Florida law restricting school books is unconstitutional, judge rules
A federal judge on Wednesday struck down provisions of a Florida law that’s been used to remove hundreds of books from public school libraries since it was enacted in 2023. “It’s a complete knockout. There’s not a single issue that the court did not side with the plaintiffs on,” said Dan Novack, attorney for Penguin Random House, which filed the lawsuit along with other publishers, several authors and parents, who argued the state law infringed on their First Amendment rights. The Florida Department of Education did not respond to a request for comment late Wednesday, but Novack said he expects the state to appeal the ruling. More from the Orlando Sentinel and the Tampa Bay Times.
Florida’s universities face research overhaul
While institutions like Harvard University and Columbia University have been the focus of fedderal scrutiny, colleges all across the country — including in Florida — are feeling the squeeze of sweeping federal research cuts. Florida universities this year saw more than 90 grants terminated across key federal agencies. In some cases, research projects that were celebrated by schools have gone by the wayside. [Source: Politico]
Florida’s school choice option is leaving some public classrooms with fewer students
It’s been a controversial topic in Florida that’s been growing for years, and now that school choice and Florida’s voucher system are entrenched, more and more students and their families are moving their kids from public schools to private schools or even home schooling to increasing levels. As school districts across Florida are returning to classes for the new school year, there are fewer students in some of those public districts. [Source: Florida Politics]
Opinion: At last, an end to a sham Florida educational certificate
Florida has eliminated the "Certificate of Completion" for high school students who do not meet graduation requirements. This certificate, created in the 1970s, was awarded to students who attended school but didn't meet minimum performance standards. This certificate, created in the 1970s, was awarded to students who attended school but didn't meet minimum performance standards. [Source: Tallahassee Democrat]
Homeschooling’s new frontier: Florida families customize education with PEP program
For many Florida families, homeschooling is no longer just about kitchen-table lessons. A new era of personalized education is here, thanks to the state’s Personalized Education Program (PEP), part of the “Step Up For Students” scholarship program. The PEP scholarship provides state funds directly to families, giving them the power to design a custom education for their children. This money can be used for a wide range of approved expenses, from core curriculum and tutoring to unique activities like music lessons, golf instruction, and even 3D printing classes. [Source: WFTV]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Orlando medical school partners with Florida Poly to address physician shortage
Florida Polytechnic University has launched a new partnership with the Orlando College of Osteopathic Medicine, which was founded by billionaire investor and entrepreneur Dr. Kiran Patel. Florida Poly said the partnership will help address physician shortages and “expand access to high-quality medical training.” The new program allows students to earn both a bachelor of science and doctor of osteopathic medicine degrees in six years.
› New FIU student organization helps CS majors prep for tech careers
FIU students are known for their drive, support for one another and commitment to success—qualities that helped earn FIU the No. 1 public university ranking for student experience by The Wall Street Journal. That same spirit is powering the rapid rise of Code Crunch, a student organization that began as a small group of computer science majors prepping for technical interviews and has grown to more than 100 active members.
› USF secures $3.4M national grant to train future research administrators
The University of South Florida has been awarded a five-year, $3.4 million grant from the National Science Foundation to launch a program training the next generation of research administrators. The program, called the Bridge the Unmet Industry Learning Demands for Research Administrators program, is a collaborative effort between USF, the University of Central Florida and Florida A&M University.
› 51 international teachers help to fill vacancies in Escambia County schools this year
Some Escambia County Public Schools teachers bring a firsthand worldwide perspective to their students and classrooms. This year, the school district has 51 international teachers from all over the globe – ranging from as far as the Philippines to as close Jamaica. The district also has educators from Chile, Columbia, Ecuador, Ghana, India and Zimbabwe. The teachers are part of an international exchange program that provides career opportunities for educators from other countries, while helping school districts fill post-COVID 19 vacancies.