In the Legislature: Gov. Ron DeSantis signed three bills aimed at strengthening vocational education. During a press conference at Hillsborough Community College’s Dale Mabry campus on Thursday, he said the last five to 10 years led to a “reality check” for four-year universities, and said students should not be “shoehorned” into programs that aren’t right for them. Among the bills he signed on Thursday were House Bill 1507, which establishes a money back guarantee on tuition for apprenticeship programs if students can’t find a job in their field of study within six months of graduation; Senate Bill 52, which will reimburse colleges and universities for dual enrollment courses taken by private and homeschooled students starting this fall, and for all students starting next summer; and Senate Bill 366, which offers grants to some students, including those seeking degrees from private nursing diploma schools approved by the Florida Board of Nursing or colleges and universities licensed by the Commission for Independent Education. Tampa Bay Times.
Around the state: High scores were earned by Brevard Public Schools in its latest accreditation by an international nonprofit organization, Miami-Dade’s school district faces criticism, Hillsborough provided a referendum spending update, and bus routes are being cut in Bay due to a lack of drivers. Here are details about those stories and other developments from the state’s districts, private schools, colleges and universities:
Miami-Dade: The school district was under fire by about a dozen people who say the district has been teaching critical race theory, mandating students to wear masks in the classroom in the upcoming school year and forcing them to take the COVID-19 vaccine. Superintendent Alberto Carvalho addressed concerns at a school board meeting. Miami Herald. The school district will most likely hire additional mental health professionals to deal with a large and possibly unprecedented number of returning students and staff who suffered psychological trauma during the pandemic. The proposal, approved unanimously by the board, comes as hospitals, clinics and private practices in South Florida have seen a surge in behavioral health issues among adolescents brought on by the pandemic. There’s also a shortage of mental health professionals to meet those needs. Miami Herald.
Palm Beach County: After wrapping up the school year, Superintendent Dr. Donald Fennoy this week presented a plan to school board members that outlines the district’s COVID-19 safety protocols and operating strategy for the 2021-2022 academic year, which begins on Aug. 10. The School District of Palm Beach County announced optional face masks for students, with a full return to in-person learning. Fennoy is allowing face coverings to be optional for visitors and employees. WPTV.
Hillsborough: Leaders from the Hillsborough County Public School district provided an update Thursday on the district’s referendum spending and how tax dollars were used to fund projects for local schools. As of June, the district says it has invested more than $246 million into its schools, with 80 % of the projects awarded to local businesses, and 25 % awarded to small and minority-owned businesses. ABC Action News.
Brevard: High scores were earned by Brevard Public Schools in its latest accreditation by an international nonprofit organization. Cognia, which accredits primary and secondary schools in the United States and internationally, scores schools and school districts on a scale of 100-400 based on an “index of educational quality.” Brevard Public Schools scored 345.81 points. An average score is 280. Florida Today.
Manatee: Visible Men Academy started in 2012 with the goal of educating students of color and boys from low-income families in an effort to address a “crisis in education.” Bradenton Herald.
Bay: Bus routes in Bay County are being cut due to a lack of drivers. Between 25 and 30 bus routes will be cut, which could affect between 500 to 700 students next school year. The school board voted 3-2 during its regular meeting on Tuesday to follow state law in regards to student transportation, which requires any student who lives within two miles of the school they attend to walk or be dropped off by a parent or guardian. Panama City News Herald.
Hendry: Before the pandemic began, the Digital Academy of Florida was being offered through Hendry County District Schools. Enrollment skyrocketed due to the pandemic, which led the county to serve nearly as many kids in it’s in-person classrooms as online students from beyond county lines. At one point, Hendry had 99 % of its full-time virtual enrollees logging in from other parts of Florida. Now, this school, and others like it, are facing restrictions on how much they can expand in the future. Politico.
Civics exam: In 2019, Gov. DeSantis directed Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran to establish a civics exam based on the citizenship test given to those who wish to become naturalized U.S. citizens. Florida high school seniors would be required to take the test. A year and a half later, it’s unclear what kind of exam will be used, and whether it will be considered a graduation requirement. Florida Phoenix.
University news: University of Central Florida senior Jillian Gloria is competing on a Fox network show called “Mental Samurai.” The aerospace engineering major said the show is true to its word by billing itself as “the first-ever obstacle course for the mind.” Orlando Sentinel. Denise Newsome and Paige Johnston were heroes of the pandemic-driven Florida State University-Panama City Nuclear Medicine and Science Camp, where they crafted a four-day online and hands on experience for 19 campers from the Panhandle. Bridge to Tomorrow.
Opinions on schools: Matt Ladner spoke to a leader of a charter school organization about the demand for its classical liberal arts education. redefinED. Students need “too nice” teachers more now than ever before, especially while learning in the face of a pandemic. Cara Schiavone, Chalkbeat.
