School recess: The advocacy group Recess for all Florida Children has been successful in some Florida school districts. Now the group will again take its initiative to the state Legislature to try to get a statewide law passed requiring 20 minutes of recess a day for students in kindergarten through fifth grades. Last year's bill passed the House but died in the Senate. Orlando Sentinel.

Performance variance: Florida schools are highly rated, but its students are average when it comes to test scores. The answer to that seeming paradox can be found in the state's demographics. National Review.

School spending: The Pinellas County School Board is expected to approve a $1.5 billion budget that includes a slightly lower tax rate. Higher property values will offset that drop for most homeowners. Tampa Bay Times. The Lake County School Board approves a $567 million budget. Daily Commercial.

School grades: Gotha Middle School abandons the 4-point grading scale after parents complain that it penalizes high achievers. The system, which just began this fall, awards students up to 4 points on each test and for behavior. The traditional 100-point scale resumes today. Orlando Sentinel.

School uniforms: Volusia County school officials report 99 percent compliance with the district's new school uniforms policy. Daytona Beach News-Journal. (more…)