Reading bill: State lawmakers say a prolonged focus on reading has not worked, and they want to sharpen the approach. A bill has been filed that would require more intense training for teachers, earlier intervention for struggling students and regular updates for parents. Tampa Bay Times.

Vouchers for disabled: A bill in the Florida Legislature would widen eligibility for Personal Learning Scholarship Accounts for special needs students. Step Up For Students, which hosts this blog, helps administer the accounts. The bill, a priority of Senate President Andy Gardiner, R-Orlando, also would provide extra money for school districts that require uniforms.  WFSU. AP.

Charter schools: A charter high school is approved by the Alachua County School Board. Resilient Charter School will serve students who don't "fit" in public schools. Gainesville Sun. WCJB. A charter high school is being considered for the Sunny Isles Beach-Aventura area of Miami-Dade County. Sunny Isles Beach. A group of Boynton Beach neighborhood associations cite traffic concerns for fighting a proposed charter school. Palm Beach Post.

Sales tax hike: The St. Johns County School Board begins discussion on how to use the money it will get from a voter-approved half-cent hike in the sales tax. New construction is the priority. St. Augustine Record. (more…)