HERE for information and a guide that outlines the input process. It is important to clearly identify yourself as a school board member. LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD.
Zika: Gov. Scott offers repellent to schools
The threat carried by a tiny, day-biting, house-loving mosquito has created a new wrinkle in the back-to-school preparation for 187 Palm Beach County campuses where some 190,000 children are due to return Monday. This week, with the news that one of the county’s residents is among those believed to have contracted Zika locally, Gov. Rick…
FSBA #FridayFive – Week of August 8, 2016
5 Things You Should Know What should US education be doing differently? ESSA feedback criticizes federal government for overreach Florida’s $100 purchasing power Which students perform better—video game players or social media posters? Parents across country—not just Florida—want recess
FEMA weighing change to disaster aid for states
States should back a proposed federal program that could initially have them take on more disaster recovery costs — but with the ability to lower the tab by investing in preparedness, Florida’s emergency director said Wednesday. If the states don’t go along, they’ll risk Congress simply shifting more costs to the states without their input,…
Clay County’s Caeleb Dressel earns spot in 100 freestyle Olympic final
Three days after winning relay gold, Caeleb Dressel is closing in on individual honors. The Clay High graduate and University of Florida junior qualified for the 100 free final at the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro Tuesday. Read full article
U.S. Dept. of Education Needs Sensing Survey for Regional Stakeholder Input
Between now and August 18, 2016, the U. S. Department of Education is collecting input from stakeholders on the educational and technical assistance needs of states and school districts. The input received will inform priorities for the next grant cycle of Regional Educational Laboratories as part of the Comprehensive Centers program. Read full article