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…)
Athlete transfers: State Sen. Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, and Jerri Kelly, the athletic director at Lake Brantley High School in Altamonte Springs, talk about the new transfer rules for high school student-athletes. WUSF.
Spring break 'homework': Parents of students in Broward and Palm Beach counties complain that teachers assigned practice tests over spring break. Teachers say the tests are necessary to prepare students for Florida Standards Assessments testing. Sun-Sentinel.
Awaiting a signature: Several significant bills from the Legislature are still awaiting a signature from Gov. Rick Scott. Among them is HB 7029, the massive education bill that, among other things, allows open enrollment and allots capital funding for charter schools. Sunshine State News.
Computer coding: The Duval County School District has plans to widen student exposure to computer coding. The school board will vote next month on changing Andrew Jackson High into a technology magnet, which would offer computer coding and gaming among other career options. And Superintendent Nikolai Vitti wants computer coding incorporated into the elementary school curriculum. Florida Times-Union.
Progress reports: The Pasco County School District is researching the value of issuing standards-based report cards. Students could be judged by performance codes, such as Exemplary, Proficient, Approaching and Needs Development, instead of the traditional A-through-F grades. 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…)
