Retention confusion: A Department of Education spokesperson says school districts that are retaining third-graders because they opted out of state testing and don't take alternative tests are misinterpreting the state's directives. The state also does not require a student to take tests before a district may consider other exemptions for promotion. Some districts have said they won't promote a student unless she or he has test scores, and cited DOE advice for reaching that decision. "Our primary guidance to the districts is to follow the law," spokeswoman Meghan Collins says. "Obviously, the law says participation on the FSA (Florida Standards Assessments) is mandatory. But we never said you must retain a student who doesn't have an FSA score." Gradebook. The Manatee County School District backs off its position of automatically retaining students who don't have a test score, and Superintendent Diana Greene criticizes the DOE for a “lack of direction and decisiveness.” Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Bradenton Herald. Parents in Florida's opt-out movement are talking to lawyers about fighting some districts' plans to automatically retain students who don't take the Florida Standards Assessments or alternative tests. Politico Florida.

Computer science: The vice chairman of the Florida Board of Education says the state's schools ought to require computer science instruction. John Padget suggests a three-year plan that includes adding teachers and credentials for math and science teachers, among other things. He hopes the Legislature will approve such a plan in its next session. Gradebook.

Discrimination suit: The Lee County School Board discriminates against blacks applying for administrative positions, according to a federal lawsuit filed against the district by four African-American educators. The lawsuit alleges that the board has a "pattern and practice of refusing to hire well-qualified African-American employees to administrative positions often under the auspices of lack of qualifications or purely concocted criticisms." Fort Myers News-Press.

Alternative testing: State Sen. Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, who is leaving office due to term limits, hopes the Legislature will again consider his bill that would allow students to use alternative tests, such as the SAT or ACT, instead of the Florida Standards Assessments. Politico Florida. (more…)