District computer capabilities not an issue in opt-out debate, Florida education department says

While Lee County residents debated opting out of Florida’s testing program on principle, one Pasco County mom suggested the focus should be on the technical.  Heidi Janshon, a Pasco elementary school parent and Common Core foe, told the School Board they, too should walk away from the new Florida Standards Assessments that students are slated…

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Let More Children Access Personal Learning Scholarship Accounts

Florida’s Republican governor says he wants to expand the pool of children who would qualify for the state’s new personal learning accounts. In the midst of a contentious back-and-forth over education, Gov. Rick Scott’s campaign released a second-term agenda Monday morning. The Associated Press has fleshed out some details already, but one noteworthy proposal hasn’t gotten much attention: A declaration…

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Charter schools making big profits for private companies

TAMPA, Florida – As the debate over school choice continues to divide Florida educators, 10 Investigates found new ways charter schools companies are profiting off education. Charter schools are tuition-free public schools that are authorized by – but not operated by – each school district. For each student who “chooses” a charter, his or her…

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State pension fund posts stronger than expected earnings

The state’s pension fund beat expectations last fiscal year, earning a 17.4 percent return on investments and ending 2013-14 with a market value of $149.1 billion, the State Board of Administration announced Tuesday. That return was stronger than the previous fiscal year’s 13 percent return. All of the fund’s investments paid off last year, the board’s…

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