FSBA Daily Updates: Legislative Session 04-24-2014

BUDGET UPDATE — ACTION REQUESTED Last night, the Senate presented their second counter-offer that would have cleared several remaining differences between the House and Senate education budgets.  This Senate offer was contingent upon the House’s agreement to certain stipulations in the offer.  However, when the House returned later in the evening with their responding 3rd…

Voucher bill brought back to life

A Senate panel revived the proposed expansion of the school voucher program. But it did not give a second chance to the immigrant tuition proposal. By Kathleen McGrory Herald/Times Tallahassee Bureau TALLAHASSEE — A Senate committee used a procedural maneuver Tuesday to put a controversial school voucher bill back in play. But the committee refused…

FCAT tests delayed over website woes

Thousands of students couldn’t take FCAT online on Tuesday, as problems with the testing company’s website prevented students from logging in. The glitch with the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test affected districts around Florida, including Orange and Seminole county schools. Orange County suspended testing for about 12,000 sixth, seventh, ninth and 10th graders, who were to…

Schools Suspend FCAT Because Of Computer Problems

Schools are suspending today’s FCAT testing because some school districts are having computer issues. The Florida Department of Education says the problem is with testing firm Pearson. The problem is not statewide, they said, but they’ve advised districts having issues to suspend testing. The Tampa Bay Times reports Pasco County schools have stopped testing. Pasco County schools’…

Opting Out Of FCAT Can Have Consequences

Monday (4-21-2014) we told you about activists who are educating parents about what their options are when it comes to FCAT exams. While state law doesn’t allow parents to withhold their children from the exam, the law does outline alternatives to required tests. But opting out might still come with some consequences. A parent forwarded…

FSBA Daily Updates: Legislative Session 04-22-2014

BUDGET ALERT – YOUR ACTION REQUESTED The Education Budget Conference Committee held its first meeting last night.  The House presented its first offer on the education budget and budget proviso language.  Elements of the House offer, coupled with adjustments to align the budget with approved allocations and with adjustments to align with the 4th Calculation…

FSBA Daily Updates: Legislative Session 04-21-2014

BUDGET UPDATE The House announced their budget conferees today and the first organizational meeting was held this evening. House members that will serve on the Education Budget Conference Committee are Representatives Erik Fresen (chair), Janet Adkins, Larry Ahern, Gwyndolen Clarke-Reed, Karen Castor Dentel, Heather Fitzenhagen, Jeanette Nunez, Keith Perry, Jake Raburn, Betty Reed, Charlie Stone,…