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Gov. DeSantis says new moment-of-silence law in public schools protects religious freedom
During the spring legislative session, proponents generally took a secular approach to at least a minute of silence daily in public schools, saying the effort would give kids a chance to reflect on themselves without distractions. But Monday, the conversation shifted to “religious freedom” as Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the moment-of-silence bill into law at […]
National rallies from educators planned Saturday, pledging to “teach the truth” about systemic racism
Educators across the nation will pledge to “Teach the Truth” in a national effort to combat legislative and policy moves to restrict how the impact of slavery on American history and civics is taught in classrooms. Dozens of local rallies, demonstrations and events throughout the U.S. will take place Saturday, June 12, as part of […]
State Board of Education approves rules allowing college athletes to earn money off of their own images
Florida is one of five states to allow college athletes to receive compensation for their name, image and likeness through legislative efforts. Now, Florida’s State Board of Education has approved a set of rules to implement the changes, for the first time allowing college athletes to receive money for their names, images and likenesses. Shortened […]
“Let teachers teach”: Heavy pushback on rule forbidding Critical Race Theory, indoctrinating students
With controversy continuing over what students should learn about the past, Florida’s Board of Education meeting was interrupted Thursday when a man giving public comment started a chant while at the podium: “Let teachers teach,” chanted Ben Frazier with the Northside Coalition of Jacksonville. As other advocates joined in the chant, the meeting stopped. Frazier […]
‘A high-quality education was out of reach for too many of our nation’s students and families’
In a sweeping effort to improve opportunities and outcomes for students in high-poverty schools and disadvantaged communities, the Biden administration Wednesday launched a new initiative to promote equity in classrooms across the nation. Those efforts include a web series to “reimagine” how states can promote academic opportunities in underserved communities going forward, and guidance on […]
What kids should know about drugs and alcohol: State education officials propose new standards
The Department of Education is proposing what appears to be more expansive guidance on drugs and alcohol instruction for middle and high schoolers. A draft of the proposals are posted as a part of a broader review of learning standards that include civics education and the Holocaust. The substance abuse standards may be discussed Thursday […]
State “listening tours” for proposed standards in civics and other subjects are a big disappointment so far
Lare Allen, president of the Osceola County Education Association, went to one of the three “listening tour” stops in Central Florida last week, hoping to observe discussions on proposed new standards in K-12 civics and other subjects. But what he found was about 15 people in attendance. The Department of Education presented a PowerPoint. Only […]
Patricia Brigham: ‘Our democracy is precious and we must ensure that it remains intact’
Patricia Brigham, president of the League of Women Voters of Florida, has been on the forefront of voter rights and gun issues for nearly a decade. Saturday, she’ll end her term as president, though she expects to work with the LWVFL in some capacity. “Our democracy is precious and we must ensure that it remains […]
A short sighted move? DeSantis vetoed $1.35 billion in federal funds that could have benefited Floridians
Advocates for the disadvantaged say Gov. Ron DeSantis was short sighted in creating certain reserve funds that weren’t eligible for federal relief money, and then he vetoed $1.35 billion as part of the 2021-22 budget. “These funds should have been used for things that directly benefit Floridians, like fixing the broken unemployment insurance system or […]
FL education agency did not record video or audio of public comments criticizing proposed civics standards
The first stop on the Florida Department of Education’s “listening tour” on civics education standards had no official audio or video, which means residents across the state couldn’t listen in to crucial discussions, comments and feedback unless they were there, in Miami. The first of three listening tours took place on Tuesday at Miami Jackson […]
Besides civics, Holocaust and character standards for K-12 students are also up for public comments
While Florida’s proposed civics standards are garnering media attention — particularly over leaving out the word slavery — other new standards, such as the Holocaust and so-called “character education,” are under consideration too. The proposed standards and others will be part of a “listening tour” in June, with the Department of Education presenting information and […]
DeSantis signs acrimonious legislation banning trans women from women’s sports teams
But Gov. Ron DeSantis signed legislation Tuesday that bans transgender women from women’s sports in high school and college, a move that some lawmakers and LGBTQ advocates are calling heartless and discriminatory. DeSantis’ action came on June 1, the first day of the month that is nationally recognized as Pride Month for the LGBTQ community. […]