It’s done. Broward filed the lawsuit against Florida’s HB 7069 on Monday, 10/16. Twelve districts joined Broward in calling out the new law for unconstitutionally increasing the authority of charter “Schools of Hope,” while lowering their accountability and threatening school funding. But, supporters of HB 7069 say it’s about time low performing traditional public schools […]
The Education Aftershock As SoFlo Accepts Students From Puerto Rico
The Florida Department of Education (FDOE) just said “they ain’t payin”, so go figure it out SoFlo!” An October 6th announcement from the FDOE says only schools that hit high enrollment of Puerto Rican students displaced by Hurricane Maria will get state help. Hialeah Republican Rep. Manny Diaz Jr., the House Pre-K-12 education budget chairman, […]
Superhero Cape Not Included: Dealing With Stress As A Special Needs Parent
by Basilisa Perkins, mother of 2 and public health educator in Broward County, FL. Advocate for her girls and, at times, homeschool teacher to her daughter with special needs. The stress level of parents of kids with special needs is comparable to that of a combat veteran. Though stress is a normal part of “adulting,” the demands […]
Teacher Tug-O-War!: Palm Beach Lures From Broward & Martin County
Is the teacher shortages crisis getting so real that counties are stealing from each other?? YUP! Palm Beach County Schools direct-mailed teachers in Broward and Martin counties. “… at the end of the year luncheon at Embassy Creek [Broward], all the teachers were asking if I gave their names to Palm Beach County,” Hilton said. […]
When All Else Fails, Should You Phone A Friend?
When I plan an awesome vacation to some country I’ve never visited, I call my friend Kathy. I can almost guarantee that she’s been there and had a great time. She’s one of those people. You know, the ones that can tell you the best time to go, how to avoid the overpriced tourist traps, […]
Top Ratings and Building Issues: Robert Runcie Aces His Annual Review
“A” ratings all around. Looks like Broward Schools Superintendent, Robert Runcie, is having a much different experience from last year. In his 2016-17 annual performance review he was rated “highly effective” by 6 or 9 board members. “The key element to successful schools is found in strong school leadership … and the model Mr. Runcie […]
When It Storms On Education: Diary Of A Parent
The Facebook feed of our very own Basilisa Perkins will serve as the final entry in this series. Even as a parent of 2, including a child with special needs, our simple experiences share the same heart. Monday, September 4th Category 4 hurricane coming our way. Really trying to stay chill, but it’s not working […]
Florida’s Education Plan May Cause Some Hiccups
Florida finally turned in the big state education plan, but it may be controversial or delayed. The law requires special measurements for subgroups who traditionally underperform. But rather than adjust the plan to conform to the law, Florida’s plan essentially keeps its accountability system the same as it was: The state plans to report on […]
When It Storms On Education: A Teacher’s View
Nothing signals a return to normal as taking our kids back to school after a hurricane. But, the truth is what happens between the time we all secure our homes and when our kids return to school (and even after return) often goes unseen. We forget teachers are parents too, and schools never really close. […]
When It Storms On Education: A School Board Member’s View
The last few weeks have been tough for us here in Florida. Hurricanes are a real reminder of just how fragile we are. It takes no pity, ripping us from our homes, neighborhoods, routines, livelihoods and schools. As soon as winds leave we all start chasing an elusive sense of normalcy. But, almost nothing signals […]