Tax credit scholarships. Florida lawmakers close out their 2014 session by approving legislation that would expand eligibility for the scholarship program and increase regulation of non-profits that administer it, including Step Up For Students, which co-hosts this blog. Times/Herald. Associated Press. News Service of Florida. WFSU. Florida Current. St. Augustine Record. Tampa Bay Times columnist John Romano pans the program in another column. Paul Cottle argues he program’s lack of testing in science furthers the erosion of Florida’s science standards. Bridge to Tomorrow.
Education savings accounts. The bill would create a personal learning scholarship account program for special-needs students, the second of its kind in the county. RedefinED. More from Jay P. Greene’s blog.
Legislature. It was a good session for Florida’s schools. Times/Herald. The final budget would boost education funding. Scripps/Tribune.
Charter schools. Fox News highlights Charter Schools USA’s efforts to start a charter school on MacDill Air Force Base.
Open enrollment. Marion County schools consider universal choice. Ocala Star-Banner.
Testing. Some students pass their time during FCAT season by watching movies or playing games. Miami Herald. Florida prepares for the FCAT’s replacement. Gainesville Sun. Storm-battered Panhandle schools get extra testing days. Northwest Florida Daily News.
Teacher quality. The Tampa Tribune tracks down Hillsborough’s “highly effective” teachers.
Special needs. Special needs students in Flagler County perform better in math than in reading. Daytona Beach News-Journal.
Graduation requirements. One bill passed this session would clear up confusion over high school graduation requirements. StateImpact.
Budgets. Brevard school closure plans are not yet contained in public records. Florida Today. Manatee Schools officials need to come up with $9.3 million to shore up their reserves. Bradenton Herald. Hernando schools officials plan a sales tax referendum to fund facilities. Tampa Bay Times.
Year-round school. An idea worth considering, Palm Beach County school board members say. Palm Beach Post.
Gardens. Students at a Manatee County high school growth their own salad. Bradenton Herald.
Transportation. A district consultant says Hillsborough’s school bus system is at a “breaking point.” Tampa Bay Times.
