‘Microschools’ could be the next big school choice push. Florida is on the cutting edge.
State lawmakers backed looser rules for establishing “microschools” as part of a sweeping education law that went into effect this month. The little-noticed provision could become a blueprint for states across the country looking to expand private school options. More from Politicoand WLRN.
How do you save money on back-to-school items? What to know about a Florida tax break
Florida’s back-to-school sales tax holiday runs July 29 through Aug. 11, according to the state’s Department of Revenue. The holiday, which has been around since the 1990s, removes sales tax from back to school items including notebooks, learning aids, even clothing and shoes. [Source: Miami Herald]
Florida saw 148% increase in book bans since 2021
Last year, Florida had more books challenged for removal than any other state. Nearly 2,700 titles were targeted for restriction or removal in Florida schools and public libraries, according to data released by the American Library Association in March. Escambia County led the charge with more than 1,600 books removed as of December. [Source: Pensacola News Journal]
Judge refuses to block Title IX rule on sex-based discrimination in education programs
Rejecting arguments by Florida and three other states, a federal judge Tuesday refused to grant a preliminary injunction against a new federal rule about sex-based discrimination in education programs. U.S. District Judge Annemarie Carney Axon issued a 122-page decision that rejected a request by Florida, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and four other plaintiffs to block the rule, which deals with Title IX, a landmark 1972 law that bars discrimination in education programs based on sex. [Source: News Service of Florida]
Safety commission backs grant to help boost safety in Florida’s private schools
Police departments statewide will soon be urged to apply for a slice of a $5 million grant to figure out how to make their private schools safer. The Private School Security Assessment Grant Program was announced Tuesday at the first of a two-day Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Safety Commission meeting, where officials said the school security for private schools throughout Florida has not “kept pace” with improvements made at public schools. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› After Sasse’s exit, what’s next for UF? Likely a quiet — and costly — search
University of Florida board chairperson Mori Hosseini reassured those at a meeting this month that the school would stay the course following the sudden resignation of president Ben Sasse. Hosseini said UF’s commitment to student safety would continue. The university earmarked $25 million to reward high performing professors. And it had raised more money for a new Jacksonville campus.
› Florida officials tell state schools to teach AP Psychology 'in its entirety'
Florida Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. has instructed Florida school officials to teach College Board's AP Psychology course "in its entirety," according to a letter obtained by ABC News from the state Department of Education. The letter follows the College Board's announcement that Florida officials had effectively banned the course by instructing state superintendents "that teaching foundational content on sexual orientation and gender identity is illegal under state law."
› Miami-Dade public schools could soon have AI, metal detection tools to keep students safe
Miami-Dade County Public Schools could soon have artificial intelligence security systems at all its schools to better protect students. The move comes after board members discussed staff, principal and district police recommendations to spend millions on artificial intelligence and metal detection tools. However, the price tag and potential impact fired up students gathered outside district headquarters.
› Sarasota School Board budget projects spike in private school vouchers, enrollment drop
The Sarasota County School Board is poised to approve a budget projecting a decline in district enrollment and a dramatic increase in private school vouchers, new documents show. The state of Florida projects the use of Sarasota County's Family Empowerment Scholarships, typically called vouchers, to increase from 2,944 in 2023-24 to 4,688 this year — a 59% increase.