Textbook bills: Bills filed in the Legislature would change the way school districts select classroom material. Elected officials such as school board members would have greater involvement than appointed officials such as district administrators, at least one-third of the people on a textbook committee would have to be parents, and a requirement that at least 50 percent of a district's money for materials be used for electronic or digital content would end. Naples Daily News.

Teacher bonuses: A review of records shows that most of the public school teachers who qualify for bonuses under the state's Best and Brightest scholarship program are in their 20s and 30s. The largest Florida teachers union has filed a complaint that the program discriminates against older and minority teachers. Palm Beach Post.

High school rankings: Eleven Florida schools are included in a list of the top 100 high schools in the United States, according to U.S. News & World Report. International Studies Charter High School in Miami is the highest-rated state school, coming in 13th.

School breakfast: Public schools in Broward and Palm Beach counties now offer free breakfast to all students. The program is federally funded and the food is required to meet nutritional standards. Sun-Sentinel. (more…)

Teacher evaluations: A report by the National Council on Teacher Quality finds that most states now require objective measures of student achievement in teacher evaluations, but that almost all teachers are being rated effective or highly effective. The report singles out Florida as a leader in tying teacher evaluations to policies and to pay. THE Journal.

Top U.S. high schools: Ten Florida high schools are on the annual top 100 list compiled by U.S. News & World Report. Miami's International Studies Charter High School is rated the best high school in Florida and the 13th best in the United States. Here are the top schools in Florida, and here are the national rankings. Miami New Times. Gradebook.

Charter school payback: Newpoint Education Partners is repaying $75,000 in federal grant money that went to the East Windsor Middle Academy in St. Petersburg rather than account for how the money was spent. The company, which owns and operates five charter schools in Pinellas County, sent the check to the school district. It said its former accounting firm had not followed the necessary documentation procedures allowing it to be eligible for the grant. Gradebook.

Reading study: A report from Morgridge International Reading Center at the University of Central Florida shows Florida elementary students who received instruction in the Istation reading program had growth in all areas. Istation is an online program that evaluates students and puts them on individualized learning paths. (more…)