School grades: State Sen. Bill Montford, D-Tallahassee, files a bill that would give all Florida schools a grade of incomplete, arguing that the formula to determine grades requires learning gains that can't be calculated. Gradebook. The recently released simulated school grade for Godby High School in Tallahassee demonstrates how the school is able to take advantage of a loophole in the state’s accountability system. Tallahassee Democrat.

Elected commissioner: Former Florida Education Commissioner Betty Castor is backing the move to make the job an elected position again, with Cabinet status. “I would argue strongly when we thought we would take politics out of education, what we did was to lose the advocacy and the understanding and the commitment to support education," Castor says. WPOC.

Teacher bonuses: Older teachers who want to qualify for the state's bonus pool are finding it's not as easy at it sounds. Archived SAT and ACT results only go back to 1978, and the companies that administer the tests say they were deluged with requests for scores. So some teachers are retaking the college entrance exams. Sun-Sentinel.

Teachers talking: When Hillsborough School Superintendent Jeff Eakins invited teachers to speak at a series of recent town hall meetings, their frustrations poured out. Tampa Bay Times.

Bus service expands: The Hillsborough Area Rapid Transit Authority is considering extending free rides for middle and high school students through June. Tampa Tribune.

Tuition-free courses: Orange and Seminole counties are adding programs that will bring tuition-free state college courses to high school campuses. Orlando Sentinel. (more…)