Florida Roundup: School choice, tax credit scholarships, Common Core and more

Public-school choice. A plan to create public-school choice throughout Duval County divides the school board, the Florida Times-Union reports. Some board members warn of “unintended consequences.” WJXT. More from First Coast News and WJCT.

florida-roundup-logoTax credit scholarships. The St. Augustine Record editorial board comes out against legislation that would expand the program.

School choice. A Sun-Sentinel op-ed tees off on the a range of choice options, arguing they run counter to the state constitutional provision requiring a “uniform” education system,.while a separate guest column argues choice programs open opportunities to minority students, and opposition is being fueled by unions.

Magnet schools. A student in the jazz band at an Osceola County arts magnet program advanced to a national competition. Orlando Sentinel.

Common Core. Gov. Rick Scott stands by the standards as opponents see a lack of action in the Legislature. Miami Herald. 

Textbooks. Bill to put adoption decisions totally in district hands appears to be getting support in both chambers of the Legislature. Gradebook. Palm Beach County officials oppose it. Extra Credit.

Funding. The state’s revenue picture got even better this week, and the Florida House wants to increase spending on public schools. Tampa Bay Times. Florida Current.

School boards. The Hernando school board approves a re-organization plan. Tampa Bay Times.

Teacher pay. A mediator’s decision could pave the way for raises in Orange County. Orlando Sentinel.

Poverty. Blessings in a Backpack helps fight hunger among students in Seminole County. Sentinel.


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BY Travis Pillow

Travis Pillow is Director of Thought Leadership at Step Up For Students and editor of NextSteps. He lives in Sanford, Fla. with his wife and two children. A former Tallahassee statehouse reporter, he most recently worked at the Center on Reinventing Public Education, a research organization at Arizona State University, where he studied community-led learning innovation and school systems' responses to the Covid-19 pandemic. He can be reached at tpillow (at) sufs.org.