New testing bill on its way, Sen. Gaetz says

As Florida’s 2016 legislative session fast approaches, lawmakers keep filing education-related bills even during the holiday lull. The latest: Rep. Reggie Fullwood’s proposal to create a social services oriented pilot program for the state’s poorest, most academically struggling schools. One highly anticipated measure, though, remains conspicuously absent. On the heels of spring testing troubles, and amid calls to…

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Florida Board of Education vice chairman speaks against school grade rule proposal

Florida Board of Education vice chairman John Padget, long a vocal proponent of tougher academic standards, on Monday expressed his disappointment with commissioner Pam Stewart’s proposed school grading rules in a letter to his colleagues. Stewart’s grading simulation, released earlier in December, would allow schools with less than 50 percent of points in the grading…

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More scrutiny of charter school capital spending in Florida and asset retention

The Rowlett Academy for Arts and Communication presents a solid case study of success in the operation of a charter school. With parents deeply involved in the education of their children and in the performance of the converted district school, Rowlett stands in sharp contrast to the failures of many charters. These tuition-free public schools,…

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