Charter schools. Florida State College at Jacksonville prepares to close its charter school. Florida Times-Union. The Duval County School Board green lights a separate charter proposal. Times-Union. The school district in Pinellas County considers taking over a charter school for at-risk students. Tampa Bay Times. A second Pinellas charter school is set to close in June. Tampa Tribune. A municipal charter in Miami-Dade gets a new director. Miami Herald. A Sunshine State News columnist chides liberals for their stances on charter schools.

Common Core. While Florida is largely sticking with the standards, the political backlash against them is prompting some legislative changes. Associated Press. One example: A textbook bill that cleared a House panel Tuesday. Extra credit. That's not enough for opponents of the standards, who are calling "mayday" to their allies nationally. Sentinel School Zone.

Prayer. A family says their 5-year-old daughter was told not to pray in her Seminole County school. Orlando Sentinel. The incident stirs controversy. WKMG. Gradebook.

Dual enrollment. The Lee County School Board reaches a deal with local colleges to cover the costs. Fort Myers News-Press.

Student safety. The Hillsborough County School Board approves a settlement in the wake of a girl's death. Tampa Tribune. Tampa Bay Times.

Employees. The Pasco school board overturns an employees suspension. Tampa Tribune. Gradebook. A Vietnamese former employee alleges racial discrimination in a lawsuit against the Palm Beach County school district. Extra Credit.

Administration. The Walton school board prepares to appoint a new superintendent. Northwest Florida Daily News.

Teachers. Volusia County schools have more than 600 first-year teachers. Daytona Beach News-Journal.

Transportation. The Hernando school board considers a "hub" model. Gradebook.

Charter schools. Legislation is on the move. Palm Beach Post. Florida Current.

Tax-credit scholarships. Democratic gubernatorial candidate Nan Rich opposes the program, while primary favorite Charlie Crist does not take a firm stance on legislation that would expand it. Sunshine State News. Politico mentions Florida's program in a broadside about public money going to religious schools. Responses from Eduwonk and the National Review.

Open enrollment. The move could give Duval schools officials more breathing room under state class-size rules. Florida Times-Union.

School grades. An overhaul heads to the House floor. News Service of Florida. Gradebook.

Testing. New end-of-course exam requirements prompt Orange County schools officials to cut electives. Orlando Sentinel. Common Core opponents' claims rate Half True. PolitiFact.

Parent involvement. Members of Pinellas County's "parent leadership cadre" are happy with their district. Gradebook.

Labor news. Pinellas County Schools prepares to cut teacher positions. Gradebook. Walton County teachers resume pay negotiations. Northwest Florida Daily News.

Student activities. It's hard work becoming a spelling bee champion. Florida Today. Tallahassee's Chiles High School wins its second-straight Brain Bowl title. Tallahassee Democrat.