Tax credit scholarships. Florida lawmakers close out their 2014 session by approving legislation that would expand eligibility for the scholarship program and increase regulation of non-profits that administer it, including Step Up For Students, which co-hosts this blog. Times/Herald. Associated Press. News Service of Florida. WFSU. Florida Current. St. Augustine Record. Tampa Bay Times columnist John Romano pans the program in another column. Paul Cottle argues he program's lack of testing in science furthers the erosion of Florida's science standards. Bridge to Tomorrow.

Education savings accounts. The bill would create a personal learning scholarship account program for special-needs students, the second of its kind in the county. RedefinED. More from Jay P. Greene's blog.

Legislature. It was a good session for Florida's schools. Times/Herald. The final budget would boost education funding. Scripps/Tribune.

Charter schools. Fox News highlights Charter Schools USA's efforts to start a charter school on MacDill Air Force Base.

Open enrollment. Marion County schools consider universal choice. Ocala Star-Banner.

Testing. Some students pass their time during FCAT season by watching movies or playing games. Miami Herald. Florida prepares for the FCAT's replacement. Gainesville Sun. Storm-battered Panhandle schools get extra testing days. Northwest Florida Daily News.

Teacher quality. The Tampa Tribune tracks down Hillsborough's "highly effective" teachers.

Special needs. Special needs students in Flagler County perform better in math than in reading. Daytona Beach News-Journal.

Graduation requirements. One bill passed this session would clear up confusion over high school graduation requirements. StateImpact.

Budgets. Brevard school closure plans are not yet contained in public records. Florida Today. Manatee Schools officials need to come up with $9.3 million to shore up their reserves. Bradenton Herald. Hernando schools officials plan a sales tax referendum to fund facilities. Tampa Bay Times.

Year-round school. An idea worth considering, Palm Beach County school board members say. Palm Beach Post.

Gardens. Students at a Manatee County high school growth their own salad. Bradenton Herald.

Transportation. A district consultant says Hillsborough's school bus system is at a "breaking point." Tampa Bay Times.

 Tax credit scholarships. The bill expanding the program is likely headed to the House floor. More from the Scripps/Tribune. Times/Herald. News Service of Florida. The state should mandate that scholarship students take the state's standardized science test too. Bridge to Tomorrow. Education activist Rita Solnet tears into the program on the Huffington Post, which is also picked up by the Answer Sheet. The legislation is controversial. Sun-Sentinel.

Charter schools. The Sarasota County school board renews a charter contract after a contentious debate. Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

Magnet schools. Two new Pinellas County programs are flooded with applications. Tampa Bay Times.

Testing. The first priority in choosing the state's next assessment was having it ready for next year, Education Commissioner Pam Stewart said Tuesday. Gradebook. Field tests from Utah can inform officials about how the new tests will work. WFSU. The new test should be an improvement from the FCAT, the Sun-Sentinel editorializes. South Florida schools tweak their testing calendars to accommodate Passover. Miami Herald.

Funding. The House's budget proposal would boost spending on public schools. Times/Herald.

Administration. Alachua County finds eight semifinalists for superintendent. Gainesville Sun. Hillsborough officials spar over transportation issues. Tampa Tribune. Tampa Bay Times.

School safety. Bill aims to make it safer for kids walking to school. Gradebook. Hillsborough Schools hire a new security chief. Tampa Bay Times.

Homework. The load isn't all that heavy for most students, a Brookings Institution report says. Orlando Sentinel.

Employee conduct. A former Manatee High School assistant principal is in a legal fight for his job. Bradenton Herald. A Brevard County high school teacher is on paid administrative leave after showing students a nude picture, in what was apparently an accident. Florida Today.

School facilities. A rural elementary school re-opens after mold problems. Florida Times-Union. More from the Independent Florida Alligator.