A network of schools affiliated with one of Florida’s largest charter school management companies is set to square off with two Treasure Coast school districts in a series of appeals before the state Board of Education. The cases, set to be heard during the board’s Thursday meeting in Tallahassee, center on an[Read More…]
Tag: Academica
Florida schools roundup: Grades, Fresen, a one-room school and more
School grades: After months of delays, the Department of Education releases Florida school grades for 2014-2015. The grades are similar to the projections issued in December, and will become the baseline for comparison to future grades. Twenty-two of the state’s 67 districts received A grades. None received an F, and only two[Read More…]
Florida schools roundup: Grading, charters, pay raises and more
School grading: The Seminole County School District is considering changes to its controversial middle-school grading system for assignments and tests, from the 0-4 method back to something like the traditional 0-100 model. Orlando Sentinel. Charter schools controversy: Academica’s for-profit charter school Doral Academy has narrowly won approval to open in Jefferson[Read More…]
Florida roundup: virtual schools, magnet schools, paddling & more
Virtual schools. Florida Virtual School is battling proposed budget cuts, reports Associated Press. A state investigation finds online provider K12 Inc. employed three teachers who lacked proper certification to teach some subjects, reports StateImpact Florida. Magnet schools. A Hillsborough high school best known for its football program starts an academic program heavy[Read More…]
Equitable funding, independent authorizers top wish list for charter school backers
If the chatter among Florida charter school supporters is any indication, expect to see proposed legislation next spring that calls for equitable funding for charter schools and the return of charter authorizers who are independent from public school districts. “This is a forced marriage that needs counseling,’’ joked Ralph Arza,[Read More…]
Teachers unions are private corporations too
A Miami Herald story this week about the political contributions of teachers unions and for-profit education companies in Florida offers another opportunity to consider the term “privatization.” The word has become a potent weapon in debates about the continuing customization of public education. But it’s being misused, and needs to[Read More…]