It looks like the feds are having a hard time figuring out what to do with Florida. After California and Utah’s education plans were approved last week, Florida is now the only state that still hasn’t gotten the green light. Florida officials sent in their first attempt at the federally required school accountability plan back […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
What’s the Heck Does An ‘A’ Mean Anyways?
See? This is my fear when we make standards different in each state. New research shows that ‘A’ grades are going up while SAT scores and college graduation rates are headed downward. But why? What does this mean? Is it that SAT’s are harder? Or, have we made it easier to earn an ‘A’? This […]
Parents And Kids Are Counting On Florida To Be Brave!
The first round of ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act) plans have been submitted to the feds. Florida is not one of them, opting to wait until the fall along with more than 30 other states. So far, every state’s plan looks different due to the new choice-buffet for student performance measurement. And, honestly, it’s making me crazy-anxious. Education Week covers […]
The ESSA School Bells Are Ringing and There’s No Sign of Florida
States begin submitting their plans for Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) today, but I have no clue what’s happening with Florida’s. The ESSA plan tells the Department of Education (DOE) how we intend to measure student achievement and school performance. It is the roadmap for school accountability. And, Florida has a lot of latitude to change things. It’s unsettling to not know what my state is up […]