Florida lawmaker seeks to require active shooter training for teachers
A new generation of teachers could be required to get active shooter training before their first jobs. The proposal filed this week would make that training a requirement to get a teaching certificate. “It is the unfortunate reality of where we are today,” Rep. Dan Daley, (D) Coral Springs, said. “I think we need to do a better job of training our teachers.” Rep. Daley is proposing that future teachers get training on preventing tragedies before they get their certificates. The proposal expands a program Indian River State College in South Florida has in place as part of classroom management courses. [Source: WCTV]
FAMU trustees to hold special meeting for presidential search firm selection after delays
When it comes to the Florida A&M University Board of Trustees picking a search firm to find a new president, will the third time be the charm? The board is holding a special meeting at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17, via Zoom, with representatives from seven search firms, which will give trustees the opportunity to ask them all questions before choosing one. The presidential search process comes after former President Larry Robinson's resignation, which led to interim President Timothy Beard’s appointment in August for a one-year term. [Source: Tallahassee Democrat]
USF sets new record with $738 million in research funding
Research funding at the University of South Florida hit a record-breaking $738 million in fiscal year 2024 – up nearly 7% over the previous year and an impressive increase of 35% since 2022. The milestone comes during USF’s first full fiscal year as a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and helps demonstrate its impact as one of the nation’s most research-intensive institutions. “The world-class researchers at the University of South Florida are transforming lives and creating a better future for our society through their scientific discoveries, medical breakthroughs, development of new technologies and other innovations,” USF President Rhea Law said. [Source: USF]
Protecting in-state tuition for imprisoned Floridians revisited after DeSantis veto
Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed a bill earlier this year that would have allowed Floridians to count time spent behind bars in qualifying for in-state tuition at public colleges and universities, despite overwhelming legislative support for the measure. On Tuesday, the bill was reintroduced. Rep. Jervonte Edmonds, a Democrat from West Palm Beach, filed HB 45, which would prohibit colleges and universities from denying in-state tuition to people who have been incarcerated and otherwise qualify for it. [Source: Florida Phoenix]
Commentary: Florida’s SAT scores tell educational leaders that it’s time to focus on math
While the editorial boards of the Orlando Sentinel and the South Florida Sun-Sentinel decried the poor SAT scores earned by students in Florida’s high school graduating class of 2024, the picture is more nuanced than they described. Florida’s students actually did all right on the English reading and writing (ERW) section of the exam, but they did very poorly on the math section. The math results should spur our state’s educational leaders to initiate a crash program to attract more individuals who are strong in math to enter the teaching profession. [Source: Florida Politics]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Dear Reader, USF’s first Taylor Swift course just wrapped a semester of puns and poetry
A trio of English professors taught the class. Jessica Cook, Michelle Taylor and Emily Jones agreed it made them feel like they’re part of a special intellectual and cultural community.
› Financial literacy nonprofit embarks on HBCU tour
Former high school science teacher and Florida State University graduate Ashley Rutland of Jacksonville is on a mission to close the financial wealth gap in the Black community.
› District plans new $38M school in west Orange County
Orange County Public Schools is lining up construction for a new school at the western edges of the county. The school district is working on a $38.22 million campus for up to 837 students from Pre-K to fifth grade along Westhaven Oak Drive in Horizon West, located inside a neighborhood with hundreds of homes from Toll Brothers
› Pressure check: Should nursing education programs at FAMU and Florida Atlantic continue to exist?
Graduates from two state university nursing programs who take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) early next year may feel added pressure. The fate of those programs could hinge on whether they pass.