Testing alternatives: A bill allowing school districts to use alternatives to the Florida Standards Assessments tests didn’t get through this year’s Legislature. But Sen. Bill Montford, D-Tallahassee, says he’ll make another push for the bill in the 2017 legislative session. Politico Florida. Members of the Manatee Opt-Out movement plead with[Read More…]
Tag: Diana Greene
Florida schools roundup: Overhaul skepticism, construction rules and more
Plan questioned: Leaders in St. Petersburg’s black community expressed skepticism that the plan to overhaul five high-poverty elementary schools will work, and are upset that the plan was developed without their input. Members of the Concerned Organization for Quality Education for Black Students say they’ve heard promises from school officials before, but little has[Read More…]
Florida schools roundup: Education on trial, bonuses, opting out and more
Education on trial: Openings arguments are heard in the civil trial accusing Florida of not fulfilling its constitutional mandate to provide a quality education for all public school students. Attorneys for Citizens for Strong Schools argue that the state’s racial achievement gap, emphasis on testing and lack of adequate funding keep[Read More…]
Florida schools roundup: Construction caps, school recess, Pledge and more
Construction caps: School officials worry about the effects a construction spending cap bill will have on growing districts. One of the provisions in the House bill limits the amount that can be spent on land, which district officials say is unfair because the price of property varies widely across the state. Another[Read More…]
Florida schools roundup: Teachers protest, sports changes and more
Teachers rally: Thousands of teachers rally at the state Capitol to protest the state’s education system. Their primary issues are overall state education funding, teacher pay and bonuses, and the reliance of testing for judging student achievement. Miami Herald. Palm Beach Post. Tallahassee Democrat. Fort Myers News-Press. Lakeland Ledger. Gainesville Sun. WSVN.[Read More…]
Florida schools roundup: No Child, class size, grades, recess, uniforms and more
No Child bill update: Today, the U.S. Senate is poised to approve the revised No Child Left Behind Act. The changes would allow states greater control over public schools, particularly in how they assess student and teacher performance. The White House has said President Obama will sign the bill. Associated Press. Class[Read More…]