College alternatives: Increasingly, rural students in Florida are choosing to learn a trade instead of going to college. Among the reasons for their choices: Practicality, price and even politics. “It’s all about practicality,” says Wakulla County School District Superintendent Robert Pearce. “The mindset is: What makes the most sense?” Tampa Bay Times.
Governor's race: Was race the primary reason Democrat Andrew Gillum lost the governor's race to Republican Ron DeSantis? While many Democrats think so, others aren't so sure. It wouldn't explain why Gillum received only 86 percent of the black vote, well below even the 90 percent white Democratic U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson got. One possible reason for the low black total for Gillum may have been his call to end tax credit scholarships, which allow low-income, mostly minority students to attend private schools. Tampa Bay Times. (more…)
Sexual consent video: Seniors at the Pine View School in Sarasota County recently were shown what district officials call an “inappropriate” and “unsuitable” video on sexual consent without getting approval from the administration. The Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center has apologized, saying a counselor made the decision knowing it had not been approved. The group's 15-plus-year relationship with the district has been suspended until the incident has been investigated. Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
Kindergarten readiness: Hillsborough County typically has the most elementary schools on the Florida list of 300 lowest-performers. So district officials are happy to learn that kindergarten readiness, as measured by I-Ready assessments, is up to 50 percent from 46 percent last year. "That's a good jump, because we've been flat-lining or even dropping a little bit over the last three years," says Superintendent Jeff Eakins. Kindergarten readiness is considered a crucial step in improving reading efficiency in elementary schools. Tampa Bay Times. (more…)
Tax hikes for schools: Property tax rates for most Palm Beach County government agencies have remained steady in the past few years, but the tax rate for schools has dropped 20 percent since 2011. In just the past three years, the tax rate has dropped from $7.51 per $1,000 of taxable value to $6.57, which translates to $181 million less in taxes collected for the school district. The decline, which has been dictated by the Legislature, is a prime reason why the district is asking voters in November to approve a special property tax increase that could raise $150 million a year for four years. Palm Beach Post. If Alachua County voters approve a half-cent increase in the sales tax, the school district could receive an extra $22 million a year to upgrade facilities and close the racial achievement gap, which is one of the largest in Florida. Gainesville Sun. Nearly 1,800 items appear on a list of school upgrade projects that will get taken care of if Hillsborough County voters approve a half-cent increase in the sales tax Nov. 6. The tax is forecast to raise $1.31 billion over 10 years, and a school spokesman says nearly half is being set aside to repair air-conditioning systems. Tampa Bay Times.
Active-shooter drills: The state now requires schools to provide training to students on how they should respond to an intruder. But how do you properly explain an active-shooter situation to a kindergarten student? Pinellas County teachers are about to undergo training on ways to present age-appropriate safety information to students. Material will be broken into two groups: for pre-kindergarten through 5th-grade students, and for 6th-12th. It was compiled by the National Association of School Psychologists, the National Association of School Resource Officers and Safe and Sound Schools, and parents whose children died in the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Connecticut. Tampa Bay Times. (more…)
Trump-related rhetoric: A Wesley Chapel High School teacher is placed on leave after approaching a small group of black students in a hallway, asking them what they were doing and then telling them "Don't make me call Donald Trump to get you sent back to Africa." John Sousa, who is also the golf coach, reportedly apologized to one of the students' parents. Many similar incidents are being reported in schools across the country, according to the website The 74. Tampa Bay Times.
Students protest Trump: About 25 students from Palmetto High School hold a peaceful protest against the election of Donald Trump as president. The chanting and sign-waving occurred during a break between classes. Miami Herald.
Election-related incidents: A student carrying a Donald Trump sign at Bayside High School is attacked and beaten by another student Wednesday. The 17-year-old attacker is arrested and charged with felony battery and more. Florida Today. Racist graffiti invoking the name of President-elect Donald Trump is painted on a bathroom wall at Oviedo High School. Orlando Sentinel. An Arnold High School teacher hangs an American flag upside down after the election, which is typically a signal that someone is in danger or distress. It was righted after a parent complained. Panama City News Herald.
Learning system concerns: Some parents and teachers say a computer learning system now being used in the Palm Beach County School District is adding to testing overload for students. The program, i-Ready, diagnoses students' problems with math and ready and gives them personalized lessons that help them catch up, but it also includes frequent testing. The program is used in 40 of Florida's 67 school districts. Sun-Sentinel. (more…)
