March 28, 2024
Florida teacher shortage worsens ahead of new school year

Florida Trend Education

Florida teacher shortage worsens ahead of new school year

| 7/7/2022

Florida teacher shortage worsens ahead of new school year

With less than two months until the start of the new academic school year in Florida’s public schools, the state’s teacher shortage is worsening, with estimates fearing that vacancies could double by the end of 2022. The most severely impacted core topic is English, a subject in dire need of more teachers after just 25 percent of third-graders were found to read at a proficient level on the state FSA exam. More from the Capitolist and WJXT.

Florida teachers union president says new laws, training creating ‘chaos’

Some Florida teachers are raising concerns about the state’s new civics training. The Florida Department of Education is holding a series of conferences around the state this summer to teach a new civics initiative championed by Gov. Ron DeSantis. But some teachers feel the new initiative pushes conservative ideas without also teaching opposing views. More from WJXT,  WINK News, the Tampa Bay Times, and WFSU.

See also:
» St. Johns County teacher says he left civics training appalled for the future of Florida education

Florida school board races bring voters clear choices

Now that the 4th of July is past, it’s time to pay closer attention to the fast approaching elections. As promised, Florida’s school board races are shaping up with clear choices for voters to make in just about every county in the state. One prime example is Pasco County, where a majority of seats is up for consideration. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]

That fancy university course? It might actually come from an education company.  

2U Inc. isn’t a university, but it sometimes looks like one. The online education company uses the “.edu” email addresses of partner universities to recruit students for them. It funds scholarships. The company also uses equipment that makes it look as if its recruiters are calling from universities’ area codes. American universities are searching for ways to generate more revenue. As a result, hundreds of schools are teaming up with for-profit companies such as 2U to provide online programs. [Source: Wall Street Journal]

Seeking foreign students, Florida International University recruits in Brazil

International student enrollment in higher education throughout the pandemic went through difficulties and changes as international travel was restricted once the pandemic began. Though the Florida university system’s Board of Governors reported a 1% decline in international student enrollment last year, some Florida universities expect their upcoming fall semester’s international student enrollment to look promising. [Source: Miami Today]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Can ‘brain painting’ help ADHD patients? USF looks for answers.
It’s a process called “brain painting,” when an individual mentally selects colors and shapes to make abstract digital images. It requires intense concentration. USF computer science and engineering professor Marvin Andujar is studying whether college students diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, can use this futuristic technology to improve attention spans and reduce the need for prescription drugs, which can have side effects.

› Miami Dade College sees large fall enrollment gains
Miami Dade College (MDC) is seeing a 6.6% increase in enrollment credit hours and headcount for the fall 2022 term year-over-year in comparison to fall 2021. MDC’s campuses are currently in high gear trending upward with positive enrollment figures for fall, said Dr. Malou C. Harrison, the college’s executive vice president and provost.

› Florida releases final FSA achievement rates, with St. Johns County leading the pack
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill earlier this year bringing to an end the Florida Standards Assessments, but the scores for the last round were released this week and they show St. Johns County at or near the top of most subjects. Flagler County, on most scores, is slightly ahead of the state average, while to the south, Volusia County is lagging behind the state in most courses. St. Johns County Superintendent of Schools Tim Forson was pleased with the results.

› Small Christian college in Michigan influences Florida education policy
There’s a small college that’s having a huge influence on Florida education politics under Gov. Ron DeSantis. And the school isn’t anywhere near Florida. Hillsdale College, a tiny religious private school in Michigan, has the governor’s ear as he proposes a variety of the state’s most controversial ideas, such as blocking textbooks over “indoctrinating” concepts or infusing civics standards with an originalist view of the nation.

Tags: Education eNews

Previous Education Updates:

Education Video Pick

Valencia College culinary program showcase
Valencia College culinary program showcase

It's a twice-yearly tradition at the Walt Disney World Center of Culinary Arts and Hospitality on Valencia College's Downtown Campus.

 

Education Videos | Viewpoints@FloridaTrend

Ballot Box

Should Congress ban the popular social media app TikTok in the U.S.?

  • Yes
  • No
  • Need more details
  • What is TikTok?
  • Other (Comment below)

See Results

Florida Trend Media Company
490 1st Ave S
St Petersburg, FL 33701
727.821.5800

© Copyright 2024 Trend Magazines Inc. All rights reserved.