Florida roundup: Parent trigger, charter school report, flipped classrooms & more

Parent trigger. This year’s version clears its first hurdle on a party-line vote. Miami Herald, Orlando Sentinel, Palm Beach Post, Associated Press, Tallahassee Democrat.

FL roundup logo snippedCharter schools. A state Department of Education reports says charter school students are outperforming traditional public school students in just about every head-to-head match up. Fort Myers News Press, redefinED, Gradebook, Sunshine State News.

Magnet schools. The Tallahassee Democrat applauds the Leon County school district for expanding them.

School spending. To deal with a projected budget shortfall, Pasco Superintendent Kurt Browning recommends eliminating all media specialists and reading coaches. Tampa Bay Times. Marion Superintendent George Tomyn, meanwhile, is planning to restore full-time music and art teachers, and media specialists, to all schools. Ocala Star Banner. The Manatee district has taken steps to recover from a $3.4 million budget deficit. Bradenton Herald.

Flipped classrooms. Some teachers are trying it into Flagler and Volusia. Daytona Beach News Journal.

Common Core. StateImpact Florida has three questions for Orange Superintendent Barbara Jenkins.

Superintendents. Two lobbyists that are on Clay Superintendent Charlie Van Zant’s recommendation list for district lobbyist contributed to his campaign. Florida Times Union.

Teacher conduct. A Brevard County teacher is under investigation for allegedly not reporting “inappropriate touching” between kindergarteners in her classroom. Florida Today.

Parent volunteers. In times of budget cuts,  they’re even more important. Florida Today.


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BY Ron Matus

Ron Matus is director for policy and public affairs at Step Up for Students and a former editor of redefinED. He joined Step Up in February 2012 after 20 years in journalism, including eight years as an education reporter with the Tampa Bay Times (formerly the St. Petersburg Times). Ron can be reached at rmatus@stepupforstudents.org or (727) 451-9830. Follow him on Twitter @RonMatus1 and on facebook at facebook.com/redefinedonline.