Florida School Boards Association
NAPLES, Fla. – Collier County Public Schools announced Monday morning that all Florida Standards Assessment testing has been canceled because of a state computer issue preventing students from logging on. Lee County encountered the same issues, according to Jennifer DeShazo of the district’s communications office, and Florida Education Commissioner Pam Stewart in a conference call…
Florida’s computerized testing system ran into a new round of problems Monday, following a trouble-free week that had officials optimistic the system was on solid footing. Districts across the state reported that students were unable to begin taking their Florida Standards Assessments in language arts and math on Monday morning. The Florida Department of Education…
Not much, actually. The Florida House and Senate have different proposals on 2015-16 school spending, each of which differs slightly from what Gov. Rick Scott requested. But discussions to reach consensus haven’t begun. Ruth Melton from the Florida School Boards Association described it best in her daily update to members: Normally, at this point in…
In a calculated and largely fireworks-free markup of a bipartisan Elementary and Secondary Education Act rewrite, members of the U.S. Senate education committee approved the measure 22-0 Thursday amid much back-slapping and promises to continue working across the aisle. “The vote today is about how we conducted this markup,” said Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., the chairman…
The Independent Benefits Council (IBC) earned high marks for its School Employee Saver campaign website and contests on Thursday at the annual Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) Capital Chapter Image Awards, winning an Image Award and an Award of Distinction, respectively. The IBC brings together the Florida Education Association, the Florida Association of School Administrators,…
A proposal that would allow students to attend one school but play sports for another narrowly passed a Senate education panel Wednesday. The measure (SB 1480) passed the state Senate pre-k-12 education committee on a 6-5 vote. Similar House legislation (HB 7137) was approved last month and is headed to the House floor. Among other…
Gov. Rick Scott on Tuesday signed a sweeping education bill aimed at reducing the testing requirements for public schoolchildren. In addition to eliminating an 11th grade English exam and capping the amount of time students can spend taking state-mandated tests, the bill (HB 7069) delays the release of school grades and teacher evaluations until the…
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, during a meeting of Florida’s Cabinet, Governor Rick Scott recognized eight outstanding educators from around the state for their contributions to educating Florida students with 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…
Florida ranked third nationwide for student success on Advanced Placement exams, according to new data released this week from the College Board. The Sunshine State also placed ahead of Massachusetts, one of the country’s “model” states which is well-known for its high academic achievements. AP courses aim to emulate first-year college courses, allowing students to…
A bill to let Florida children attend any public school that has open seats, regardless of where they live, won unanimous support Thursday from the Florida House Education Committee after sponsor Rep. Chris Sprowls modified it to meet school district concerns. Committee chair Rep. Marlene O’Toole recently threatened to kill the bill if it didn’t get fixed…