Magnet programs: Pinellas County school administrators want to add four new middle school programs next school year, including ones in engineering and the arts. Tampa Bay Times.
Charter schools: A Monroe County charter school's disciplinary practice of making students walk in circles or back and forth for an extended period of time raises concerns. Keynoter.
Common Core: "As a strong supporter of education in the Sunshine State, I believe that these standards are a powerful tool to make sure our young people are ready for the world and workplace that await them,'' writes Marshall Criser III for the Miami Herald. House Speaker Will Weatherford says Florida likely won't repeal the new standards, but modify them. Tampa Bay Times. Julio Fuentes of HCREO writes about what's missing from Common Core coverage: the increasing number of Florida students ill-equipped for college and forced into remedial coursework because their high-school curriculum did not adequately prepare them. Orlando Sentinel.
FCAT replacement: Florida advertises for companies that would like to provide the state's next generation of standardized tests. Sun Sentinel.
Teacher pay: Of the seven largest school districts in Florida, only Palm Beach and Orange counties have not reached at least a tentative agreement on pay raises. Palm Beach Post. The Hernando County School District and teachers union remain at odds on how to distribute $3.8 million in state dollars earmarked for raises. Tampa Bay Times. Brevard teachers vote Monday on whether to approve this year’s contract and a 4.5 percent raise. Florida Today.
Mentoring: A mentoring and job-shadowing program for high school students with disabilities and other special needs is being offered at some Collier County schools. Naples Daily News.
Honor roll: Pasco County's superintendent wants to change the honor roll rules to allow only students with A's and B's. Tampa Bay Times.
Schools & farms: Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam talks about the growing relationship between local schools and farms. StateImpact Florida.
Lawsuits: The Orange County School Board intends to sue the county commission concerning the site for a new high school. Orlando Sentinel.
Pre-K: A complaint alleges that prekindergarten programs in Broward County are violating federal law by turning away children with diabetes. Sun Sentinel.
