March 19, 2024
DeSantis proposes sweeping higher education measures aimed at ‘indoctrination'

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DeSantis proposes sweeping higher education measures aimed at ‘indoctrination'

| 2/2/2023

DeSantis proposes sweeping higher education measures aimed at ‘indoctrination’

Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday announced a package of major reforms to Florida’s higher education system, including tighter controls on faculty tenure, the establishment of “civics institutes” at three universities and prohibitions on diversity, equity and inclusion programs. Speaking at a news conference in Bradenton, the governor praised Florida’s ranking by U.S. News & World Report as the top state for higher education before unveiling a plan that he said would realign universities with their missions. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]

Official framework for new AP African American studies course released following controversy

On Wednesday, the Advanced Placement Program released the official framework for the AP African American Studies course after the preliminary pilot course was rejected by Florida and Gov. Ron DeSantis. The College Board removed the names of several black authors that were identified as "problematic" by the state. The section on the Movement for Black Lives was also cut. More from CNN and WESH.

Pass rates continue to fall at Florida nursing schools, data shows

Fewer than two-thirds of Florida nursing students passed the national licensing exam in 2022, according to a new report from the Florida Center for Nursing. The National Council Licensure Examination is the final step for graduates to become licensed health care providers in a state that is desperate for nurses. Nursing staffs at Florida hospitals have been plagued by high turnover and a large number of vacancies, with projections that the state will be short nearly 60,000 nurses by 2035. Yet Florida has had the lowest exam pass rate in the nation since 2017. More from the Tampa Bay Times and the AP.

Bill to expand Florida's school voucher programs gets mixed reaction

Florida’s 'Universal School Choice', also known as House Bill 1, would make all students across Florida, regardless of income, eligible to receive state funding for schools of their choice. Some parents and lawmakers are worried the bill could lead to wave of students leaving public schools and taking state funds with them. More from First Coast News and WFSU.

Florida school board residency requirements eyed

A Senate Republican has filed a measure that would change a residency requirement for school-board candidates. Under current law, candidates have to live in the districts they are seeking to represent at the time they qualify to run. On Monday, Sen. Blaise Ingoglia, R-Spring Hill, filed a bill that would revise the requirement so they would have to live in the districts at the time they assume office. The proposal is filed for the legislative session that will start in March. [Source: CBS News]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Tallahassee Community College creating its own charter school in a first for Florida
Tallahassee Community College has become the first state college to be authorized to open a charter school by the Florida Department of Education under a new state program, the college has announced. The Florida Department of Education approved the college’s application to become an authorizer of a charter school, a crucial step toward the college opening a charter school. College officials said this fall a high school with a focus on STEM curriculum will open and include a dual enrollment program that will allow students to earn their high school diploma and associate of science at the same time.

› Former education commissioner Richard Corcoran to lead New College
Richard Corcoran, the fiery former House speaker who led the state Education Department as it banned “critical race theory” from schools, was selected Tuesday to lead Gov. Ron DeSantis’ overhaul of New College of Florida. The school’s newly reconstituted board appointed Corcoran to serve as interim president beginning in March, when he is available. Until that time, New College chief of staff Bradley Thiessen was named to run the school.

› Miami-Dade County Public Schools names 2024 Teacher of the Year
A fifth-grade science and social studies teacher at Phyllis Ruth Miller Elementary School has been named the 2024 Francisco R. Walker Miami-Dade County Teacher of the Year. Don Clerveaux was named during a ceremony held Tuesday night. Clerveaux says he “connects with students’ vulnerability and concerns to conquer challenges.”

› School district equips 125 buses with free Wi-Fi for students
Students now have access to free Wi-Fi on school buses when traveling to and from home. Alachua County Public Schools have equipped all of its 125 buses with Wi-Fi connections with help from the federal Emergency Connectivity Fund, the district announced Tuesday. The internet connection will be active throughout September, including the summer months. The funding may allow for an extension of service.

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