Common Core: Gov. Ron DeSantis says he will sign an executive order “eliminating Common Core and the vestiges of Common Core” in Florida schools. DeSantis made that promise during his 2018 campaign, saying he had heard complaints from many people about the national academic standards for math and language arts that were adopted in 2010. The state adapted the standards with about 100 changes in 2014 and renamed them the Florida Standards. DeSantis says he's instructed Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran to develop new state curriculum standards over the next year that will then be presented to the 2020 Legislature. News Service of Florida. Associated Press. Orlando Sentinel. Tampa Bay Times. GateHouse. Florida Politics. Politico Florida. Fort Myers News-Press. Orlando Weekly. WFTX. WKMG. Some reaction from parents and educators around the state. WPTV. WCTV. WEAR.
Parents, Runcie meet: Parents of students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School unload on Broward Superintendent Robert Runcie at their first face-to-face meeting Thursday. Parents wanted to know why there were no metal detectors at the school, who would respond in the next emergency, how district officials can assure them no student with a gun will get on campus again, and more. Several called on Runcie to resign. Runcie spoke little, and apologized for not meeting with them earlier. The next meeting, with 10th-grade parents, is Monday, followed by meetings with parents of juniors Tuesday and seniors Feb. 11. Sun Sentinel. A Broward County task force reviewing the shootings at Stoneman Douglas reviews a report that urges an upgrade to the county's radio communication system. Sun Sentinel. (more…)
Charter schools: The Schools of McKeel Academy in Polk County plan to hire the former superintendent as a consultant, despite his history of issues with personnel. The Ledger. Pasco County looks to revamp charter reviews by letting applicants answer district concerns before the school board renders a final decision. Tampa Bay Times. Bonita Springs may be the latest city to consider opening a charter school. Fort Myers News-Press.
Digital learning: A South Florida entrepreneur wants to teach kids computer code to show them the potential available in the digital world. StateImpact Florida.
School choice: A record number of parents sign up for school assignments in Lee County for the first day of the application period. Fort Myers News-Press.
STEM: Hillsborough County's award-winning Lennard High Robotics Club needs some community support. The Tampa Tribune.
Florida standards: State Education Commissioner Pam Stewart tells the State Board of Education that the proposed tweaks to Common Core will underscore the state's ability to set learning expectations for students. Tallahassee Democrat. More on the standards and school grades from Education News.
Principals: More than 600 Broward County principals and assistant principals will get a boost in pay this year. Sun Sentinel. A Polk County principal receives harsh criticism from a Lakeland High School student who accuses the principal of being sexist. The Ledger.
Sales tax: Brevard County School Board members review a $6 million list of potential budget cuts that could take place in 2015-16 if a proposed half-cent sales tax fails. Florida Today.
Parents: The Palm Beach County school district rolls out its parent academy to help moms and dads navigate their children's educational future. Palm Beach Post. Parents of Manatee school children take turns signing a letter to the school administrators voicing their concern over potential teacher shortages. Bradenton Herald.
