Florida science standards under the microscope
The proposed standards are the state's first comprehensive update to its science and health standards since 2008. The changes have drawn criticism from educators, parents and community members over how evolution and human-caused climate change will be taught, as well as whether teachers will have enough time to cover the material. More from Central Florida Public Media and the Orlando Sentinel.
Column: Who cares about Florida’s public schools? We all should
Nearly 85% of our K-12 students attend public school, and they should be front and center when state leaders talk about education. Yet under Florida’s new system of universal, unaccountable vouchers, we literally pay students to leave public schools instead of focusing on making them better. We should be investing our precious tax dollars where they do the most good for the most children: in public schools. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
Florida’s education chief warns against AI in schools. Is he using it himself?
Early into his tenure this summer, Florida Education Commissioner Henry Mack took to social media to talk about the limits of artificial intelligence. His office had just rolled out a sweeping set of regulations meant to safeguard against the possible harms of AI in schools, including the outsourcing of critical thinking and work to the technology. Most of Mack’s official correspondence in his new job – which includes speeches, letters and memos — has likely been written by AI, according to a Miami Herald analysis using the company Pangram’s AI writing detection software. [Source: Miami Herald]
Chamber Forum: Florida’s 2040 workforce is 4 years old today, but they need our focus now
Florida’s workforce of 2040 is already here. Its youngest members haven’t even started kindergarten yet. The Florida Chamber Foundation Chair says early learning belongs at the center of Florida’s next economic strategy. Karen Moore said the state’s economic strategy must treat early learning, K-12 schools, higher education and childhood poverty as pieces of the same workforce pipeline. [Source: Florida Politics]
Amendment 3 may cause confusion for teacher pay referendum, some educators say
While a property tax that supports teacher pay and school safety has had widespread support since 2018, some Florida statewide are concerned that the controversial property tax amendment on the same ballot could complicate its renewal. If the referendum isn't renewed, Miami-Dade County Public Schools — already facing budget shortfalls — could have a harder time recruiting and retaining teachers, as cost of living and inflation continue to rise, education advocates say. [Source: Axios]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Failed Pinellas charter school ‘kicks everybody out’ a week early
Pinellas County school district officials thought they had two weeks to handle the unexpected closure of Pinellas MycroSchool. Then Monday rolled around. As the charter school’s staff and students arrived for what they believed to be the final week of operations, they were “informed they were closing effective immediately,” school district superintendent Kevin Hendrick told the school board Tuesday. “They were told to go home and not come back,” Hendrick said.
› U.S. News & World ranks 12 Palm Beach County K-8 schools in top 100
Twelve Palm Beach School District schools have been recognized among the top 100 public K-8 schools in Florida in the 2027 U.S. News & World Report rankings announced last week. They include six elementary and six middle schools. In August, five Palm Beach County high schools were named among the top 100 in the state. These rankings don't include charter schools.
› University of Tampa names notable interim president
The University of Tampa landed a noted leader with significant experience to run the school while it seeks its next permanent president. Harris Pastides, who served 11 years as University of South Carolina president, will move into the interim president role during the fall 2026 semester. He steps in after the unexpected resignation of Teresa Abi-Nader Dahlberg a week ago.
› Florida Polytechnic University earns third consecutive Florida 500 recognition
Dr. Devin Stephenson, president of Florida Polytechnic University, has been named to Florida Trend magazine’s Florida 500 list for the third consecutive year, recognizing his influence in higher education, STEM advancement and economic development across the state. The annual Florida 500 honors the state’s most influential business and community leaders whose work contributes to Florida’s economic growth and success.