“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 […]
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 […]
Because His American Dream Can Be Their American Dream- Superintendent Bob Runcie
Bob Runcie has led Florida’s Broward County Public Schools (the nation’s sixth-largest district) since 2011, after serving in several leadership positions in the Chicago Public Schools. Few have his experience or knowledge of what’s needed to—as he puts it: “dramatically transform public education in this country.” Coffee in South Florida in August? Is that even […]
Florida Pledges To Track All Kids In Bottom 25%; Not Everyone Agrees.
I kinda love the idea that Florida says “Yea, we are going to track the progress of students of color, students with disabilities and those from low income households. But that’s not all… We wanted to track ANY kid in the bottom 25%.” Thanks for bringing that to light in your latest piece in the […]
Racism & Back-To-School
I’ve heard it so many times. “I don’t see race, or class. I just see kids.” Nonsense. Thankful these teachers are seeking out trainings to help them understand how racism shows up in the classroom, everyday. “You do see those things, and we treat kids differently, whether it’s gender, race, or class. There’s all these subtle things […]
3 Reasons I’m Not Surprised Florida Schools Ranked In The Middle Of The Pile
Recently, Wallethub found my home state Florida to be pretty much middle of the road in their study of the country’s Best and Worst Schools Systems. Not much of a surprise. There are 3 simple reasons being ranked 21st of 51 states makes sense to me: 1) Florida is a mixed pot. Florida is a big state […]
Deadline Is Closing To Add Our Touch To The Master Plan. Chime In!
The master plan which governs the way Florida handles its education issues is currently under construction. The plan is in the phase where we, as citizens and parents, get to chime in before it moves forward. This is our chance!! We only have until July 31. Why should you care? Whether or not your have school-age children, education […]
Broward Schools Is Suing The State!
The last educational laws which cleared the house were controversial to say the least. Underhanded tactics were used to bundle lots of good stuff everyone wanted with HIGHLY controversial legislation, funding charter schools to build practically on top of failing traditional public schools. But Broward Schools is fighting back calling the move unconstitutional. Read why here in the […]
Who Is Responsible When Your Child Fails?
Now that states are allowed to measure the success of schools by their own state-specific standards, who is responsible when they fail your kids across the board? I’m perplexed by the rainbow of fruit flavors that’s going into measuring how well schools are doing their job. If we don’t speak a common language, how will we […]
His Mom Was Shot On The Front Porch While Reading Her Bible
I really had no idea! From a 3-room house where he never felt poor to Harvard University, the Superintendent of Broward County Schools, Robert Runcie, knows first hand what educational opportunity does for kids. Through tragedy, like his mother being shot in the face as she sat reading her bible on her front porch, and struggling through school, […]