Education Slice
Become more informed in minutes....
Education Slice Logo
Florida
23rd January 2026
 

THE HOT STORY

New initiative aims to combat book bans in schools

We Need Diverse Books (WNDB) has launched the Unbanned Book Network to address the increasing number of book bans in U.S. schools and libraries. The initiative aims to donate books by banned authors and appoint Author Ambassadors to support school districts facing censorship. WNDB chief executive Dhonielle Clayton stated: "We're not only facing an ongoing literacy crisis in the U.S., we're also battling increased rates of censorship, which is infringing on our students' right to read." The program will initially target twenty under-resourced schools in states like Florida and Texas, where bans are most prevalent. This effort is part of a broader response to the surge in book bans, which has been documented by organizations such as PEN America and the American Library Association.

NATIONAL NEWS

Federal judge gives Ed. Dept. extension in mental health grant dispute

A federal judge has granted the U.S. Department of Education a new deadline of February 6 to decide on school mental health grant continuations, after the department failed to meet a December 30 court-ordered deadline. The extension follows a lawsuit from 17 states, including Washington, accusing the department of unlawfully discontinuing grants tied to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. Despite state objections, Judge Kymberly Evanson ruled the court lacked authority to enforce broader compliance measures sought by the states. The department must now issue awards by February 11 and submit status updates by February 12, Evanson said, adding: “I want there to be no doubt that the department should continue its work at a rapid pace and to not await any adjudication."

FINANCE

Broward schools face tough cuts

Broward County's school district, facing severe financial challenges, has decided to close six underenrolled schools, including Sunshine Elementary and Plantation Middle, to save approximately $8m. The decision came after extensive discussions about budget constraints, with Superintendent Howard Hepburn initially recommending the closure of Bair Middle School. However, community efforts, including a rally led by students and parents, successfully influenced the board to keep Bair open. "It is the right and wise thing to do at this moment to keep Bair open," said school board member Jeff Holness. The district has lost over 37,000 students in the past decade, leading to significant budget cuts and financial scandals. The changes are part of a broader plan to redefine the district's schools.

LEADERSHIP

Guiding interns on the foundations of leadership

Nicole Paxton, principal of Mount Vista Community School in Colorado Springs, Colorado, emphasizes the importance of comprehensive training for aspiring school leaders. Reflecting on her own experience, she stated: "I wish I would've learned more about budgeting, how to build relationships with students, or give teachers feedback." Paxton now mentors principal interns, guiding them through traditional duties and emerging responsibilities, while also allowing them to shadow her daily activities. With the increasing demands on principals, including managing student behavior and chronic absenteeism, practical internships are essential. According to the Education Commission of the States, at least 39 states require principal preparation programs to include a practical component. Paxton and other mentors aim to provide real-life experiences, ensuring that interns are well-prepared for the challenges of school leadership.

TECHNOLOGY

AI revolutionizes education landscape

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming education, but K-12 schools face challenges in adapting due to a lack of clear policies. As one policymaker said, "You have policy and what's actually happening in the classrooms – those are two very different things." A recent survey conducted by Janice Mak at Arizona State University revealed that while some states provide guidance, local districts often dictate their own AI policies. Ethical concerns, including student safety and data privacy, are prevalent, and many educators report using AI without formal approval. Despite the confusion, there is a push for ethical principles in AI use, emphasizing the need for community engagement in policy development.

WORKFORCE

Arkansas and Delaware only states offering full paid parental leave for teachers

Only two US states, Arkansas and Delaware, require full paid parental leave for teachers, according to a new report by the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ). Of the 34 states that provide no paid leave beyond sick days, some districts have independently introduced benefits, but NCTQ warns that leaving decisions to local authorities creates unequal access. The study also noted that “If states reimburse districts the cost of long-term substitutes, districts need only maintain normal operating costs by paying teachers’ salaries as usual. This policy ensures that educators receive their full pay during leave, while having minimal impact on the state’s overall budget.” The report highlights how access to paid leave improves retention and wellbeing, urging states to extend full benefits to all parents, including fathers and adoptive families.

CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION

Electric dreams: students build go-karts

At Carol City Senior High School, students are gaining hands-on experience in electric vehicle technology through an innovative program. Recently, they received a donation from Florida Power & Light, which included components to build electric go-karts. Principal Bridget McKinney emphasized the uniqueness of the program, stating, “EVs are the future.” With 81 students enrolled, the program prepares them for careers in the growing electric vehicle sector, which has seen an 18% growth in Florida over two years. Students engage in virtual training before working on real vehicles, enhancing their skills in a gamified environment. The program aims to equip students for future job opportunities in the electric vehicle industry, which currently boasts over 12,900 jobs in Florida.

HEALTH & SAFETY

Students unite for substance abuse awareness

The "Prevention Before Intervention" program, organized by Wakulla County 4-H students, aims to facilitate discussions about substance abuse among teens. Emily Zack, the project's leader, emphasized the importance of peer-to-peer conversations, remarking: "It's basically a teen town hall, for teens and peer-to-peer." The initiative will include trained professionals to educate students about substance abuse, followed by peer group discussions. Caden Gray, FLOW's president, noted that talking to peers creates a more comfortable environment, saying: "It's better. Because when you're talking to an adult, you know, you don't want to say the wrong thing." The program is set to take place on April 25th, with updates available on 4-H's Facebook page.

