Accountability guidelines: The U.S. Department of Education proposes accountability guidelines that allow states discretion in using test scores, academic growth and other measures to identify failing schools and struggling students. The transfer of authority to states is part of the Obama administration's Every Student Succeeds Act, which replaced the No Child Left Behind Act. Associated Press. Education Week.

Rules of retention: Parents of third-graders from around the state who opt out of state testing and decline to take alternative tests are discovering that school districts don't feel they have discretion to promote the students to fourth grade. There are cases in Manatee and Seminole counties of high-performing students who may be held back by the state's rules requiring test scores for promotion. Bob Schaeffer, public education director for the National Center for Fair & Open Testing, says the policy is "insane" because it "would mean that a third-grader who takes the FSA and scores poorly can still be promoted. Yet, an outstanding student who regularly produces proficient school work will be retained simply for not taking the exam." Gradebook. Sarasota Herald-Tribune. WTSP.

AP test issue: The College Board is looking into allegations that 140-150 Lake Nona High School students who took Advanced Placement chemistry, environmental science and physics exams were sitting too close together. Last week, 114 students at the school had to retake the AP psychology exam because their desks were 4 feet apart instead of the required 5 feet. Orlando Sentinel.

Bathroom fight: Gov. Rick Scott is getting pressured to join 11 other states in suing the Obama administration for telling school districts to permit transgender students to use their bathroom of choice or risk the loss of federal funds. Florida Family Policy Council president John Stemberger says Scott needs to “protect our children.” Palm Beach Post. (more…)