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Florida
15th May 2024
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NATIONAL NEWS
Educators divided on AI's role in K-12 education: A game changer or a risk to learning?
Many educators are embracing artificial intelligence (AI) as a transformative tool in K-12 education, particularly for reducing the workload associated with planning and administrative tasks. According to an EdWeek Research Center survey, teachers, who often work upwards of 57 hours a week, have found AI beneficial for crafting lesson plans, creating schedules, and even writing recommendations. However, this enthusiasm is not universally shared. A significant number of educators remain skeptical, expressing concerns that AI might undermine critical thinking skills and diminish the human touch crucial to effective teaching. Critics argue that relying heavily on AI may encourage a dependency that detracts from essential educational goals such as developing problem-solving skills and fostering personal interactions. Some worry about the potential for AI to perpetuate misinformation due to biases in the data it has been trained on. Others fear that the increasing use of AI could make aspects of their teaching roles redundant, particularly in subjects like English where writing skills are paramount. Despite these concerns, proponents argue that AI can free up valuable time for educators, allowing them to focus more on teaching and less on time-consuming administrative tasks. This division highlights a broader debate within the educational community about the balance between technological integration and traditional teaching methods, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of how AI is implemented in educational settings.
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STATE NEWS
DeSantis signs "Anti-Communist Education" bill
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed an "Anti-Communist Education" bill, making it mandatory for Florida schools to teach the topic to students in grades K-12. The bill aims to combat the influence of communism in education. In addition, DeSantis is planning to raise money for former President Donald Trump, fulfilling his commitment to support Trump's 2024 presidential nomination.
DISTRICTS
Broward County Schools to close eight schools for 2025-26
Broward County Schools Superintendent Howard Hepburn has announced that eight schools will need to close for the 2025-26 school year. The district dropped its plans to close three schools last week, but the closure plan is now back on the table. The proposal involves changing or reconfiguring four schools to address low enrollment and encourage students to attend Broward schools instead of charter or private schools. However, the plan was immediately rejected. Some parents are pushing back against the new plan, while school board members argue that closing schools is inevitable due to the 50,000 empty seats across the district. The final recommendation will be given on June 18.
Collier County Schools to vote on boundary changes
The Collier County School District is set to vote on boundary changes in 32 schools, which could affect which school a child attends. Rezoning is being considered for seventeen elementary, ten middle, and five high schools. The district claims that the expanding communities in Collier County necessitate this modification. Parents in Collier County are worried and frustrated about the potential rezoning since choosing the right school zones is important when buying a house. The rezoning modifications will go into effect for the 2025–2026 academic year if the motion is approved.
Mount Dora High School recognized as one of Florida's finest FFA chapters
Florida FFA recently announced the selection of "Florida's Finest" FFA Chapters, with Mount Dora High School one of those making the list. The selection is based on completion of the National Chapter Award program application, which recognizes FFA chapters that actively implement the mission and strategies of the organization. Mount Dora High School's FFA Chapter will be recognized during the 96th Florida FFA State Convention & Expo.
Stephen Fagan honored for impactful teaching
Stephen Fagan, a teacher at Seminole Middle School in Plantation, Florida, has been honored with the Tribute to Teachers award. Fagan, who has been teaching for three years, has made a significant impact on the school and his students' lives. In addition to teaching science, Fagan also runs four school clubs and coaches the wrestling program. His dedication and influence were recognized by Publix Super Markets, who presented him with a $1,000 gift card. His students praised his hard work and described him as deserving of the award.
FINANCE
Double dipping dilemma: Two school referendums on the same ballot
The Hillsborough County Commission is facing a dilemma as two school referendums are set to appear on the November ballot. One referendum seeks to extend a half-cent sales tax that has been funding various projects, including schools, for nearly 30 years. The other referendum aims to increase property taxes to provide higher wages for teachers. Critics worry that voters may reject both requests, viewing them as "double dipping." However, supporters believe that taxpayers will see the value in supporting education and view the taxes as separate issues. The success of both campaigns will depend on various factors, including voter turnout and the collaboration between the advocates of the two taxes.
SAFETY & SECURITY
Volusia County middle schools see decrease in incidents
Volusia County Schools' safety team has provided the school board with a report on the progress made following eight weeks of deputies stationed on the campuses of seven of the district's middle schools. After those seven schools had to call law enforcement 257 times in the first month and a half of the school year, the district made the decision to add more police enforcement. The safety team reported to the board that the troubled middle schools are experiencing a marked decrease in issues overall.
Students evacuated from Spruce Creek Elementary School amid potential threat
Students at Spruce Creek Elementary School in Port Orange, Florida, were evacuated on Tuesday due to potential threats. The school officials were alerted by the Port Orange police about a possible threat called in about the school. As a precautionary measure, all students were moved to the United Church of Christ across the street. The nature of the threat has not been disclosed at this time.
TRANSPORTATION
Polk County adds cameras to school buses to curb dangerous driving
Cameras will be installed on Polk County Public Schools' buses to record incidents of motorists running stop signs. Verra Mobility Corp. and the district inked a contract in April for the installation of cameras on more than 500 buses as well as the provision of technology that allows footage to be shared with law enforcement. Although the goal is to have the CrossingGuard cameras placed before the beginning of the next school year, the contract requires them to be positioned on the driver sides of buses by November. Because it puts kids in risk as they board or get off the bus, it has long been against the law to drive past a school bus with its stop arm outstretched. According to data provided by Verra Mobility, there are an estimated 43m illegitimate school bus passes in the nation each year.
HIGHER EDUCATION
Botched FAFSA launch may lead to steep college enrollment drop
The botched launch of the 2024-25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is expected to result in a significant decline in college enrollments. Experts and advocates in higher education have warned that the drop in enrollments may surpass the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Lawmakers and panelists expressed concerns about the continued FAFSA issues, with many testifying that hundreds of thousands of students may choose to forgo college for the upcoming academic year. The National College Attainment Network (NCAN) reported a 27.1% decrease in FAFSA submissions compared to the previous year, with low-income and underrepresented students being the most affected. Experts predict a decline of 10%-15% in college enrollments, which is more severe than the decline seen during the pandemic.
AND FINALLY...
Students interview Holocaust survivors for documentary
As part of a nationwide project called “Names Not Numbers,” students at Miami's Coral Park Senior High School had the opportunity to interview five Holocaust survivors about their experiences before, during, and after World War II. The interviews were turned into a 90-minute documentary, capturing the survivors' stories. The students asked the questions and filmed the interviews, providing a first-person view of the Holocaust. The project had a profound impact on the students, changing their perspective and increasing their understanding of the horrors endured by the survivors. The documentary also highlighted the survivors' incredible optimism and hope. However, both the survivors and the students are concerned about rising levels of antisemitic hate and emphasize the importance of speaking up against discrimination.

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