STUDENTS

How to help students develop self-regulation skills

Recent observations gleaned by an Education Week poll on LinkedIn indicate a significant decline in students' self-regulation skills, with many educators describing them as "almost nonexistent." This issue is not limited to younger children; teachers report similar challenges among older elementary, middle, and high school students. Poor self-regulation can disrupt learning and contribute to teacher burnout. The survey revealed that 67% of educators rated students' self-regulation skills as low. To address this, educators suggest practical strategies, including using visual aids, providing explicit social-emotional instruction, and modeling self-regulation techniques. Schools are encouraged to implement these strategies to help students manage their emotions and behaviors more effectively.

Students honored for heroic actions

In a ceremony at the Chief Clarence Dickson Police College, nine Miami-Dade students were honored for their courageous actions, including protecting classmates from bullying and reporting suicidal behavior. Miami Police Chief Manuel Morales praised their inspiring efforts, stating these students represent a "small glimpse" of the many children doing the right thing daily. Among the honorees were Sofia Fuentes, who reported a classmate's abuse, and Selena Gomez Castro, who spoke up about self-harm among peers. The event, organized by Do The Right Thing, Inc., recognized the students' leadership and compassion, with awards including tablets, game tickets, and letters from local officials. Aiden Pupo and Michelle Grados received special recognition for their outstanding character and community service projects, respectively.

LEGISLATION

Faith in schools: a new push

In Florida, a resolution aimed at safeguarding religious expression in public schools has advanced through the legislative process, passing the Education and Employment Committee with an 18-1 vote. Rep. Chase Tramont, who introduced the measure (HJR 583), emphasized that “students’ freedom of religion doesn’t end when they walk into school.” The proposed amendment seeks to enshrine protections for students expressing religious viewpoints, allowing for the formation of religious clubs and permitting prayer during school hours. Critics, including Russell Meyer, Executive Director for the Florida Council of Churches, argue that the measure could lead to coercion and may favor Christianity, potentially alienating students of other faiths. Despite concerns, the legislation is gaining bipartisan support and is set for a full House vote.

Cursive writing makes a comeback

Cursive writing is making a resurgence in Florida, as lawmakers push for its inclusion in public and charter schools. A bill, HB 127, has been unanimously approved by the House Education and Employment Committee, requiring second to fifth graders to receive cursive instruction. Co-sponsor Rep. Dana Trabulsy emphasized the importance of cursive, saying: "We’ve really lost sight of our foundational skills that connect us to our history and sharpen our minds." The National Library of Medicine noted that cursive writing is a fading skill but is essential for academic success. The bill mandates that students learn cursive letter formation and demonstrate proficiency by the end of fifth grade. HB 127 is now heading to the House floor, while a similar bill, SB 444, is progressing through the Senate.

PARENTING

Parents rally against anti-LGBTQ laws

At a press conference in Tallahassee, parents of transgender children voiced their concerns over new anti-LGBTQ laws in Florida. Juan Dominguez shared his fears for his child, Kai, who was diagnosed with gender dysphoria. He lamented: "The doctor that helped us identify Kai’s condition can no longer see us," highlighting the impact of legislation restricting gender-affirming care for minors. Equality Florida Executive Director Stratton Pollitzer criticized these laws as distractions from pressing issues like affordability and housing crises, stating: "Let’s understand why DeSantis and this small band of his cronies are so obsessed with attacking the LGBTQ community." Activists condemned various bills, including the controversial "Don’t Say Gay or Trans at Work" legislation, which threatens funding for organizations providing LGBTQ sensitivity training.

INTERNATIONAL

Australia’s U-16 social media ban exceeds expectations

Australia’s eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant says social media firms have been dragged “kicking and screaming” into compliance with the country’s strict new law banning under-16s from having accounts. Since the policy came into effect in December, 4.7m child accounts have been removed, and early signs show no major shift to alternative platforms. While companies like Meta argue the ban goes too far and favor parental approval or app store-based age checks, the Australian government is standing firm, with enforcement actions ongoing and fines of up to A$49.5m ($33.8m) for non-compliance. Snapchat has been named a key focus for the next round of enforcement notices. "[The policy] is certainly exceeding our expectations, but we are playing the long game here," she said, adding that regulators will always have to take a dynamic approach to the safety of young people online.
Industry Slice Logo

Education Slice delivers the latest, most relevant and useful intelligence to key educators, administrators, decision makers and teaching influencers, each weekday morning..

Content is selected to an exacting brief from hundreds of influential media sources and summarised by experienced journalists into an easy-to-read digest email. Education Slice enhances the performance and decision-making capabilities of individuals and teams by delivering the relevant news, innovations and knowledge in a cost-effective way.

If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities within Education Slice, please get in touch via email sales team

Follow us on FacebookFollow us on XFollow us on Linkedin

This e-mail has been sent to [[EMAIL_TO]]

Click here to unsubscribe