What's new in Florida education?
What’s new in Florida education?
The Florida Legislature gave school districts another bumper crop of new and revised rules for the year that begins next week, ranging from who gets teacher bonuses to how to treat incidents of anti-Semitism. Many of the issues got plenty of attention as lawmakers debated them, sometimes fiercely and furiously. But often, the details on how to implement the changes were scant. In some cases, they still are. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
Florida launches school security database with student discipline, health, social media info
The Florida Department of Education rolled out its database of student information late last week that’s designed to enhance school security in the wake of last year’s shooting in Parkland. The data is primarily for groups of law enforcement, counselors and other school staff charged with evaluating threats made by students and deciding which ones may need professional help. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
FSU higher education researchers receive grant to study community college pathways to computing degrees
Women graduate college at higher rates than men, yet women earn only 19 percent of bachelor’s degrees in computer science. Two Florida State University researchers have received a three-year National Science Foundation grant for $900,749 to investigate this disparity. It will focus on Florida, one of the most diverse states in the nation, and community college pathways to computing degrees. [Source: FSU News]
Florida Trend Exclusive
Hugh Culverhouse Jr. gets back $26-million pledge to the University of Alabama
Hugh Culverhouse Jr., the son of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ founding owner, will get back a $26-million pledge he made to the University of Alabama. Culverhouse, 70, had criticized that state for banning nearly all abortions and called on students to boycott the university. {Source: Florida Trend]
Creative Village: UCF-Valencia campus expected to be hottest area for downtown Orlando growth
When the old Amway Arena, site of the Orlando Magic’s glory days, was demolished in 2012, the area around it became a blank slate for city planners who dreamed big about what could come next. This month, the area west of Interstate 4 will spring to life as college students begin attending classes at a joint UCF and Valencia downtown campus on the same land where Shaq and Penny wowed Magic fans. Welcome to Creative Village. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
› Brevard school district miscalculated attrition savings, finds $1.5 million for teacher pay [Florida Today]
The Brevard County School District said Tuesday it miscalculated savings from teacher attrition during the last round of teacher pay negotiations, and has identified an additional $1.5 million to put toward salaries. The money will be rolled into negotiations for the 2019-20 school year to avoid retooling last year's contract, on which teachers are scheduled to vote Friday.
› Embry-Riddle Plans Expansion of Its Research Park through Partnership with Space Square [Florida Trend]
With a goal to promote high-paying jobs, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University on Tuesday, Aug. 6, announced plans to expand its successful Research Park and advance innovation in Volusia County by establishing a presence within the new Space Square aerospace hub.
› Central Florida businesses stepped in to make schools safer during summer months [WKMG]
Central Florida school districts say they are ready for the new school year, after keeping busy during the summer months to keep students safe. "I have a fantastic team who has worked hard all summer to get ready for the first day," Seminole County Schools Superintendent Walt Griffin said. "I'm excited to visit all the high schools for the first day of school." Over the summer, Griffin said officials continued to harden school campuses.
› Education software firm Digarc to open new Lakeland office [Lakeland Ledger]
Digarc makes software that helps faculty and administrators manage curriculum schedules and assist students in finding the right majors and courses to advance their career goals.