Test scores stall: Tests scores have stagnated nationally and in Florida, and some experts now think there won't be any significant improvement without radical changes in the focus of education. Orlando Sentinel.

Flawed estimates? Some Broward County School Board members think the district is using a flawed method to calculate the cost of construction projects for its $800 million bond program, and the result is cost overruns. The board is considering a review of the more than 240 projects in the bond program to see if the process was fair to the neediest schools. The bond was approved by voters in November 2014, but no work has begun. Sun-Sentinel.

Nonfiction cutback: Some Broward County high school libraries are ridding their shelves of nonfiction books. School officials say the books aren't needed because the information is available online, and the money saved can be used for other needs. Sun-Sentinel.

Teacher shortages: More than 100 Orange County teachers have to retire six days before the end of the school year, which is causing coverage problem for schools. The departures are the result of changes made to the state retirement program five years ago. Several other state school districts have the same problem, but have arranged to extend contracts for the retiring teachers. Orlando Sentinel. Orange County is not the only district facing a teacher shortage caused, in part, by the changes in the state retirement program. School districts around the state are struggling to fill teacher jobs. Bay News 9.

Help for refugees: More than 10,000 unaccompanied minors were placed in homes in Florida from 2014 to 2016, third most among U.S. states. The influx of students who have fled violence and need support during the immigration process is challenging for school districts. Lakeland Ledger. Refugee children are discouraged from enrolling in schools in at least 35 districts in 14 states, including Florida. Associated Press. (more…)