'Schools of hope': The House Education Committee approves a bill that would tighten the timetable for districts to turn around low-performing public schools, and start a new program to bring well-regarded charter schools - called "schools of hope" - that have a history of success with large numbers of low-income students into areas with persistently struggling schools. There are 115 schools that have been in the state's mandatory turnaround plans for four or more years, according to the Department of Education. “We have to change the way that we do things and have a new approach,” said Rep. Chris Latvala, R-Clearwater. The bill calls for a $200 million grant program to help those schools recruit teachers, pay for longer school days, buy buses and cover other costs. Loans would be available to help pay for facilities. redefinED. News Service of Florida. Associated Press. WFSU. Politico Florida.

School recess: The Florida Senate approves the bill that calls for daily recess for elementary school students. The final reading is next week. The Senate bill is being called "the good one" because it maintains a requirement of 20 minutes of daily recess. The House bill removed that requirement. Gradebook.

Union bill passes: The House passes a bill that could make it more difficult for public-sector unions to maintain certification. The bill would require unions for teachers and other public employees - except for firefighters, police and corrections officers - to have more than 50 percent of the workers they represent paying dues or face decertification. Opponents call it a "union-busting" bill. Miami Herald. Florida Politics.

Job-training bill: A bill is filed in the House that would create a new committee within the Department of Education to analyze career education standards and propose ways to improve job-training programs. It's sponsored by Rep. Al Jacquet, D-Delray Beach. Florida Politics.

School choice rankings: Florida leads the nation with five school districts named among the top 25 on the Brookings Institution's 2016 Choice and Competition Index. Pinellas (10th tie), Duval (17th tie), Lee (17th tie), Seminole (17th tie) and Broward (23rd tie) counties made the list, which ranks districts by such criteria as the breadth of school choice options, availability and access. redefinED. (more…)