Florida PBS unveils free digital learning platform

TAMPA — One of America’s most trusted sources for high-quality educational programming has introduced a digital learning platform aimed at keeping up with the state’s revamped education standards. Florida PBS Learning Media gave hands-on training to educators attending the Florida School Board Association and Florida Association of District School Superintendents conference in Tampa on Wednesday.…

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Florida teacher evaluations show almost everyone effective or better

Nearly 98 percent of Florida’s public school teachers earned good evaluations for the 2013-14 school year, just as they’ve done for the past two years, data released today shows. Central Florida school districts, as we reported late last month, mirrored the state, with almost all teachers evaluated earning “highly effective” or “effective” ratings — the…

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School testing poised to get scaled back by Florida lawmakers

When the Lee County School Board voted in August to rid its classrooms of state-mandated tests, superintendent Nancy Graham says the district lost sight of a key factor: Children. Adults with political agendas on testing, accountability, Common Core and other issues held sway with passionate pleas, and board members took the bait. The conversation about…

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Court review of school vouchers long overdue

Time for courts to review Florida’s expansion of school voucher program. Florida’s courts must review the state’s school voucher program after this year’s massive expansion by the Legislature. The Florida School Board Association and the Florida Education Association — the teachers union — are among the plaintiffs challenging the legality of the program, which provides…

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Bush Education Legacy

Jeb Bush made his mark as Florida’s governor by overhauling the state’s schools. As he ponders a potential run for president, his education policies — a likely cornerstone of a White House campaign — are drawing fire from critics who argue they place too much emphasis on testing. While the landmark education programs retain the…

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New writing test will be paper-pencil version for grades 4-7

Students in grades 4 to 7 will take Florida’s new standardized writing test using old-fashioned paper and pencil to quell educators’ fears that younger students don’t have the typing skills needed to take an online writing exam. Education Commissioner Pam Stewart said Tuesday the state will revisit the issue next year, before deciding whether the…

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