State's ESSA plan rapped: Florida's plan to comply with the federal Every Student Succeeds Act is the worst in the country in identifying persistently underperforming schools and working to improve student outcomes, according to a review of every state's plan by 24 independent education advocates and leaders of both political parties. Eight components of the plans were reviewed, and Florida received a rating of "weak" in six areas. State officials disagree with the review. The 74. Education Week.

Safe spots blocked: Most of the designated safe spots in classroom corners at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School were inaccessible when a gunman opened fire Feb. 14 because they were blocked by furniture, according to testimony Wednesday before the state commission investigating the massacre. Seventeen people died in the attack. Creating the so-called "hard corners" was recommended during training of Stoneman Douglas staff in December 2017 and again in January. The panel's meeting continues through Friday. Politico Florida. Miami Herald. Sun-Sentinel. (more…)