Learning Spotlights

Get ready to be inspired by innovative ideas and practices in education. Our spotlight shines on groundbreaking innovations that are transforming the way we learn and teach.

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What can Emma do? Amazing things, that’s what

  CLEARWATER – On the desk inside Emma Coto’s bedroom is a sign that says, “This Girl Can.” That’s as good of a place as any to begin this story because sitting at the piano next to the desk is Emma, and she’s playing the theme to “Jurassic Park,” her favorite... READ MORE
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With education choice scholarship, parents feel they are doing ‘something greater’ for Emilio
  APOPKA – The days were long when the family lived up north, when Maria Alvaracin and her husband, Fernando Ramirez, worked two and sometimes three jobs each in one...
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Education choice scholarship a ‘humongous blessing’ for straight-A student Briana
The first quarter academic awards ceremony at Grace Christian School was coming to an end, and Lynette Thomas had yet to hear her daughter’s name called. Briana Thomas had enrolled...
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Virtual reality allows tween with serious medical condition to experience the world safely from home
Tristan Drummond was born 10 weeks premature with one kidney and enough genetic disorders that doctors gave him a 50/50 chance to turn 1.  He had his first surgery when...
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Mikaela’s goal is simple: From head of the class as a student to head of the class as the teacher
TAMPA – Be a doctor, some say. Be a lawyer, others suggest. You’re so smart, you should do something big, they tell her. Mikaela Powell politely listens to those who see...
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Florida Catholic schools thrive amid record choice expansion
Editor’s note: This story is published in celebration of National Catholic Schools Week, which runs from Jan. 28-Feb. 3. Visit Guardian Angels Catholic School in Clearwater, and you’ll feel a...
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Blazing Stars, blazing trails
DADE CITY, Fla. – LaTania Scott and Kameeka Shirley were former public school teachers who wanted something different when they opened their own school in January 2023.   Something … authentically...
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State scholarship expansions send Jacksonville school’s enrollment soaring
Editor’s note: This story is published in celebration of National School Choice Week, which runs Jan. 21-27.  In the early 1980s, a young educator and pastor named Frederic Pinkney received...
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Sugar and spice and tackles: Payton wants to coach football just like her dad
NAPLES – Payton Gibbs stood at midfield wearing black pants, a red pullover, and a red ballcap emblazoned with the University of Massachusetts logo. From a distance, she looked like a football coach...
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Virtual Reality games and banking app help mom make Florida teen’s education unique 
 Traditional school wasn’t working for Alexander Luther. The 15-year-old, who has autism spectrum disorder, would get overstimulated and tired toward the end of the 6-hour day. His mother, Sue, a...
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Two Catholic schools join Florida’s growing list of Purple Star schools that accommodate military families
The pre-K-to-8 private school is one of 73 public and private schools in the state this year to receive a Purple Star School of Distinction designation for supporting students of...
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