Latinos and literacy: Miami-Dade is the top-performing school district in the nation in reading proficiency by Hispanic students, according to a report by Child Trends, a research nonprofit in Maryland. The survey compared Hispanic fourth- and eighth-graders in 21 urban school districts by scores on National Assessment of Educational Progress testing. Duval County was second in both groups, and Hillsborough County was third among fourth-graders. Florida's fourth-graders led all other states in reading achievement, and the state's eighth-graders were eighth. Miami Herald.

Evaluation errors: Evaluation reports for 642 Pasco County teachers were incorrectly rounded. "Of these 642 teachers, roughly 50 teachers will receive a higher overall summative rating (example - highly effective as opposed to effective)," assistant superintendent Kevin Shibley wrote in a memo. "District staff is in the process of generating corrected summative forms for the impacted teachers." Gradebook.

Diddy's charter school: Rapper Sean "Diddy" Combs is opening a free public charter school in Harlem for grades 6-12. Danita Jones, an Orlando educator, will be the principal of the Capital Preparatory Harlem Charter School. Jones helped run the Human Experience charter middle school in Orlando. Associated Press. Rolling Stone. Hip Hop DX. Music-News.

Testing pressure: Parents say the emphasis on standardized testing puts too much pressure on students and teachers, and they worry about what effect that might have. They spoke at a community meeting in Lakeland. Lakeland Ledger. Marion County school officials say the computers for standardized testing are ready to go. The bulk of the testing begins the week of April 11. Ocala Star Banner.

Recess petition: Miami-Dade parents start a petition drive demanding 20 minutes of recess time a day in elementary and pre-K schools. Miami Herald. (more…)