Charter schools. The Miami Herald writes up the latest celebrity champion for charter schools: rapper Pitbull. Palm Beach Post columnist Frank Cerabino isn't a fan.

Tax credit scholarships. The "escalator" provision on the enrollment cap for Florida's program - something most programs in other states do not have - is a plus for low-income parents and taxpayers, writes Cato's Jason Bedrick.

Testing. What should replace the FCAT? StateImpact Florida. Florida plans for using PARCC tests remains uncertain. Gradebook.

School grades. There needs to be truth in advertising, Tony Bennett says. Gradebook. Manatee officials like the proposed tweaks. Bradenton Herald. So do officials in Volusia and Flagler. Daytona Beach News Journal.

School spending. Miami-Dade considers a $4.3 billion budget. Miami Herald. Lake wants impact fees reinstated. Orlando Sentinel.

School technology. Middle and high school students train teachers on the latest. South Florida Sun Sentinel.

STEM. USF offers an elite camp for a handful of gifted high school students from around the country. Tampa Bay Times.

Teacher conduct. As part of a settlement deal, a former Gilchrist County teacher of the year accused of inappropriate behavior with female students will not return to the classroom but will get $54,000 in unpaid sick leave. Gainesville Sun.

Charter schools. What happened to the Ben Gamla charter school in Pinellas is a "study in bad charter school governance." Choice Words. Parents try to figure out what to do now that a struggling charter school in Deland is closing. Daytona Beach News Journal. Ditto for the parents of a charter school in Lutz. Tampa Tribune. After 22 years in traditional public schools, a local principal is hired to lead the city of Cape Coral charter school system. Fort Myers News Press.

Homeschooling. The Palm Beach Post takes a look at Space of Mind, a pricey but fascinating home-school school that insists it's not a school.

Tax credit scholarships. The number of parents seeking them grows in Highlands and beyond. Highlands Today.

School grades. Education Commissioner Tony Bennett is recommending another year of a "safety net" provision so grades don't drop more than one letter grade. Tampa Bay Times, Miami Herald, Palm Beach Post, Orlando Sentinel, Florida Times Union, Tampa Tribune, TCPalm.com, Associated Press. Other states are watching the goings-on. Miami Herald. Another story on how everyone is expecting grades to drop. Sarasota Herald Tribune.

VPK. Needs to be more focus on pre-K for poor kids. Pensacola News Journal.

Common Core. The Tallahassee Democrat offers an overview of the big challenges and potential payoffs ahead. (more…)

Teachers. Either masochists or saints. StateImpact Florida.

Teacher conduct. The Gilchrist County teacher  of the  year is put on leave following allegations of inappropriate conduct with female students. Gainesville Sun.

Teacher pay. The chair of the Marion County School Board says 160 first-year teachers will be spared their jobs if all teachers forgo their state bonus money. Ocala Star Banner.

Teacher protest. Two Manatee High teachers unveil a mural replica of Edvard Munch's "The Scream" - their version made from garbage because the district did not have money for materials - to protest budget cuts. Bradenton Herald and Sarasota Herald Tribune.

Subs. Recent graduates from a Palm Beach County high school give back - by returning as substitute teachers. Palm Beach Post.

Charter schools. A struggling charter in Deland is fighting to stay open. Daytona Beach News Journal.

Common Core. Will Common Core state standards undermine school choice? Jay P. Greene: Yes. Checker Finn: No.

School spending. Small towns in Miami-Dade chip in to pay for a school nurse. Miami Herald.

School districts. Manatee is in a crisis "more dire than anticipated," new Superintendent Rick Mills says, according to the Bradenton Herald. District officials release an economic recovery plan, reports the Sarasota Herald Tribune. (more…)