With committee weeks just two weeks off, the Florida House on Friday announced a revamped committee structure with one notable difference for education policy watchers. The PreK-12 Quality subcommittee chaired by Rep. Byron Donalds was eliminated. Donalds remains on the overarching Education Committee. Read More
State cracking down on whether schools are really teaching courses required by law
Following a scandal related to teaching the Holocaust and questions about whether African American history has been ignored, the Florida Department of Education is moving to require detailed annual reports from districts on what’s being taught across dozens of courses and topics. And the agency is essentially threatening sanctions if public schools don’t comply. That […]
State asks judge to toss lawsuit over teacher bonuses
The Florida Department of Education on Wednesday asked a Tallahassee judge to toss a lawsuit that seeks to have the state pay money to teachers that school districts deducted from bonuses.The lawsuit, filed last month, accused state officials of improperly instructing school districts to deduct employer taxes from teacher bonus awards granted under the “Best […]
FSBA Friday Five – August 30, 2019
What is micro writing and can it be done on a sticky note? What does “career readiness” look like in middle schools? Students grades K–12 in the U.S. have the chance to make history by suggesting creative, fun names for the rover. How is students’ exposure to classroom content and participation in activities linked to […]
School districts lose another round in court over law that bolsters charter schools
The dozen Florida school districts that sued the Legislature over a controversial 2017 law establishing and funding a new charter school system have suffered another setback in court. While acknowledging the districts had a limited right to challenge the law, a three-judge panel of the First District Court of Appeal found the districts’ legal arguments […]
FSBA Friday Five – August 23, 2019
Education Next annual survey results are in. Find out what the top 10 findings are Anyone can be an inventor Modernizing science fairs Home visits help schools and families connect Getting parents past, “How was your day?” to more meaningful interactions
Education board proposes status quo spending on teacher bonuses
Florida Department of Education officials’ latest budget proposal does not include any additional funding for a controversial teacher bonus program, which is currently facing a legal challenge.Instead, state education officials on Wednesday called on the Florida Legislature to keep funding the “Best and Brightest” teacher and principal bonus program at $284.5 million, the same amount […]
Legislators ask 50-plus firms to explain how they use the ‘vast amount of data’ they collect on students
A year ago, the FBI issued a warning that the rapid expansion of education technology in America’s schools and the collection of student data could “present unique exploitation opportunities for criminals.” Now, U.S. lawmakers are demanding that more than 50 education technology companies and data collectors explain what information they collect and how it is […]
FSBA Session Spotlight — August 21, 2019
FSBA 2020 Platform Development The FSBA PROPOSED 2020 Legislative and Federal Platforms are available HERE along with related information. Please be sure to review these PROPOSED Platforms and share any comments or concerns you may have with your district’s representative on the FSBA Legislative Committee. There will also be an online Q&A session on Friday, […]
Join the School Breakfast Challenge
When children are hungry, it’s harder for them to succeed. And for too many kids, school meals are the only meals they can count on. That’s why we’re launching the #SchoolBreakfast Challenge with @FloridaMilk & @nokidhungry to ensure no child starts the day on an empty stomach. pic.twitter.com/SUiMJD6FcD — Commissioner Nikki Fried (@NikkiFriedFL) August 19, […]