Education Commissioner Recommends Eliminating Some State Tests

Education Commissioner Pam Stewart has recommended eliminating a high school exam, making another optional and asking state lawmakers and local school districts to cut back on the amount of testing. Stewart’s recommendations are the conclusion of a statewide review of standardized testing requested by Gov. Rick Scott. “There is, without a doubt, an excess of…

Bay County schools “ready” for testing — but not really, superintendent says

Florida school districts have until Tuesday to certify their readiness for the state’s spring computerized testing. Bay County superintendent Bill Husfelt says his schools aren’t ready. “We are not ready for the onslaught of the existing tests let alone new tests that we have not seen, have not had adequate time to prepare for and…

Governor Rick Scott and First Lady Ann Scott Announce 2015 Black History Month Student and Teacher Contest Winners

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Governor Rick Scott and First Lady Ann Scott today announced the 2015 Black History Month student and teacher contests winners.  The winners will be honored tonight during the Black History Month reception at the Governor’s mansion. The reception celebrates the contributions African-American community leaders, educators and students make to Florida’s communities, culture…

House mum on testing, takes up school uniforms

As the state Senate moves forward with a sweeping plan aimed at fixing Florida’s testing troubles, a House education panel on Wednesday took up another subject entirely: school uniforms. House K-12 Education Subcommittee Chairwoman Janet Adkins, R-Fernandina Beach, convened experts from four school districts to talk about their experiences with clothing in the classroom. Wendy Dodge, who…