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An overhauled school safety database, funded by a $2m grant from the U.S. Justice Department, has been launched to provide stakeholders with comprehensive information on public and charter schools' characteristics that could affect school safety. The database, called SchoolSafetyDashboard.org, allows users to compare up to three schools or districts at once, providing data on racial and ethnic makeup, economic disadvantage, and suspension rates. It also includes indicators such as graduation rates, student/teacher ratio, and absentee rates. The database aims to provide access to data that can help schools adjust practices in real time and enable the state to respond to emerging needs. The collaboration between the University of Florida and the nonprofit Safe Schools for Alex aims to enhance school safety by encouraging accurate and uniform reporting of school safety data nationwide. Training will be provided to school staff and leaders to effectively utilize the database. "Parents want and deserve to know what's happening after they drop their child off," said Max Schachter, founder of Safe Schools for Alex.

 

Florida Politics

School Leadership’s Guide to Building an Online Learning Program

No two students learn the same way, and alternative options for education have never been more necessary than they are right now. Online learning has become an option that’s gained traction nationwide. According to a recent study, 81% of parents believe online learning helps their children better prepare for the future and 94% believe it positively impacts their children’s ability to understand courses.*

This guide will help school and district leaders like you learn more about the fundamentals of online learning and its benefits.

Topics include:

• Debunking common myths about online education
• An outline of the first steps to create and implement a new program
• Strategies for creating open communication with parents, students, and staff
• How to select the best industry partner to help develop your new program

*FlexPoint 2021 Parent Survey

Download the Guide

 

Census Bureau data reveals a decline in K-12 enrollment, with the share of children enrolled in public schools falling by almost 4 percentage points from 2012 to 2022. Private schools and charter schools saw an increase in enrollment during the same period. Experts attribute this trend to the rise of "school choice" policies that provide families with alternative schooling options. The push for school choice has led to the introduction of numerous bills across states, granting families public funds for vouchers, tax-credit scholarships, and more. The decline in public school enrollment has been accompanied by budget cuts, teacher shortages, and controversies over curriculum. States with the largest enrollment declines also have the lowest per-pupil spending. Experts express concerns about the impact on marginalized students and the ability of public schools to recover from these declines. The article highlights the case of Florida, where public school enrollment fell despite a growing population. Critics argue that micromanagement and restrictive laws hinder teachers' ability to provide quality education.

 

NBC Miami

Lawyers for state education officials have filed an appeal against a court ruling that blocked enforcement of a law requiring a transgender teacher to use pronouns that align with her sex assigned at birth. The law restricts educators' use of personal pronouns and titles in schools. The appeal comes after a lawsuit challenging the restrictions alleged that the law violates teachers' First Amendment rights and runs afoul of a federal civil-rights law. Chief U.S. District Judge Mark Walker issued a preliminary injunction blocking enforcement of the law against one transgender teacher, stating that the law violated the First Amendment. The appeal has been filed at the Atlanta-based U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

 

Orlando Weekly

Cathleen Morgan, a member of the Lee County School Board, says that the success of public education depends on local decisions, not state or federal mandates. She notes that the Lee County School District has struggled to adapt to change and grow from a family business mentality to a large public company. Morgan contends that resistance to change and a lack of personal responsibility have undermined the district's goal of providing a high-quality education. She believes that Superintendent Christopher Bernier has made progress in articulating the district's mission and vision, setting expectations for outcomes, and building accountability. Morgan argues that effective education leaders must be transformational change agents who work beyond their self-interest and encourage others to seek new ways to support students, teachers, and schools. She applauds Dr. Bernier's cabinet-level recruitment and hires, noting that they have brought extraordinary talent to the district. Morgan adds that Dr. Bernier has also engaged with stakeholders and collaborated with them to implement district-wide changes.

 

Naplesnews

Volusia County Schools Superintendent Carmen Balgobin is facing criticism for the financial issues and debt that have led to the displacement of teachers. Balgobin claimed that she "inherited" the debt and financial problems, but former Superintendent Scott Fritz called it a "misrepresentation." The district's CFO confirmed that Balgobin has been working to fix the issue since becoming superintendent. Due to the use of federal funding for recurring positions, some teachers will be displaced or reassigned within their schools. The financial problems were warned about in a budget update in 2022, but the district did not take action. Balgobin left her position as deputy superintendent before returning as superintendent. Board members have acknowledged the need for a plan to address the financial crisis. The district is working on a corrective action plan to resolve the debt. The decisions regarding teacher displacement need to be strategic to ensure the district remains attractive to parents and students.

 

Daytona Beach News Journal

Enrollment in some of Florida's largest public school systems is declining as families take advantage of options such as charter schools, private education vouchers, and homeschooling. This has led to a push to close underused schools, with Broward and Duval counties considering such options and facing community outcry. Hillsborough County is already preparing to close five schools in the fall.

 

Tampa Bay Times

The overall rates of discipline have gone up at Brevard Public Schools (BPS), with an increase in discipline referrals and reports of bullying. The data collected through the third quarter of the 2023-2024 school year shows a rise in discipline referrals and students receiving referrals compared to the previous year. Despite the increase, the district claims to be managing discipline issues that were previously unaddressed. The discipline process has been revamped, with teachers and staff receiving new training and clearer procedures. However, concerns remain regarding the risk ratio for certain student populations, such as Black and low-income students, which have increased.

 

Florida Today

The Flagler County Education Foundation celebrated the 13th annual Josh Crews Writing Project Book Launch, featuring over 200 selections by Flagler Schools' students. The project, established in memory of Josh Crews, allows students to write creatively. The anthology includes essays, stories, and poems from elementary to high school students. The book is dedicated to Melanie H. Crews, Josh Crews' mother.

 

PalmCoastObserver.com

FIU College of Law in Miami had the highest percentage of students passing the bar exam, with an impressive 82.6% pass rate. On the other hand, Ave Maria School of Law in Naples had the lowest pass rate at 16.7%. The University of Miami School of Law and Florida State University College of Law faced challenges, with pass rates of 40.5% and 40% respectively. The University of Florida Levin College of Law had a pass rate of 63.2%. Other notable performances include St. Thomas College of Law with a 72% pass rate and Stetson University College of Law with a 69.2% pass rate. Overall, just over half of the Florida law students who took the bar exam passed, with only 56.3% passing the test. The results were released by the Florida Board of Bar Examiners.

 

Florida Politics