Charter schools now top choice: Charter schools are now the most popular school of choice for Florida parents, according to the Florida Department of Education. About 47 percent of Florida preK-12 students, or 1.6 million, attended a choice school during the 2017-2018 school year. Charter schools claimed 292,001 of those, compared to 262,633 who use open enrollment, 226,122 in choice and magnet programs at district schools and 225,033 paying to attend private schools. redefinED.

Lawmakers' priorities: Two prominent members of legislative education committees echo Gov. Ron DeSantis' call this week for cutting down the number of students on waiting lists for tax credit and Gardiner scholarships. Senate Education Committee Chair Manny Diaz, R-Hialeah, says wait lists must be eliminated, and House Education chair Jennifer Sullivan, R-Mount Dora, says the House is working on a education savings account plan that could immediately help students whose applications are on hold. Step Up For Students, which hosts this blog, helps administer both programs. redefinED. (more…)