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The Partnership for Miami (PFM) has announced a nearly $2m commitment to expand The Lucy Project's early literacy program, the Literacy Hub, across four schools in Miami-Dade County. The initiative aims to support 800 students from kindergarten to 2nd grade using evidence-based "Structured Literacy" methods. Raul Moas, President of PFM, emphasized the importance of literacy, stating: "In a world where literacy is the gateway to lifelong opportunity, our children deserve learning approaches that unlock their full potential." The program, which has already shown success at Norwood Elementary, will include three years of teacher training and small-group support. The PFM also released a report titled Beyond the Grade: A Close Look at Miami's K-12 System, highlighting the need for high-quality education and addressing challenges faced by Miami-Dade schools.

 

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An Administrator's Guide to Blended Learning

Online learning doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing approach. Explore blended learning with this comprehensive guide from FlexPoint^®, which includes:

• Worksheets to define your school’s needs
  
• Outline of blended learning classroom models
  
• List of questions to ask curriculum providers
  
• Best practices for educator training
  
• Instructional strategies and tips
  
• Key benefits for you, students, and staff

Download the FlexPoint guide to find the right mix of face-to-face and online instruction for your school or district.

Download Free Guide

 

The latest data from the Superintendent Research Project reveals that superintendent turnover among the nation's 500 largest school systems increased to 23% for the 2024-25 school year, up from 20% the previous year. Julia Rafal-Baer, co-founder and chief executive of the ILO Group, which produced the report, emphasized the importance of stable leadership, commenting: “Stability in leadership is stability for students. If we want lasting results for kids, we have to stop treating this role as a revolving door. The talent is here. The experience is here. The will to lead is here.” Additionally, the number of women in superintendent roles has risen to 33.2%, although men still dominate new appointments, with 61% of new superintendents being male. The report also highlights that 66 of the new superintendents were internal hires, indicating a trend towards promoting from within. Rafal-Baer noted that the current leadership churn is becoming the new normal, stressing the need for effective leadership to support students during challenging times.

 

EdSource

Education Week News

The shift to virtual education has gained momentum post-pandemic, with educators like Molly Hamill embracing the flexibility it offers. Hamill, who teaches at California Virtual Academies, notes, “My school is a pretty well-oiled machine … there's a structure already in place.” The National Center for Education Statistics reported that about 2.5% of K-12 students were enrolled in full-time virtual education during the 2022-2023 school year. The number of teachers in virtual schools has also increased, with K-12 employing 8,000 teachers, according to Niyoka McCoy, chief learning officer. Educators appreciate the work-life balance and reduced distractions that virtual teaching provides, allowing for more creative lesson plans. While challenges remain, such as managing online behavior, teachers find ways to connect with students, often through interactive online activities. The adaptation to virtual teaching is proving beneficial for both educators and students alike.

 

EdSurge

The White House is evaluating the Smithsonian Institution's content to ensure it aligns with "American ideals." This review has raised concerns among educators, including high school teacher Katharina Matro, who argues: “We don't want a partisan history. We want the history that's produced by real historians.” Over 80% of history teachers rely on materials from federal museums, which are now under scrutiny. Critics fear that the changes may lead to a sanitized version of American history, potentially impacting how history is taught nationwide. Brendan Gillis from the American Historical Association emphasized the importance of these resources, noting they have been crucial for social studies education. The review could affect various educational projects, including those addressing racism and discrimination, with it suggested that the outcome of the review may significantly influence the future of history education in the U.S.

 

Los Angeles Times

In the wake of the 2018 tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, Florida has prioritized threat assessments to identify concerning behaviors among students. During a recent school board meeting, chair Debbi Hixon emphasized the importance of these assessments, stating, “We are supposed to be the beacon of what threat assessments look like.” An audit revealed significant documentation issues, with 62% of action plans improperly recorded. Hixon expressed urgency in addressing these flaws, linking them to the loss of her husband in the Parkland shooting. School board member Lori Alhadeff, who lost her daughter Alyssa, is optimistic that the new reporting portal will enhance safety. Superintendent Dr. Howard Hepburn defended the district's efforts, claiming they conduct 1,500 more assessments than neighboring districts. However, concerns remain about the clarity of the reporting process, as highlighted by Broward Teachers' Union president Anna Fusco.

