You are receiving this email newsletter because you are a subscriber of Education Slice (formerly Principal News) or you signed up for our email newsletter on our site.

Florida public schools will now be required to teach students about the history of communism from kindergarten through 12th grade. The lessons, which will begin in the 2026-27 school year, will cover topics such as the history of communism in the United States, the increasing threat of communism, and the atrocities committed under communist regimes in foreign countries. Governor Ron DeSantis signed the bill into law, stating that it is important to provide students with the truth about communism, especially when universities may present a biased view. The bill also establishes the Institute for Freedom in the Americas at Miami Dade College, which aims to promote democracy and preserve the ideals of a free society. The law will also initiate plans for a museum on the history of communism. “My view is we might as well give them the truth when they are in our schools because a lot of these universities will tell them how great communism is, so we are setting the proper foundation,” DeSantis said at a news conference at the Hialeah Gardens Museum.

 

Florida Politics

The Miami Herald

NBC Miami

Florida education officials have voted to make school principals responsible for ensuring students have access to appropriate reading materials. The decision comes in response to a surge of book objections in Florida public schools and a directive from Gov. Ron DeSantis to take action against those misinterpreting state laws. However, if a parent or county resident follows the book challenge process and the district determines the material should be removed, the school principal can prevent students from accessing it. The rule aims to prevent the politicization of the book review process. School principals found in violation of the new standards could have their educator's certificate suspended or revoked. The state does not currently have penalties in place for the public.

 

The Miami Herald

Orlando Sentinel

Florida education officials have confirmed that the Broward County school board is complying with state law regarding charter school funding. An investigation was launched into whether the board had failed to share $80m in tax revenue with the schools. The state education board had planned to determine whether the district was unwilling or unable to comply and what actions should be taken. However, the school district has agreed to a three-year payment plan to pay charter schools in the district. The issue will be discussed again during a July meeting.

 

The Miami Herald

NBC Miami

The School Board of Alachua County has tentatively approved a year-round school calendar for two schools, Metcalfe Elementary and Rawlings Elementary. But the proposed calendar, which includes three student-teacher holidays in July and August, has faced criticism from board members who believe the public was not adequately involved in the decision-making process. Employees at the schools also voice their concerns, including the need for more information and support. The transition to year-round schooling is part of the Year-round School Pilot Program, and Alachua County was chosen as one of five districts to participate.

 

The Gainesville Sun

A new recruitment tactic in schools across the country involves high school seniors signing declarations of intent to become teachers. These future teacher signing days are gaining popularity as a way to strengthen the teacher pipeline and position teaching as a respected career. District leaders recognize the importance of targeting K-12 students to ensure a sustainable supply of teachers. By celebrating and encouraging students interested in teaching, signing days aim to change the negative perception of the profession. Some districts even offer incentives for students to return and teach in their communities. The signing ceremonies not only honor future teachers but also show appreciation for the current teachers who inspired them.

 

Education Week News

Attending the University of Miami for the 2024-2025 school year will cost students over $93,000, with a $5,226 increase from the previous year. The largest increase is in tuition, now at $60,718, surpassing Harvard University. The rise in food and housing costs is unclear. The 6% raise exceeds the inflation rate. The increase coincides with changes in financial aid policies, but students have expressed frustration over lack of communication and financial burden.

 

The Miami Herald

The latest round of a controversial state survey in Florida is probing how political views have affected relationships on campus. The survey includes questions about being friends with people who have voted for Joe Biden or Donald Trump, as well as questions about social exclusion, harassment, and threats based on political views. The survey also asks about witnessing uncivil treatment of students with liberal or conservative views and explores actions appropriate to challenge demonstrators or speakers. The survey, mandated by a law signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, aims to assess intellectual freedom and viewpoint diversity at certain institutions. However, critics have raised concerns about the survey's anonymity and the quality of its methodology.

 

Florida Politics

Sun Sentinel

Internet addiction in teenagers, particularly girls, is linked to high rates of school absence, according to a study. The research, based on data from a survey in Finland and published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood journal, found that excessive internet use was associated with neglecting family and friends, as well as lack of sleep and anxiety when not online. Girls were 96% more likely than boys to be classified as excessive internet users. The study also revealed that excessive internet use increased the risk of truancy and medical school absences. The researchers suggested that digital media may tempt teens to stay home from school and hinder learning. The study emphasised the importance of promoting health and educational attainment in schools. Factors such as good relationships with parents and adequate sleep and exercise were found to be protective against truancy.  

 

The Guardian

American Olympic athletes now have access to college degrees and other skills for life after sports through a partnership with the Denver-based education company Guild. The deal between Guild, the organizers of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee aims to assist athletes in transitioning to the next phase of their lives after retirement. Guild's online platform offers over 250 opportunities, including undergraduate and graduate programs, certification programs, and career counseling. The partnership addresses the need for career and professional development among Olympic and Paralympic athletes, with 60% of athletes aged 39 and younger expressing the need for assistance. The program has already attracted 95 athletes within days of its launch. Guild's services provide an opportunity for athletes to acquire skills for new careers that they may have missed out on while focusing on sports. The partnership aligns with the commitment to supporting athletes' overall well-being and offers fully funded programs, with the USOPC covering up to $10,000 a year for partially funded programs. Athletes can utilize Guild for up to 10 years after retirement.

 

U.S. News