Sexual consent video: Seniors at the Pine View School in Sarasota County recently were shown what district officials call an “inappropriate” and “unsuitable” video on sexual consent without getting approval from the administration. The Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center has apologized, saying a counselor made the decision knowing it had not been approved. The group's 15-plus-year relationship with the district has been suspended until the incident has been investigated. Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
Kindergarten readiness: Hillsborough County typically has the most elementary schools on the Florida list of 300 lowest-performers. So district officials are happy to learn that kindergarten readiness, as measured by I-Ready assessments, is up to 50 percent from 46 percent last year. "That's a good jump, because we've been flat-lining or even dropping a little bit over the last three years," says Superintendent Jeff Eakins. Kindergarten readiness is considered a crucial step in improving reading efficiency in elementary schools. Tampa Bay Times. (more…)
Redirection of funds rejected: Incoming legislative leaders reject Gov. Rick Scott's call to allow school districts to use $58 million in unspent funds for school security. Scott proposed uncommitted money from the armed guardian fund be divided up among the state's districts to hire more officers or use on other security measures. But House Speaker-elect Jose Oliva, R-Hialeah, and incoming Senate President-elect Bill Galvano, R-Bradenton, both say the money should stay in the armed guardian fund, and that the program needs time to grow. Many school districts favored school resource officers over arming school employees or security guards, and didn't apply for the guardian funds. Associated Press.
Top court gets Amendment 8: An appeal of a judge's decision this week to remove proposed constitutional Amendment 8 from the November ballot will skip the appeals process and be heard by the Florida Supreme Court. The state had appealed the decision to the First District Court of Appeal, which immediately passed it on to the top court because "involves a question of great public importance and requires immediate resolution." The court has asked the state to file its arguments by Monday. Amendment 8 would allow the state to create an entity that could authorize charter and public schools outside the jurisdiction of local school boards. It would also set term limits for school board members and require civics education. Monday, a Leon County judge ruled the proposal "fails to inform voters of the chief purpose and effect of this proposal.” Orlando Sentinel. Gradebook. Florida Phoenix. News Service of Florida. (more…)
