Florida lawmakers’ decision to end mandatory final exams for every class will mean that more teachers’ performance will be judged on subjects they don’t teach. Concerned about the amount of testing in schools — and pressured by activists and educators — this year lawmakers rescinded a state law that requires school districts to have a…
Tallahassee, Fla. – Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart, joined by Macy’s representatives, traveled the state this week to announce the five statewide finalists for the 2016 Florida Department of Education/Macy’s Teacher of the Year. Each teacher was honored with a surprise presentation in his or her classroom. The Florida Teacher of the Year program honors…
Many controversial education-related proposals died with the abrupt end of the Florida Legislature’s spring session. Some, however, live on as the chambers prepare to negotiate the 2015-16 budget during a June special session. Among the most troubling to school district leaders is a proposal to require districts to share a portion of their local tax…
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. –Today, during a meeting of the Florida Cabinet, Governor Rick Scott recognized eight outstanding educators from the around the state for their contributions to learning with the Governor’s Shine Awards. The Governor’s Shine Award is presented to educators and administrators in Florida who make significant contributions to the field of education. Governor Scott…
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – During today’s meeting of the Florida Cabinet, Governor Rick Scott and Volunteer Florida CEO Chester Spellman awarded three Floridians with the Champion of Service Award, Florida’s official statewide volunteer recognition. Governor Scott said, “These Florida volunteers are true champions for their communities and our entire state. I am proud to honor each of…
Tuesday is National Teacher Day, part of Teacher Appreciation Week, which has taken on special resonance in recent years as many teachers feel increasingly dishonored by policymakers who have put them at the center of controversial reforms. So what do teachers get during this commemoration? Some companies offer discounts to teachers for various items, and…
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. Broward County Superintendent…
FSBA LEGISLATIVE VIDEO UPDATE #9 Our Final Video Update for the 2015 Legislative Session has been posted on the FSBA website at www.fsba.org – you may access the video by clicking on the link to 2015 Legislative Session Video Update 9 under “Legislative Session Updates” (located below the pictures on our main page) or by using…
This Video Update features FSBA Interim Executive Director Bill Graham and FSBA Director of Board Development Andrea Messina commenting on the impacts of the budget impasse. Please be sure to inform your legislators about the difficulties you will experience in your district if a state budget is not adopted soon and urge them to return as soon…
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…