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Pasco County school district officials have introduced draft guidelines emphasizing that artificial intelligence (AI) should serve as a tool, rather than a substitute for critical thinking. Superintendent John Legg highlighted the need for clear rules, stating, “Students I have talked to I think said it best, ‘We would play by the rules if someone gave us the rules.'” As the district prepares to implement Microsoft Copilot in high schools by December, these guidelines aim to provide necessary direction for both students and teachers in utilizing AI effectively in their coursework.

 

Tampa Bay Times

More than Answers: Growing Mathematical Minds

Mathematical modeling is a dynamic process that teaches students to solve real-world problems using math. It moves beyond simple answers and encourages a deeper, more flexible understanding of mathematical concepts.

The modeling process follows a cycle: identify a problem, make simplifying assumptions, formulate a mathematical model, solve it, and interpret the results. The key is to validate the model against real-world data and refine it as needed. 

Learn how this approach boosts students’ critical thinking, problem-solving, and engagement by connecting abstract concepts to tangible applications, like optimizing a delivery route. By integrating modeling into the classroom, educators can better prepare students for future STEM careers and informed decision-making.

Download a Modeling Infographic and Student Checklist!

 

The Trump administration has redirected $450m in tariff revenue to temporarily fund the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), amid a prolonged government shutdown, safeguarding benefits for nearly 7m low-income Americans for about three weeks. The money was transferred to the WIC program on Friday, according to the records from the White House Office of Management and Budget. However, it has declined to use tariff revenue to cover the $4bn needed for November SNAP benefits, warning that doing so would jeopardize other child nutrition programmes like school lunches. "We anticipate the disruptions in SNAP may lead additional families to certify (for) WIC or families to run through their WIC benefits faster, so we will be keeping a really close eye on these resources because we know that WIC can't fill the gap that SNAP plays for families," said Nell Menefee-Libey, senior public policy manager at the National WIC Association.

 

Reuters

Polk County commissioners decided to postpone a vote on a proposed 1-mil property tax increase for schools, which could generate $80m for the district. Concerns over the timing of the referendum amid ongoing discussions about property tax cuts influenced the delay, which occurred on November 4. Commissioner Becky Troutman expressed her opposition, asking: "Why do I have to vote on this? I want to abstain from this." However, County Attorney Randy Mink warned that voting against the tax could lead to legal challenges, referencing a previous court case involving the Hillsborough County Commission. The commissioners are seeking further clarification from the Polk County School District regarding the necessity of the funds.

 

Lakeland Ledger

Pine Trail Elementary, Ormond Beach Elementary, and Seabreeze High School have been honored as 2024-2025 Florida Schools of Excellence by the Florida Department of Education. These schools are among six in Volusia County that achieved this designation for being in the top 20% statewide for sustained academic performance over several years. The recognition highlights their commitment to student achievement and continuous improvement, granting them the flexibility to implement innovative practices. "Congratulations to our incredible students, teachers, staff, and leaders for this well-deserved recognition," VCS stated, emphasizing their dedication to excellence.

 

Ormond Beach Observer

During a town hall meeting, parents of the 270 students facing relocation from Cape View Elementary to Roosevelt Elementary, located seven miles away in Cocoa Beach, expressed their concerns. The meeting included Cape Canaveral city council members and BPS superintendent Dr. Mark Rendell, who listened to the parents' worries. One parent said, "We are deeply concerned about the impact this move will have on our children." The community's strong opposition highlights the emotional stakes involved in the potential school relocation.

 

Click Orlando

Wekiva High School (WHS) has initiated a relief effort for Jamaica following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. The leadership team began planning the initiative on Monday and reached out to the community for contributions, as stated by Johnny Outing, WHS community school director. “Here at Wekiva, we believe it’s imperative to help and support those that are in need because it’s a fundamental part of our shared humanity,” the email to stakeholders noted. The school is collecting essential items such as batteries, water, toiletries, and canned food, with donations accepted at designated locations on campus. Hurricane Melissa, which made landfall as a Category 5 storm on October 28, has resulted in a death toll of 32 in Jamaica, according to Caribbean National Weekly. The relief effort will continue for about a month, with WHS partnering with local churches to facilitate the distribution of donations.

 

The Apopka Chief Newspaper

Partisan legislation in Florida is reshaping the state's public colleges and universities, raising concerns about academic freedom and critical thinking. Over the past four years, laws like HB 233 and SB 520 have limited discourse and allowed political influence in university leadership. "This legislative interference is putting Florida graduates at a competitive disadvantage," said Stacy Frazier, a professor at Florida International University. The introduction of SB 266 has led to significant course removals, particularly in the humanities, reducing students' exposure to social issues. Faculty resignations are increasing, with many leaving due to political pressures, creating a challenging environment for recruitment. The authors urge students, parents, and alumni to advocate for high-quality education in Florida.

 

Sun Sentinel

The Board of Governors will discuss the financial situation of New College of Florida during their meeting on Thursday, prompted by a recent audit from the state's Department of Government Efficiency. Gov. Ron DeSantis initiated this audit to address unnecessary spending and to examine diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within Florida's State University System.

 

Tampa Bay Times

South Africa has been highlighted as a regional leader in foundational learning by UNESCO and the African Centre for School Leadership, with all recommended policies in place including teacher support, curriculum frameworks and school leadership structures. The country’s national assessment framework, textbook policies and government-funded feeding programme support learning outcomes, while Grade 9 mathematics proficiency has improved from 9% in 2011 to 15% in 2023. Additionally, the country’s large-scale school feeding programme, fully government-funded, supports three-quarters of primary school children, well above the continental average of 43%.

 

IOL