Florida

Putting Education Reform To The Test

Background

Stories about students and the initiatives designed to improve performance. Are the many education reforms Florida has adopted having an impact?

Latest Posts

5 Things We Learned From An International Study On Technology In Schools

Last week the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development released the results of a global study looking at the effect of technology on 15-year-olds test scores. The group oversees one of the most important international exams, so their research matters. And the research matters even more to Florida because state law requires schools spend half […]

Study Finds More Classroom Technology Doesn’t Mean More Learning

The more technology students use in school, the less progress they make on math and reading lessons. That’s the conclusion of a leading international education research group on the use of technology in schools. The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development oversees the largest international math and reading exams in the world. The group recently […]

Florida Standards Assessments Passes Review, FLDOE Says

A review of Florida’s new statewide test has found the exam is valid and the results can be used to judge teacher and school performance, the Florida Department of Education announced. But the review also found that after problems with computerized testing, “scores for some students will be suspect.” The reviewers recommend that state test […]

Florida First State To Require Concussion Training For High School Athletes

There’s growing concern about the risks of concussions in young athletes. For years, high school coaches have had to take courses on the dangers of head injuries. This year, for the first time, all high school athletes in Florida are required to educate themselves about concussions before they can compete. As the George Jenkins High […]

How Miami-Dade Schools Balances What Kids Want To Eat Vs. What They Should

For the first time in decades, the majority of U.S. school children come from low-income families. Florida has one of the highest rates in the country — federal data shows just seven states have a higher percentage of low-income students. That means more students qualify for — and depend on — free meals provided by […]

Why ‘Community Schools’ Are Taking Root In Florida

Evans High School Part of the curriculum at Evans High School Evans High School in Orange County used to be known as a dropout factory. But since 2007, it’s gone from a two-time F-rated school to a B-rated school – in one of Orlando’s most troubled neighborhoods. Now, the “community school” concept is spreading to […]

Miami-Dade Adding Healthier Choices To School Menus

Miami-Dade school meals are going lean and green this school year. The district is adding smoothies made with Naked brand juices, greek yogurt and vegetarian lasagna. But at an event Monday unveiling the new dishes, the district was most proud of their version of a Miami classic. The “guavalito” is a whole grain, lower sugar […]

Florida Schools Strive To Identify And Help Homeless Students

Students who are considered homeless by Florida schools can be living in hotels, trailer parks, in campgrounds or doubled up with friends or relatives. And with as many as 71,000 or more homeless students in the state the challenges can extend beyond the kids and families to include the schools. For most kids school is […]

Miami-Dade Schools Eliminating Out-Of-School Suspensions

Miami-Dade County Public Schools plan to eliminate out-of-school suspensions this year, preferring to keep kids in class and address behavior problems. School districts around the country have made similar decisions because research and experience shows suspended students often find more trouble outside of school while on suspension. That can mean more neighborhood crime – and […]

Jacksonville Group Connecting Teachers To Improve Training

At one point, the Schultz Center had state funding and a big, multi-million dollar contract with Duval County schools to help teachers improve their craft. The Schultz Center has trained thousands of teachers since it was founded in Jacksonville in 1997. But when state revenues declined, the Schultz Center funding was cut. “The recession happened,” […]

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