Charter schools. A host of new schools, not all of them reputable, submit charter applications. Sun-Sentinel. Fewer charter schools apply in Flagler and Volusia Counties. Daytona Beach News-Journal. Officials debate the location of a planned West Palm Beach charter. Palm Beach Post. A Post columnist weighs in.
Teacher conduct. Administrative law judges repeatedly thwart Broward’s attempts to fire teachers. Sun-Sentinel. A Southwest Florida teacher is accused of sleeping in class. Naples Daily News.
Digital learning. A state Board of Education member helps create financial incentives for children to obtain technology-related industry certifications. Keynoter.
Campaigns. WFTV offers its take on school choice supporters getting involved in school board races. Pinellas school board candidates debate background checks and felony records. Tampa Bay Times.
Career education. A Hernando aviation program launches as hoped after enrollment rises. Tampa Bay Times.
Testing. The FCAT reading exam trips up a recent Chinese immigrant on the path to a diploma, drawing a lawmaker’s attention. Orlando Sentinel. A South Florida teacher is accused of helping students during FCAT testing. Sun-Sentinel. Summer algebra camps boost the pass rate on algebra end-of-course exams. Lakeland Ledger. Opting out becomes a hot topic in Palm Beach. Palm Beach Post.
Private schools. The Bradenton Herald profiles an Episcopal school’s cultural exchange program with Chinese students.
Teacher evaluation. A former Miami-Dade teacher criticizes the use of VAM. StateImpact. Arne Duncan’s recent federal waiver decision highlights the importance of listening to practitioners. Bridge to Tomorrow.
Discipline. Local governments debate who should foot the bill for an out-of-school suspension program aimed at reducing juvenile crime. Florida Times-Union.
Transportation. A mother is upset after her 5-year-old is dropped off at the wrong bus stop. Tampa Bay Times. Parents are upset after a bus leaves children stranded for several hours. WWSB. The Tampa Tribune profiles a Hillsborough crossing guard.
Student activities. The ACLU intervenes on behalf of students trying to found a gay-straight alliance. Central Florida News 13.
Security. Manatee schools prepare to hire a private security firm to protect elementary schools. Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Bradenton Herald.
Athletics. An Escambia high school is under investigation for recruiting violations. Pensacola News-Journal.
