Testing review: The first two weeks of computer-based standardized testing have gone well, says Education Commissioner Pam Stewart. More than 672,000 writing exams have been taken by 8th, 9th and 10th graders. The next wave of online Florida Standards Assessments test begins April 11. This week, 3rd and 4th graders are taking handwritten versions of the tests. Orlando Sentinel. Rhonda Sylvia, a teacher at Blue Lake Elementary School in Deland, writes an letter to her students to remind them that test results do not evaluate their worth. WPLG.

Scholarship appeal set: The First District Court of Appeal will hear an appeal May 10 by groups challenging Florida's Tax Credit Scholarship program. The groups, led by the Florida Education Association, contend the program is unconstitutional and has harmed the state's public schools. A Leon County circuit judge tossed out the lawsuit in May 2015, ruling the plaintiffs did not have legal standing. Under the program, tax credits are given to companies that donate money to help pay for low-income children to attend private schools. Step Up For Students, which hosts this blog, helps administer the state's tax credit scholarships. News Service of Florida.

Blue-haired dilemma: A 12-year-old Orlando girl who dyed her hair blue for a part in a school play has been told by a dean to change it back to her natural hair color by Friday or face suspension. Erin Shaffer helped her daughter Olivia dye her hair to play the part of an eel in the Discovery Middle School's production of Little Mermaid. WPLG. WKMG.

Financial challenges: The St. Johns County School Board discusses the financial challenges the district faces for the next school year. Even with a small increase in funding from the state, growth is straining the district's finances. St. Augustine Record.

Charter school debt: Parents of Windsor Prep Academy students are told the charter school owes about $1.5 million to its management company, Newpoint Education Partners, which was charging a management fee of about 18 percent. Alliance Education Services, which wants to take over management of the school, made the announcement at a meeting this week. WFLA. (more…)