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What to know about lawmakers' proposed changes to K-12 Florida education

What to know about lawmakers’ proposed changes to K-12 Florida education

It is no secret that Florida lawmakers have long tried to overhaul the way local school districts operate. From shortening school board term limits and making school board races partisan to imposing further restrictions on teachers unions and classroom instruction, lawmakers appear poised to pass legislation that would impact thousands of people in Florida public schools. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]

Most and least lucrative college majors in Florida

The sandy beaches aren’t the only thing college kids travel to Florida for. Many people from all over the world travel to Florida to get an education. According to EDsmart, the college major that nationally has the highest median salary is nuclear engineering technology. People who major in that average a salary of $107,804 three years after graduating. Some of the lowest-earning majors make less than a living wage. [Source: WKRG]

As Florida’s population surges, state invests in nursing schools to target shortage

The number of nurses in Florida is shrinking. The Florida Hospital Association predicts a shortfall of 59,100 nurses in the state by 2035. Many of its new residents are retirees and make up an older population that typically requires more health care. Because of the demand for nurses, the Florida Legislature allocated more than $125 million last year for nursing schools like Broward College. [Source: Marketplace]

Survey: 1 in 8 Florida incoming freshmen plan to flee state's new education policies

A survey released today finds that among Florida’s incoming college freshmen, dissatisfaction with Governor Ron DeSantis’s education policies runs deep—in some cases, deep enough to make them look for college opportunities in another state. In March, Intelligent.com surveyed over 1,000 Florida students, including 783 still in high school and 364 current undergrads. [Source: Forbes]

Florida lawmakers considering restricting social media, cell phone use in public schools

State lawmakers are one step closer to passing a bill that would restrict social media and cell phone use in public schools. The bill received overwhelming support in the Florida House, lawmakers passed it on Friday 110 to 0. The bill has now been sent to the Senate Fiscal Policy committee for consideration. If passed, the measure would impact students from grades K-12. The measure would allow teachers to confiscate cell phones and devices during class time. It would also ban social media sites such as Tiktok, Instagram, and Facebook on public school devices and networks. [Source: WFLA]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Florida professors call for higher education protection at New College meeting
Members of the New College of Florida chapter of United Florida Faculty gathered at the school on Saturday morning to call for academic freedom. About 85 attendees including New College supporters listened as several Florida professors – some who were New College alumni – voice their concerns over the looming House Bill 999 and its companion, Senate Bill 266.

› Florida International University sees more fall enrollment across board
Florida International University is expecting a slight increase in enrollments for all degrees next fall. New student enrollment numbers for the spring, which is typically lower than the fall semester, for undergraduates were 3,442 and for graduate students were 1,100, adding to a total enrollment of 52,514, said Madeline Baró, the university’s director of media relations.

› Hillsborough teachers, district reach pay deal after months of talks
With the school year nearing completion, teachers in Hillsborough County this week are voting on a salary agreement that provides pay raises that are already outlined in a long-published schedule. Assuming teachers ratify the agreement, the school board will vote on it on April 18. Raises and retroactive pay for eligible employees are expected soon after that.

› Florida nonprofit begins school fentanyl education initiative following 'shocking' survey results
How much does your child know about a drug 100 times more powerful than morphine? That drug is fentanyl and according to a Florida nonprofit's survey, most Florida students have not been talked to about it at school. On Wednesday the nonprofit Incubate Debate hosted its first assembly about fentanyl in northeast Florida at Andrew Jackson High School.