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Florida has joined other Republican-led states in rejecting the federal government's pending revisions to Title IX guidelines. The updates to Title IX, which aim to protect against discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation, have been met with resistance. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said that the state "will not comply" with the changes, potentially endangering access to federal education funding. DeSantis accused President Joe Biden of injecting gender ideology into children's education and undermining the rights of girls and women. The state's rejection aligns with its history of marginalizing LGBTQ+ student concerns. Other states, including Oklahoma, Louisiana, and South Carolina, have also indicated their unwillingness to follow the revised guidelines. The governor's stance has been reinforced by Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr., who has instructed superintendents not to implement the changes. The rejection comes as the 2024 presidential election approaches and political tensions rise.

 

Tampa Bay Times

Florida Democrats are hoping that ballot amendments legalizing marijuana and enshrining abortion rights will attract young voters in the 2024 election. These issues are critical for young voters, who have more tolerant views on them. The hope is that these issues will reverse the active voter registration edge of nearly 900,000 for Republicans in Florida. According to a survey, about 8 in 10 Florida voters under age 45 in the 2022 midterm elections said the Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade had an impact on their decision to vote and who to support. However, some observers question the impact of abortion on the election, suggesting that the recreational marijuana amendment may bring out more voters. Young voters were crucial to Biden's election in 2020, but recent polls show that enthusiasm for Biden among young voters has waned. Issues such as the Israel-Hamas conflict, student loan forgiveness, and climate change are also important to young voters. In Florida, abortion rights and marijuana are seen as issues that can mobilize young voters, regardless of their stance on the issues.

 

Local10

Recent federal data indicates a resurgence in enrollment for teacher preparation programs across the U.S., marking a potential shift toward addressing the long-standing teacher shortage crisis. From 2018 to 2022, these programs saw a 12% increase in enrollment, adding approximately 46,231 candidates. This growth, particularly significant during the pandemic, was observed in states like Maryland, Arkansas, and Florida, among others. Despite this encouraging development, the overall landscape remains challenging. The surge is not yet sufficient to meet the escalating demand for teachers, especially in regions like the South and Midwest or in specialized areas such as special education and math. The shortage is exacerbated by a broader educational downturn, with a national reduction of 300,000 teachers prepared annually compared to a decade ago, influenced by economic strains and shifting public perceptions of the teaching profession. Efforts to revitalize interest in teaching have included financial incentives such as stipends for student teachers in states like Colorado and Michigan, and a significant $30,000 living stipend in Maryland. These initiatives aim to make the teaching career path more viable and attractive. However, the challenge extends beyond just recruiting new teachers. The sector is also grappling with high attrition rates, with 10% of teachers leaving the profession by the end of the 2021-22 school year, up from 6% pre-pandemic, according to RAND Corporation. This underscores the need for a multifaceted approach that not only boosts recruitment but also enhances job satisfaction and retention through improved working conditions and opportunities for professional growth.

 

The 74

The growing reliance on technology for communication between parents and teachers offers both opportunities and challenges in enhancing family engagement in education. Tools like ClassDojo and Seesaw have transformed the way educators interact with families, providing real-time insights into the classroom through instant messaging and updates. This shift has improved transparency and allowed for more dynamic interactions, making it easier for parents to get involved in their children's education from a distance. However, the increased use of these platforms also raises concerns about accessibility and privacy. Not all families have equal access to the necessary technology, which can create disparities in communication. Furthermore, the handling of sensitive information such as student photos and progress reports necessitates stringent data privacy measures to protect against misuse. Despite these challenges, the benefits of digital communication tools are significant. They can strengthen the connection between families and schools by providing a continuous stream of information that supports learning at home. To maximize the advantages and mitigate the risks, schools need to ensure that these digital tools are used as part of a broader strategy that includes traditional communication methods. This approach helps maintain a balanced interaction that respects families' time and privacy while promoting an inclusive educational environment.

 

Education Week

New Broward County Public Schools superintendent, Howard Hepburn, is facing the prospect of school closures due to under-enrollment. Approximately 50,000 fewer students are currently enrolled in the district, impacting around four dozen schools. The superintendent and school board members are holding town hall meetings to discuss potential solutions, including combining schools, making boundary adjustments, and repurposing buildings. The process could take years, with no changes expected during the 2024-25 school year. The town hall meetings will continue throughout the district, allowing community members to voice their concerns and provide input on the future of Broward County schools.

 

Local10

The Florida Commission on Ethics has found probable cause that Collier County School Board member Kelly Lichter failed to list her personal home on her 2017 financial disclosure form. However, the commission will not take further action on the matter. Lichter claims that the omission was an honest mistake and that she corrected it once she became aware of the error. The complaint against Lichter was filed by Joe Phillips, a social media personality and critic of local government. Lichter believes the allegations are politically motivated, as they were filed shortly after she voted for a superintendent candidate. The commission also dismissed claims regarding Lichter's ownership of a charter school consulting company and her vote on a school contract. The commission found no misconduct in these matters.

 

Naplesnews

Miami-Dade Public Schools has announced its Principal and Assistant Principal of the Year. Chantal Osborne, principal of Lindsey Hopkins Technical Institute, was named Principal of the Year for achieving a job placement rate of 91% and licensure rate of 100%. Romulo Espinosa of Carol City Middle School was recognized as Assistant Principal of the Year. The winners will receive $2,000 cash, a brand new 2024 Toyota Corolla, and a three-to-five-day cruise. The announcement was made at the Dade Association of School Administrators' Annual Award Ceremony.

 

Local10

Leon County Schools has released documents revealing that three cheer coaches, including two employees and a volunteer, provided alcohol and drugs to minors during an out-of-town trip for a cheerleading competition. The coaches were fired from their positions after it was discovered that they had consumed alcohol while chaperoning and failed to respond appropriately to the safety risk of the impaired students. The incident occurred during a cheerleading competition in Orlando, where students were also reportedly under the influence of drugs. The coaches were placed on administrative leave and later interviewed about the incident. The investigation was internally conducted by the school district and also sent to the Florida Department of Children and Families for further investigation. The coaches were terminated from their coaching positions, and one of them resigned from her clerical assistant position at the high school. The matter is currently being looked into by the Department of Children and Families.

 

Tallahassee.com

Tensions are growing over the Israel-Hamas War as protests erupt at the University of Florida (UF). Nine individuals were arrested for failing to adhere to protest regulations. UF has implemented new rules and warned that violators would be treated as trespassers. The university stated: "The University of Florida is not a daycare, and we do not treat protesters like children — they knew the rules, they broke the rules, and they’ll face the consequences."

 

Fox 35 Orlando

WPTV