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Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed a controversial teacher-training bill that seeks to prevent "indoctrination" in teacher-preparation programs at colleges and universities. The bill, which will take effect on July 1, prohibits the inclusion of "identity politics" in these programs. Supporters argue that the bill prevents teacher-preparation programs from becoming captive to a political agenda, while opponents claim that it limits freedom of speech and prevents honest discussions about the country's history. The Southern Poverty Law Center criticized the bill, stating that it silences educational programs that teach empathy and respect for all. The bill also applies to programs that prepare school leaders such as principals.

 

Orlando Weekly

State Sen. Erin Grall sponsored a bill allowing religious chaplains in public school districts in Florida. The new law, set to take effect in July, has already attracted attention from the Satanic Temple, which has expressed interest in participating. While Governor Ron DeSantis dismissed concerns about Satanists being involved, Grall herself acknowledged the constitutional problems that may arise. The law does not define what constitutes a legitimate religion, potentially opening the door for various religious groups to bring their chaplains into schools. Parents may have concerns about their children being exposed to non-mainstream religions and alien belief systems. The law also raises practical considerations, such as defining the services chaplains would offer and the logistics of their presence in schools. Critics argue that the law may distract from improving classroom instruction and that it was passed without fully considering its potential consequences.

 

TCPalm

There's a new trend in education following the pandemic and teacher shortages across the state of Florida. "Microschools" have gained popularity, offering small classrooms with each functioning as its own miniature school. One such school is Primer, which has 16 locations in total. Primer teachers earn more than the average school teacher salary and are equity partners in the microschool. Parents and students are said to appreciate the small class sizes and individualized attention.

 

Local10

Over the past 15 years, racial and economic segregation has significantly increased in large U.S. school districts, according to a study by Sean Reardon and Ann Owens of the Stanford University Center on Poverty and Inequality. The study tracked the demographics of schools from 1967 to 2022, highlighting a regression in student exposure to other races and income levels since 1991. In particular, 533 school districts serving the majority of Black K-12 public students saw a 25% increase in Black-white segregation. Hispanic and Asian students, as well as those eligible for free meals, also experience more segregation now compared to 1991. The researchers attribute the rise in segregation not to neighborhood segregation, which has declined, but to the cessation of efforts to integrate schools beyond neighborhood patterns, coupled with the expansion of charter schools and other school choice programs following reduced court oversight. This shift away from court-enforced integration policies, such as bussing and rezoning, has allowed schools to revert to their local demographic patterns, intensifying segregation, according to the research.

 

Education Week News

Parents in Pasco County have urged officials to save critical positions in schools, including kindergarten aides and student discipline assistants. The officials have responded to these concerns and have decided to retain about a third of the aides hired using federal pandemic relief funds. The jobs were in question as the grants that funded them were set to expire. The district has allocated $6m from the general fund to cover the salaries of 90 elementary instructional aides and 73 secondary discipline assistants. The schools will have the flexibility to decide how to use the aides, and some may choose to add more aides using other resources. While parents and teachers are pleased with the decision, some still have concerns about the remaining aides being used effectively and the need for more budget cuts to support additional aides.

 

Tampa Bay Times

Duval County School Board have grilled superintendent candidates about school closures and budget issues. The candidates' answers included strategies for realigning the budget, assessing the existing plan, prioritizing student needs, engaging stakeholders and exploring cost-saving measures. Christopher Bernier, former superintendent for Lee County schools in Florida, emphasized the importance of thoughtful planning, communication and collaboration in reprioritizing the budget. The next superintendent will be responsible for addressing declining student enrollment, escalating construction costs and revising the 15-year facility plan. The board aims to make a decision by September.

 

The Florida Times-Union

April's meeting of the Miami-Dade County School Board saw chair Mari Tere Rojas put forward an agenda item recognizing the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the opening of the Coral Gables Preparatory Academy. The school, first known as Coral Gables Elementary School, was opened with 39 students by city founder George E. Merrick, who believed that "beautiful things inspire higher ideals in the minds of children". The school now has 845 students and 82 staff members.

 

Miami's Community Newspapers

The Tampa Police Department is investigating after 11 children aged between 9 and 11 at New Springs Charter School in Tampa became sick after eating what was believed to be candy laced with Delta-9 THC. Staff at the school have said they found a container containing two pieces of what appeared to be Nerds-branded candies, which can be legally sold as Delta-9 THC products in the state. The students were picked up by their parents, with three taken to a nearby hospital as a precaution.

 

Fox 35 Orlando

Some Florida state universities have increased security measures and issued advisories for graduation ceremonies due to ongoing student protests. Pro-Palestinian demonstrations have led to arrests on several campuses, prompting the need for heightened safety precautions. University system Chancellor Ray Rodrigues has authorized school presidents to take necessary steps to ensure the safety of attendees. The University of South Florida has already implemented normal security measures, along with additional law enforcement presence. Florida State University has not confirmed if security will be increased, but has published an advisory about prohibited behavior. Florida International University has boosted security and increased staffing levels for its graduation ceremonies. Florida Gulf Coast University has reminded guests to be respectful and listed prohibited items. President Joe Biden has addressed the protests, emphasizing the importance of peaceful assembly and upholding the rule of law. 

 

Orlando Weekly

Law enforcement officials have defended their decision to use tear gas on protesters at the University of South Florida campus, while some have argued that they went too far. The use of tear gas on campus protests has sparked outrage and raised concerns about the suppression of free speech. Law enforcement agencies have claimed that their response was appropriate to maintain safety and balance freedom of speech rights. However, critics argued that the use of tear gas and other forceful tactics against peaceful demonstrators has been disproportionate and infringes on their rights. A report by the Police Executive Research Forum recommends focusing on facilitating First Amendment rights rather than cracking down on protesters. The law is clear that public campuses are open to protests, and universities cannot shut down speech they disagree with. 

 

Tampa Bay Times

Regina Nicolois has opened a second location for the After School Spot in Sebring. The non-profit organization provides a safe place for middle and high school age children, offering free classes in youth development, life skills, creative outlets, and peer engagement activities. Nicolois renovated and designed a 2,000-square-foot home on a two-acre property donated by an anonymous foundation. The home includes a media room, activity room, video gaming room, and quiet room for reading and studying. Nicolois also converted an old property into an arcade. The grand opening featured activities for the children, including a dunk tank and Foam Frenzy. Nicolois has helped almost 300 youth since opening and sees an average of 35-45 children a day at the program. "I can't believe this is finally happening," said Nicolois. "This is a dream come true."

 

Midfloridanewspapers

Envision Credit Union, originally started as the Leon County Teachers Credit Union, is celebrating 70 years of service by giving back to local educators. As part of their new initiative, "70 Cruises for 70 Teachers," the company plans to hand out free tickets for the Royal Caribbean cruise line. Five of the winners will be surprised in their classrooms with the announcement. The first winner, Allison Agbasoga, an English teacher at Leon High, was selected out of 119 nominations. The purpose of the nomination-based initiative was to involve the community and show appreciation for teachers. The cruise package covers two tickets, port fees, and food. The full list of winners will be posted on the company's website during teacher appreciation week.

 

Tallahassee.com