Accountability concerns: While the Florida Board of Education decided how to judge student testing and grade schools last week, educators already are suggesting the entire process of assessing accountability should get another look after the next round of tests. Tampa Bay Times. Business groups such as the Florida Chamber of Commerce and the Council of 100 are disappointed that the State Board of Education did not toughen standards for student proficiency. They think a level 3 grade, which is now considered passing, is too low and won't prepare students for college or work. Florida Times-Union.

Legislative issues: A bill has been filed by State Sen. Jeff Brandes, R-St. Petersburg, that would require a 60 percent voter approval on any sales tax increases. School officials are concerned that would make it more difficult to pass tax hikes for school improvements. Gradebook. Among the issues before the Florida Legislature, which begins its session Tuesday, are charter school regulation, school accountability, high school sports, teacher bonuses and the complex funding formula for schools. But generally, we should expect tweaks instead of tranformation. WFSU. Tampa Bay Times. Daily Commercial.

School health care: Endeavour Community School opens in Cocoa and will provide health-care, dental care, mental health care, after-school programming and parental outreach efforts  on campus. Florida Today.

Online graduation: Orange and Lake counties are participating in a test program that gives dropouts a chance at a high school degree by taking classes online at public libraries. Orlando Sentinel.

Religion and schools: Several groups are asking Hillsborough School Superintendent Jeff Eakins to review the district's relationship with several area church. Gradebook. (more…)

Testing alternatives: A bill is filed in the Legislature that would allow students to use standardized tests, such as the SAT and ACT, instead of the Florida Standards Assessments to measure students' knowledge. Schools boards would choose the options, says State Sen. Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, the bill sponsor. Miami Herald. Orlando Sentinel.

School impact fees: The Manatee County Commission votes to impose school impact fees on new residential development for the first time since 2009. The collection begins in April. Bradenton Herald. Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

Soccer player dies: A 16-year-old T. Dewitt Taylor Middle-High School student collapses and dies during a soccer game Wednesday. Rosio Delao died of an apparent asthma attack. Daytona Beach News-Journal.

Community schools: C.A. Weis Elementary School in Pensacola becomes the second in the state to transform into a community school. A community school prioritizes health, growth and learning, community engagement and safety. Pensacola News Journal. Tallahassee City Commissioner Gil Ziffer criticizes Leon County school officials for their hesitation in moving ahead on building a community school. Tallahassee Democrat.

Quarterly assessments: As the Pasco County School District begins its quarterly assessments of students' progress, the controversy over the benefits of the program continues. Tampa Bay Times. (more…)