Testing cutbacks: Hillsborough County elementary students will have fewer tests next school year, and principals and teachers will have more say on what tests are given and when, and how to use the results. Parents and teachers have long complained about the district's "formative tests," which measure what children know early in the year, followed by end-of-the-year tests. Tampa Bay Times. WTVT. The tentative contract agreement between the Polk Education Association and the Polk County School District would give teachers the option not to use the controversial district end-of-year exams, instead creating a measurable “student achievement objective." The school board will vote on the contract next week. Lakeland Ledger.
Top teacher finalist: Precious T. Symonette, a creative writing teacher at Miami Norland Senior High, is one of five finalists for Florida Teacher of the Year. The winner will be announced in July. Miami Herald.
Choice expansion: The school choice movement in Florida was invigorated by the Legislature's actions during this year's session, says state Rep. Manny Diaz Jr., R-Hialeah. He says there is now a "political will" to continue the expansion of choice. Diaz made the remarks during a luncheon about the benefits of school choice in Florida. Miami Herald.
School district problems: Polk County's public schools are driving skilled employees and their children out of the county and hurting the economy, says Lakeland Economic Development Council President Steve Scruggs. "High skill, high wage employees won't put their kids in our schools," Scruggs said at the city's annual strategic planning retreat. Lakeland Ledger.
Budget overruns: Despite having just $50,000 left in its police department's budget, the Broward County School Board signs an agreement to pay the city of Coral Springs $601,000 for police officers in the school. District officials say the money will come from the reserve fund. The board discovered last week that there are $2.5 million in overruns in the police department budget. Sun-Sentinel. (more…)
