No Child bill update: Today, the U.S. Senate is poised to approve the revised No Child Left Behind Act. The changes would allow states greater control over public schools, particularly in how they assess student and teacher performance. The White House has said President Obama will sign the bill. Associated Press.

Class size violations: Very few Florida school districts are in violation of the class-size regulations in the October count, according to the Department of Education. Many were helped by the loophole that allows districts to define what a school of choice is, since those schools can use schoolwide class size averages rather than classroom counts. Gradebook.

Bill on grades: State Rep. Shevrin Jones, D-West Park, files a bill that would suspend school grades for the 2015-16 and 2016-17 academic years and  require the State Board of Education to “adopt and implement a school grading system that is demonstrably equitable, reliable, timely, rigorous, affordable, and rationally funded.” News Service of Florida, via Tampa Tribune.

Recess renewed: The Polk County School Board approves a policy requiring recess for elementary students. Lakeland Ledger.

Duval school changes: After getting input from working groups, parents and school staff, Duval County School Superintendent Nikolai Vitti is modifying some of his proposals to rewrite school boundaries and change school programs. Florida Times-Union.

Turnaround specialist: The Pinellas County School Board downplays the extent of the problems at five troubled St. Petersburg schools, but hires a turnaround specialist to help them. Tampa Bay Times.

Student uniforms: The Volusia County School Board has approved uniforms for all grade levels. Specific details will be determined in January. Daytona Beach News-Journal.

New schools: With proceeds from a half-cent hike in the sales tax, the St. Johns County School Board approves the construction of three schools to be opened for the 2017-2018 school year. St. Augustine Record. (more…)