Education on trial: Openings arguments are heard in the civil trial accusing Florida of not fulfilling its constitutional mandate to provide a quality education for all public school students. Attorneys for Citizens for Strong Schools argue that the state's racial achievement gap, emphasis on testing and lack of adequate funding keep it from fulfilling a 1998 constitutional amendment. Attorneys for the Department of Education and the Legislature say the state is a national leader in education and still improving. The nonjury trial in Tallahassee is expected to last five weeks. Miami Herald. Politico Florida. Orlando Sentinel. Associated Press. WFSU.

Teacher bonuses: The teacher bonuses program was passed by the Legislature, but it continues to be a subject for debate. Some speculate that a legal challenge could be made if Gov. Rick Scott approves the $49 million program, which was extended for a year. Gradebook. Scott says he's listening to legislative leaders as he decides whether to approve or veto items in the budget. Tampa Bay Times.

FEA targets: Joanne McCall, president of the Florida Education Association, says this year's legislative elections are an opportunity to change education politics in Tallahassee. Gradebook.

Opting out: While the state says the only excuse acceptable for opting out of the Florida Standards Assessments testing is a medical one, anti-test advocates say there are loopholes. Broward Palm Beach New Times.

Charter schools issues: Florida Virtual Academy at Borward is closing when the school year ends after an audit revealed poor academic performance and allegations of ethical breaches. Also expected to close is the affiliated Florida Virtual Academy at Palm Beach. They are not part of the Florida Virtual School, the longtime state-run online education program. Also recommended for termination is a Lauderdale Lakes charter school, Pathways Academy, which allegedly falsified documents, inflated student enrollment and used state money for personal travel and expenses. Sun-Sentinel. The Ocoee City Commission is expected to decide tonight whether to approve an application from the Renaissance Charter School at Westyn Bay. The Orange County School Board has already approved. Orlando Sentinel. (more…)