Florida education groups sue over frozen funds

School districts across the country have filed different lawsuits to try to get the U.S. Department of Education to release funds that had been frozen by the Trump administration. On Monday, Florida finally became a party to one of the cases. The Florida Parent Teacher Association and the Florida Education Association joined a national lawsuit to reverse the U.S. Department of Education’s decision to block $396 million in federal education funding. More from the Tampa Bay Times and the Miami Herald.

Does Florida have the best school system in the US? See where it ranks in this list

WalletHub ranked Florida's school system 21st in the nation, with an overall score of 53.96 out of 100. Florida's strengths include a low bullying incidence rate and the existence of a digital learning plan, while weaknesses include pupil-teacher ratio and standardized test scores. Experts suggest reallocating existing resources and investing in teacher support to improve school systems without raising taxes. [Source: Fort Myers News Press]

Column: Dual enrollment is thriving in Florida. Here’s how we can improve it.

Florida's dual enrollment program allows middle and high school students to earn college credit for free. The program helps students save money on tuition and textbooks, and prepares them for high-wage jobs. Florida aims to increase the percentage of working-age residents with high-value credentials to 60% by 2030. Simplifying dual enrollment funding and expanding awareness of the program are key recommendations for improvement. [Source: Tallahassee Democrat]

Florida leads national effort to expand school cellphone bans

For the first time since smart phones became ubiquitous, a majority of students across the nation won’t be allowed to use them in school this fall. Florida started the trend with its law in 2023, which it expanded this spring. Though the concept has received bipartisan support throughout the states, it hasn’t necessarily won the support of parents and students. And the limited research on the effectiveness of bans is mixed. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]

Second-career teachers making a dent in South Florida teacher shortage

Yes, it’s July, but the start of the school year is just around the corner and that means school districts are shifting their teacher recruitment efforts into high gear. “We are constantly recruiting and hiring at Miami-Dade County Public School,” said Dawn Baglos, the chief human capital officer at the district. They’re getting help from something called the Teacher Accelerator Program. It helps professionals in other fields transition to teaching as a career. [Source: NBC Miami]

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ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› UWF's new civil engineering program to connect students to open Florida jobs [Pensacola News Journal]
The University of West Florida is debuting a new civil engineering degree program in the fall semester that will serve as a direct pipeline connecting students to local jobs. Demand for civil engineers in Northwest Florida is projected to grow by 13% by 2031, almost double the projected national demand, prompting UWF to create the program to address the workforce needs of local companies while putting students on a path to success right after finishing college.

› Jacksonville Mayor Deegan's River City Readers expands literacy campaign thanks to $1 million donation [Florida Times-Union]
Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan and former Mayor John Peyton announced recently that the River City Readers will begin mailing a free book every month to all 4-year-olds in Jacksonville. Books will also be distributed in childcare centers. The city will announce details for how to register for this new initiative, called The Mayor's Book Club, in the coming weeks.

› Florida Tech withdraws from Cape Canaveral rocket-noise study, citing its narrow scope [Florida Today]
Citing insufficient pricing and scope of research, the Florida Institute of Technology has withdrawn from a partnership with the city of Cape Canaveral to monitor potential impacts of rocket launches on buildings and infrastructure. This $10,019 study, which the Cape Canaveral City Council approved in April, called for Florida Tech to install sensors at a handful of buildings across Cape Canaveral and collect data before, during and after rocket launches.

› What’s up with UF’s presidential search? We’ll know ‘this coming year’ [Tampa Bay Times]
Almost two months after the state Board of Governors voted down the University of Florida’s top pick to be its next president, silence has largely surrounded what happens next. Interim President Kent Fuchs’ contract expires July 31. The fall semester begins Aug. 20. But the school doesn’t appear to be in a rush for a solution.

Orlando Health unveils new medical helicopter, first of its kind in U.S.