Florida schools to launch new system for spotting threats

| 10/19/2023

Florida schools to launch new system for spotting threats

Schools are preparing to carry out a “Florida model” of assessing threats to school safety, as new requirements are slated to come online in January. Members of the House Education Quality Subcommittee on Tuesday heard a presentation about requirements approved during the legislative session that ended in May. Florida schools currently use a national system called the Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines but will switch to a new threat-management system. More from the News Service of Florida and WTVT.

Column: We 7 former Florida college presidents say enough is enough

As seven former presidents of Florida public higher education institutions, we write to express our alarm at the impact of recent Florida laws that erode academic freedom, prohibit instructors from accurately conveying history to their students and, ultimately, limit students’ access to the full range of information and ideas they need to become engaged citizens. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]

Changes are swirling around Florida's public schools

There’s an upheaval in public education in Florida - from books being challenged and removed from classrooms to restrictions on what can be taught and rules around bathroom use, and a massive expansion in school vouchers which families can use to pay for private education. [Source: WUSF]

At Florida universities, an airing of differences on the Israel-Hamas war

University campuses in Florida have become active venues this week as groups with varying views on the Israel-Hamas war seek to be heard, find solace or simply gather with others. Several speakers said the conflict should not be thought of as a religious one, and expressed support for the Jewish community. Dana Barjes and her sister, Noor, are of Palestinian descent and grew up in the United Arab Emirates. They said they had never been to a demonstration for Palestine before and hoped to raise awareness about the plight of Palestinian people. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]

FWC’s School Fishing Club Program funds 50 Florida schools to support outdoor education

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) School Fishing Club Program funding recipients have been selected for the 2023-24 school year. After undergoing a comprehensive review, 50 schools were awarded the Florida R3 Fishing Grant. The Florida R3 Fishing Grant is funded by the Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network, Coastal Conservation Association, and the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida. Each school receives a $500 grant to assist with club expenses, such as purchasing fishing licenses or gear for participants. [Source: WQCS]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Jacksonville University School of Aviation program celebrates 40 Years [Florida Trend]
The Jacksonville University School of Aviation Program in the Davis College of Business & Technology is flying high, celebrating 40 years this month of training students to be professional pilots, air traffic controllers and aviation executives. “We offer aviation degree options that help our students realize their career goals and have created industry partnerships to enhance their opportunities after graduation,” said Dr. Barbara Ritter, dean of the Davis College of Business & Technology.

› Seacoast Collegiate High School at NWFSC expansion project underway [WJHG]
A total of $9 million in appropriations money is going toward the Seacoast Collegiate High School at Northwest Florida State College expansion project. The money is for the dual enrollment and workforce development center. Currently, Seacoast Collegiate High School, grades 9 and 10, operates in five classrooms that are leased from Northwest Florida State College on the South Walton Campus. Students in grades 11 and 12 attend classes at Northwest Florida State College on the Niceville Campus.

› New sea slug species named after retired USF biology professor [USF News]
The next time you head to the coast to enjoy the Tampa Bay waters, you may stumble upon a Pierce’s Cyerce – a recently discovered sea slug species that is being named after Sidney “Skip” Pierce, emeritus professor of integrative biology at the University of South Florida. After a 45-year career dedicated to intricately studying the cells of animals with a focus on sea slugs, Pierce’s colleagues found it fitting to honor him with his own species.

› Florida International University agrees to pay $575,000 in back wages, interest to resolve alleged gender pay discrimination [Department of Labor]
One of the country’s largest public universities has entered into an agreement with the U.S. Department of Labor in which the employer will pay $575,000 in back wages and interest to resolve alleged pay discrimination identified in a routine compliance review. The review of Florida International University by the department’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs alleged that, from Aug. 1, 2017, to Aug. 1, 2018, the university paid 163 women employees less than men in similar positions.

Tags: Education eNews

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