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President Donald Trump said on Friday that federal special education operations, currently spearheaded by the U.S. Department of Education, will move to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. He also said he is aiming to move federal student loan and school nutrition program oversight from the Education Department to the Small Business Administration. “It’s going to be a great situation. I guarantee that in a few years from now… I think that you’re going to have tremendous results,” said Trump, while seated in the Oval Office of the White House. Relatedly, Education Secretary Linda McMahon wrote in a piece for Fox News that abolishing the department “will not happen tomorrow,” but that she plans to pave the way for Congress to take action. “We will systematically unwind unnecessary regulations and prepare to reassign the department’s other functions to the states or other agencies,” she added. Democrats on the House Education and Workforce Committee have introduced a resolution calling for transparency and information on plans for the Education Department. 

 

The Hill

Connecticut Post

K-12 Dive

K-12 Dive

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Florida lawmakers are reconsidering a mandate for later middle and high school start times, originally set to take effect next year. While some officials argue the goal is well-intentioned, they find it challenging to implement. Instead of repealing the requirement, the House proposed allowing districts to demonstrate that unintended consequences hinder compliance.

 

Tampa Bay Times

In Florida, the graduation rate has reached an all-time high of 89.7%. However, this contrasts with declining performance in standardized tests and assessments. A significant portion of students, 43%, graduated using alternative tests deemed easier than state exams, a trend that has been increasing. Critics argue that while graduation rates are rising, they do not necessarily reflect true educational proficiency.

 

Tampa Bay Times

Linda McMahon, the U.S. Secretary of Education, recently visited Congressman Mike Haridopolos in Viera, where she shared her perspectives on education reform. During the meeting, she emphasized the importance of collaboration in enhancing educational outcomes, stating, "We must work together to ensure every student has access to quality education." This visit highlights the ongoing efforts to address educational challenges and improve policies at the federal level.

 

Florida Today

Florida Today

Principals in Hernando County are optimistic about the impact of Franklin Covey Education's Leader in Me program, which aims to reduce discipline issues in schools. Starting next school year, seven schools will implement the program, costing the district $514,630.64 after sponsorship. The program has previously led to a 13% reduction in disciplinary incidents in Florida schools. The initiative includes a Measurable Results Assessment to evaluate school culture and leadership. Superintendent Ray Pinder emphasized the importance of enthusiasm among staff for successful implementation, while board chair Shannon Rodriguez advocated for including all K-8 schools in the program.

 

Hernando Sun

The Florida Senate has introduced a bill, SPB 7030, aimed at improving funding and tracking for school voucher programs amid their significant growth. Scheduled for discussion in the Senate Pre-K-12 Education Appropriations Committee, the bill proposes a "categorical" fund for the Family Empowerment Scholarship Program and an "educational enrollment stabilization program" to manage student transitions. Senator Don Gaetz emphasized the need for better tracking, adding: "For the money to truly follow the student, we need better ways to track where students are at key points throughout the school year." However, concerns remain about the bill's impact on public school funding and the specifics of its implementation.

 

Fox 35 Orlando

In Southwest Florida, the construction industry is grappling with a significant shortage of skilled workers, with 40% of the workforce over 45 years old. As retirement approaches for many, only 9% of young workers aged 19-24 are entering the field. This skills gap threatens housing affordability and economic growth. Programs like Gateway High School's Carpentry Academy are crucial in bridging this gap by providing students with hands-on education and industry certifications. Pete Tuffo, president of Suffolk's Florida Gulf Coast region, emphasizes the importance of industry partnerships in workforce development. "The region's continued prosperity depends on building not just structures, but the workforce to create them," he said. By investing in education and technology integration, the construction sector can prepare a skilled workforce for the future.

 

Naplesnews

Broward County Public Schools is grappling with significant losses of technology equipment, particularly laptops, due to inadequate controls during the pandemic. Recent audits revealed that 274 items, valued at approximately $365,000, are missing from 40 schools and district departments. The audits indicated that some devices may have been discarded or stolen, prompting calls for police reports. Atlantic West Elementary was notably affected, with 66 items unaccounted for. To address these issues, schools are implementing quarterly inventory reports and enhancing tracking procedures.

 

Sun Sentinel

Florida lawmakers are advancing a bill that mandates public elementary school students learn cursive writing. The House Education & Employment Committee unanimously approved bill HB 921, which requires instruction in grades 2 through 5, with proficiency expected by the end of fifth grade. While some support the measure, Rep. Rita Harris expressed concerns about over-testing and the pressure on students and teachers. A Senate version of the bill, SB 1394, has also been filed but has yet to be discussed in committees.

 

Tampa Bay Times

Chancellor Ray Rodrigues of the State University System of Florida will deliver the commencement address at Florida Polytechnic University on May 4. Appointed in 2022, Rodrigues serves as a key liaison between the Legislature and the Florida Board of Governors.

 

Florida Politics

UNICEF in Afghanistan has announced that it is in the process of constructing 165 schools across the country, benefiting more than 33,000 children, half of them girls. The schools are equipped with solar power systems to light the classrooms, and include separate latrine blocks and drilled water wells to provide students with safe water and hygienic handwashing spaces in their learning environment. High boundary walls mean the schools are safe havens for education. Currently, less than half of the country’s public schools have boundary walls, an important factor for girls’ attendance in particular. Enclosed schools are considered safe by parents, which improves girls’ attendance. The schools are being built with support from the the Government of Japan, and in partnership with the United Nations Development Program.

 

UNICEF

Italy's education ministry has mandated a ban on gender-neutral symbols in schools, citing their lack of clarity and violation of Italian grammar rules. The ministry said: "The use of non-compliant graphic signs... is contrary to linguistic norms." The decision may heighten tensions between the right-wing government, which emphasizes traditional values, and advocates for LGBTQ and women's rights. The Accademia della Crusca, the authority on the Italian language, has also advised against the use of gender-neutral symbols in official documents.

 

US News and World Report

Florida Institute of Technology students are developing a robotic sea cow named Mechanatee to study real manatees without disturbing them. Graduate student Haylie Garman explained: "What we want our Mechanatee to do is look like a manatee, act like a manatee, but really it's a research database platform that's completely silent." The project aims to decode manatee communication and gather environmental data. Led by Garman, along with AJ Saad and Wyatt Amarosa, the team is supervised by Professor Stephen Wood and collaborates with Delta Robotics, Inc. The Mechanatee will mimic natural movements and could revolutionize marine research, providing insights into manatee behavior and communication. The students prioritize environmental conservation, stating, "We're environmentalists, first," according to Saad.

 

Florida Today

Florida Today