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The Florida Department of Education is set to investigate teachers who made controversial comments regarding the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Commissioner Anatasios Kamoutsas expressed concern over "despicable comments" on social media, emphasizing that these individuals do not represent the majority of Florida's educators. He stated, "Nevertheless, I will be conducting an investigation of every educator who engages in this vile, sanctionable behavior." The memorandum serves as a reminder that educators are held to a higher standard as public servants, referencing Rule 6A-10.081 of the Florida Administrative Code. Kamoutsas also noted that while educators have First Amendment rights, these do not extend to their professional duties, as personal views can undermine trust with students and families.

 

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What can you do with the 2025 MAP Growth norms? Turning test results into action.

The 2025 MAP ^®; Growth™ norms are here, and while your students RIT scores are still measuring achievement on the same scale you know and trust, the reference point for interpreting those scores has shifted to reflect how students are performing today. Think of it like Google Street View updating its imagery. You’re still navigating the same streets, but now you’re seeing what the neighborhood actually looks like today, instead of photos from five years ago.

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A Trump administration policy that would exclude some immigrants from federal programs, including Head Start, has been blocked in two separate cases by federal judges in Washington and Rhode Island. U.S. District Judge Ricardo Martinez in Seattle, at the request of Head Start associations in several states, issued a nationwide injunction, barring the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) from enforcing the new immigration-related restrictions anywhere in the United States. The ruling followed one from a different federal judge in Rhode Island, in a separate case by 21 Democratic-led states and the District of Columbia, that halted the policy from being implemented within their own states. Martinez in Thursday's ruling said HHS failed to follow necessary rulemaking requirements, adding: "Congress has operated with the 1998 HHS interpretation for years and has not included immigration status as criterion but instead widened eligibility to remove enrollment barriers." The U.S. Supreme Court recently restricted the use of nationwide injunctions, but Martinez said one was necessary in this case because some providers have preschools in multiple states, including programs designed to serve migrant farmworker families.

 

Boston Globe

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K-12 Dive

Reuters

Schools across Florida commemorated the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks with a national day of service and remembrance. Teachers were provided with materials to educate students about the tragic events that unfolded in 2001. As the years pass, school leaders emphasize the importance of keeping the memories alive, stating, “As we get older, it's important to remember that our K-12 students were not born in 2001, and it is our duty to teach them about the events and the actions that took place on this day,” said Pinellas County officials. Special events were planned to ensure that the significance of the day is not forgotten.

 

Tampa Bay Times

During a recent 30-day period starting August 11, over 2,500 warning letters were sent to violators in school zones, but no fines were imposed. Cameras are operational in various school zones, including Bond Elementary and Lincoln High School, and will be active during specific times related to school schedules. According to Revell, "You can't drive 26 (miles per hour) or you'll get a ticket," emphasizing that tickets are issued for exceeding the speed limit by more than 10 miles per hour. The cameras will not operate when school is not in session, including weekends and holidays.

 

Tallahassee.com

Casey Cuny, an English teacher at Valencia High School in Santa Clarita, California, is integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into his classroom. On August 27, 2025, students engaged with AI tools like ChatGPT, enhancing their learning experience. A screen in the classroom displayed guidelines for using AI, reflecting Cuny's innovative approach to education. As he prepares for class, Cuny emphasizes the importance of adapting to new technologies, stating, "AI transforms the way we teach and learn." This initiative showcases how modern tools can enrich traditional education methods.

 

Click Orlando

The killing of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk during a campus debate in Utah has heightened security concerns regarding the presence of polarizing figures at college campuses, including the University of Central Florida. The incident has prompted discussions about the safety measures in place for such events, as many worry about the implications for future debates.

 

Fox 35 Orlando

Fox 35 Orlando

Students at the University of Central Florida (UCF) expressed their fear after a racist email threatening to shoot minority students circulated on campus. This alarming incident occurred on Thursday, leading some students to leave their classes early. The email has raised significant concerns about safety and inclusivity within the university community.

 

Click Orlando

The University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee campus held a commemorative ceremony on the 24th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, honoring nearly 3,000 lives lost and the bravery of first responders. The event featured a 21-gun salute, music, and reflections, with keynote speaker Edward Grayson, a former New York City Department of Sanitation commissioner and 9/11 responder, stating: “As we gather for this memorial 24 years later, we must honor the victims and brave first responders.” Carlos Moreira, the ceremony's organizer, emphasized the importance of remembrance, saying, “We will never forget the sacrifices made on September 11, 2001.” Volunteers planted 2,997 American flags on campus, symbolizing each life lost, serving as a powerful reminder of resilience and unity.

 

The Bradenton Times

A school in Santiago, Chile, has initiated a groundbreaking program that blocks smartphone signals, allowing students to reconnect with their peers and the real world. Principal Humberto Garrido said: “Breaks are very lively now,” as students engage in activities like volleyball, basketball, and board games instead of scrolling through social media. The initiative, the first of its kind in Chile, aims to combat smartphone addiction and improve student well-being. Currently, it targets eighth graders but will expand to all grades soon. The program has received positive feedback, with students like 14-year-old José David expressing feelings of freedom and increased social interaction. The mayor of Lo Barnechea, Felipe Alessandri, emphasized the need for such measures, citing rising issues like anxiety and depression among youth linked to excessive screen time. The Chilean Senate is also considering a bill to regulate digital device use in schools nationwide.

 

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