Teacher bonuses: An analysis shows that teachers in affluent areas around the state are twice as likely to receive bonuses through the state's Best and Brightest Teacher Scholarship Program than teachers working in high-poverty schools. The findings mirror a study the Florida Department of Education did last year, and national research. Orlando Sentinel. Calling his bonus from the state "the dumbest money I have ever received," Orange County teacher Josh Katz says he is giving his $8,256.27 to political candidates who can "fix education and stop stupid policies." Orlando Sentinel. Sun-Sentinel.

Open enrollment effects: Volusia County school officials say the scope of the bill allowing open enrollment worries them. "We are still processing it," said spokeswoman Nancy Wait. "It is huge, has a lot of tentacles and involves a lot of staff. We are still trying to wrap our arms around it." Daytona Beach News-Journal. Palm Beach County school officials say they're waiting for the state's technical information on open enrollment before they can understand how the law might affect the district. Thirty-four schools in Palm Beach County now are at capacity or beyond, and another nine are 95 percent or more filled, school officials say. Palm Beach Post. In south Florida and the Tampa Bay area, the new law isn't causing any panic, school officials say. Districts in those areas have been permitting students to move into schools out of their attendance areas for years. Miami Herald. Gradebook.

Construction rules: Rural school districts in Florida will have to raise money for new construction projects before they can apply for state assistance, according to the education bill signed into law last week by Gov. Rick Scott. Politico Florida.

Teacher evaluations: Just 11.3 percent of Lake County teachers are judged by the state to be highly effective, less than one-third of the state's average. Some Lake County School Board members say that's an example of what's wrong with the state's teacher evaluation system, and they will discuss the problem at a meeting today. Orlando Sentinel. (more…)