 

NBC Miami

The Trump administration has announced it will redirect $495m in additional funding to historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and tribal colleges, following the recent elimination of $350m in minority-serving institution programs over claims of racial discrimination. The U.S. Education Department also plans to award $500m to charter schools and invest over $160m in American history and civics grants. Education Secretary Linda McMahon said the changes aim to fund programs promoting “merit and excellence” rather than race-based benefits. UNCF praised the move, calling the extra funding a “godsend” for HBCUs.

 

The Bradenton Times

Toni-Ann Dallas, a former teacher at Highlands County School District, has been placed on two years of probation by the Education Practices Commission for helping students correct wrong answers on an exam. A letter from Avon Park Middle School Principal Kim Riley stated that Dallas violated secure testing practices by allowing students to redo questions to improve their scores. The administrative complaint revealed that she returned tests with wrong answers circled and permitted students to make changes before scoring. As part of a settlement agreement, Dallas must inform the Florida Department of Education when employed in a position requiring an educator's certificate, complete the "Ethics in Education" course, and pay a $500 fine. She was non-renewed from her position at the end of the 2021-2022 school year.

 

Midfloridanewspapers

Teachers in Collier County are currently in a standoff with the district regarding contract negotiations, similar to the situation in Lee County. The teachers' union recently met with the district but received no counteroffers. Ken Mouton, president of the teachers' union, stated, "Teachers, we need to step up. You should be tired of being disrespected." The union has submitted five final proposals after an initial 27, while the district cited a $42.2m deficit as a reason for their lack of offers. The negotiations continue as the union seeks fair support and recognition.

 

WINK News

On National Voter Registration Day, Florida A&M University students collaborated with community partners to educate and register young voters ahead of the 2026 midterms. The Campus Vote Project organized a tabling event, emphasizing the importance of civic engagement among young people. Student leader Evan Lesure stated, "To make sure students are aware of how to vote and how to register to vote, it's extremely important." With 18 to 25-year-olds being a significant voting demographic in Leon County, the initiative aims to prepare students for the polls. Organizers plan to continue these efforts throughout the semester to ensure students remain informed and ready to vote.

 

Tallahassee News

Pinellas County families should prepare for school closures as the district addresses ongoing enrollment declines, according to Superintendent Kevin Hendrick, who stated during a recent school board workshop that specific recommendations will be made after community feedback is gathered, with details expected in January. Hendrick emphasized that the district is committed to a long-term strategy to manage the declining student enrollment across all grade levels.

 

Tampa Bay Times

Kristin Ball, a dedicated kindergarten teacher at Creative Learning Academy, recently celebrated the opening of the Kristin Ball Playground, designed exclusively for her youngest students. "If you ask a child 'What's your favorite time of the day at school?' it's almost always recess," Ball remarked, highlighting the importance of play in education. The playground, featuring swings and climbing structures, was dedicated on September 15, with former students attending to honor her impact.

 

Pensacola News Journal

Florida A&M University (FAMU) is set to unveil a 6-foot-7-inch statue of former President Emeritus Frederick S. Humphries on October 17, during homecoming week. Humphries, who served as president from 1985 to 2001, is remembered for his significant contributions to the university, including increasing enrollment and establishing scholarships. His son, Laurence Humphries, described the statue project as a “labor of love,” emphasizing its importance in preserving his father's legacy. The statue, created by Brodin Bronze, cost nearly $85,000, funded by a successful fundraising campaign that raised over $200,000. FAMU President Marva Johnson praised Humphries as a “champion for young people” and a “visionary,” stating that the statue serves as a beacon of educational transformation. The unveiling will feature speakers, including FAMU alumnus Bernard Kinsey and former TSU President Glenda Glover, celebrating Humphries' lasting impact on the university and its community.

 

Tallahassee.com