Florida’s Classic Learning Test adoption fuels national testing battle

The world of student testing is growing testy, in large part owing to Florida. After Florida lawmakers authorized the widespread use of the Classic Learning Test as a college entrance exam alternative in 2023, the assessment previously limited to students in religious schools jumped dramatically. Though tiny compared to the SAT and ACT, the CLT could threaten the giants if it wins approval in other states. More from the Tampa Bay Times and Real Clear Investigations.

Florida lawmakers advance school changes: phone bans, required cursive, start times

Florida lawmakers are advancing several bills that would have big impacts on public school students and their parents. Florida legislative panels OK’d bills on Tuesday that would require students to learn cursive and ban them from using phones during the entire school day. Another approved bill would nix the upcoming statewide mandate for later class start times for middle and high school students. [Source: WUSF]

Two Florida universities are under federal investigation for antisemitic harassment

Experts warn that colleges could experience a chilling effect to free speech after federal officials announced investigations into antisemitic harassment and discrimination on dozens of campuses. Sixty schools — including the University of South Florida and University of Tampa — are under investigation by the Department of Education for events that followed Hamas' deadly attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. More from WFSU and Bay News 9.

Florida announces $1,000 hiring bonus for correctional education positions

The Florida Department of Corrections announced on Monday that it is offering a $1,000 hiring bonus for correctional education positions. Positions in this offer include Teacher Aide, Career and Technical Education (CTE) Teacher, Adult Education Teacher, and Special Education Teacher. FDC-certified teachers receive a competitive starting salary of $51,500, a one-time $1,000 hiring bonus, and full state benefits, including retirement, paid training, and year-round employment. [Source: WJHG]

Florida schools are walking away from sex education

Comprehensive sex education is becoming a thing of the past in Florida schools. The state has pushed districts away from lessons that explain many of the the details such as contraception, instead emphasizing abstinence. In some instances, the Department of Education has taken more than a year to approve district-selected curriculum. More from the Tampa Bay Times and the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

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ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› USF establishes new college with record-breaking $40M donation [Business Observer]
After announcing plans to establish a college dedicated to artificial intelligence and cybersecurity last year, the University of South Florida has solidified the college’s name after receiving one of the largest donations in its 70 year history, according to a statement from the university. The Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing is named for a $40 million gift from Arnold “Arnie” and Lauren Bellini of Bellini Capital in Tampa.

› ‘Orlando is really becoming a hub:’ Full Sail expands its esports arena as industry grows [Click Orlando]
Full Sail University is already home to the largest college-level esports arena in the country — and on Tuesday, it expanded its space with the opening of Armada HQ. The HQ name stems from the school’s esports team and the nearly 2,800 square-foot expansion added 45 gaming pc’s, a soundproofed broadcast room and gaming lounge to the school.

› To meet the demand for Florida teachers, UF launches new online elementary education program [UF News]
At the start of this year, there were already more than 3,000 teacher vacancies in K-12 schools throughout Florida. This ongoing teacher shortage throughout the state has led leaders at the University of Florida to launch a new online Bachelor of Arts in Education in Elementary Education program, set to begin in Fall 2025.

› FAMU partners with North Florida College, marking 20th transfer program partnership [Tallahassee Democrat]
As Florida A&M University continues to attract scholars from both near and far, it established its 20th partnership with a public state college to give transfer students a better chance of becoming a Rattler. In partnership with the university, North Florida College in Madison County has joined the FAMU Ignite Program – an admissions initiative that offers eligible students attending an institution in the Florida College System a smooth transfer process to select programs at the HBCU (historically Black college or university) once they complete their associate degree.

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