Florida has been holding back third graders who fail the state reading exam since 2003. Now Colorado, Iowa, New Mexico and Tennessee are trying to mirror Florida’s policy, according to The Wall Street Journal. But is Florida’s policy a good one? Jaryn Emhof, with the Foundation for Florida’s Future said third grade is the most important […]
Florida lawmakers agree on one issue: Charter schools need more money for renovations, equipment and software. But House lawmakers have rejected a proposal that school districts say would take money from their traditional public schools and give it to charter schools. Committee chairman Rep. Marti Coley, R-Marianna, said lawmakers need to find a funding solution […]
Some Tampa Bay lawmakers are reacting with anger and defiance to a Senate proposal to cut 58 percent of state funding for the University of South Florida. Those proposed cuts are more than twice as big as the proposed reductions for other universities, according to an analysis by USF. Senate Finance Chairman J.D. Alexander of […]
Torres is a reporter for the Florida Center on Investigative Reporting. Since the economy collapsed in 2008, Florida’s student population has become poorer each year — with almost all school districts in the state experiencing spikes in the number of kids who qualify for subsidized meals. Children have become homeless at alarming numbers as well. […]
School plays and football games could soon start with a student-led prayer or inspirational message, if a bill making its way through the legislature becomes law. But some lawmakers are concerned about giving students an open forum at school events. Supporters see the bill as a way to allow student-led prayers at school events. They […]
The University of South Florida is holding an emergency meeting today after a recommendation to disproportionately cut USF’s budget, compared to other state Universities. Of the $400 million recommended to be cut from the entire state university system, $79 million would come from USF, according to the Tampa Bay Times. The budget recommendation comes after Polytechnic […]
I first realized the power I have as a journalist while covering education in Oakland. I was part of a team that created a radio documentary on the public school system. Our work compelled listeners to donate toward filling the food cabinet of a teacher struggling to feed her hungry students. And one listener offered […]
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