Common Core: State education officials release 98 proposed changes to the controversial national education standards. The Buzz. More from the Tallahassee Democrat, Orlando Sentinel, StateImpact Florida. And the insanity over Common Core continues, writes Beth Kassab for the Orlando Sentinel. State education officials “sorta rubber-stamped the whole shebang,” writes John Romano for the Tampa Bay Times. Florida activists are not satisfied with proposed Common Core changes. StateImpact Florida.
School choice: Pinellas County scores in the top 20 nationwide for school districts with the best choices for parents. Tampa Bay Times.
H.S. diplomas: Thousands of students across Florida are being told to take end-of-course exams in subjects they’ve already completed if they want “scholar” on their high-school diploma. Orlando Sentinel.
School audits: A panel of state lawmakers blasts the Manatee County school district for what they call a “radioactive” audit of the school system’s finances. Miami Herald. More from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
Rankings: StudentsFirst ranks Florida No. 2 in the nation for instituting new school policies to improve student achievement. Sunshine State News.
Parent trigger: StudentsFirst will not push legislators to adopt the school takeover plan in 2014. Tampa Bay Times.
Class size: Marion school administrators defend their decision to intentionally violate the state class-size amendment. Ocala Star-Banner.
Principals: In an effort to improve the academic performance at some of Jacksonville’s most fragile schools, Duval County’s superintendent swaps principals at 11 schools. Jacksonville Times-Union.
Sales tax: Early projections show that every Volusia public school would see security and technology upgrades if voters agree in November to extend a half-cent sales tax. Daytona Beach News-Journal.
Mars: An Escambia County middle school science teacher makes the first cut for the Mars One program, a Dutch-led nonprofit venture that aims to send four people to live and die on Mars. Pensacola News Journal.
Reading: Before students can read to learn, they first must learn to read, writes Larissa McCoy-Mitti for the Tallahassee Democrat.
Conduct code: Pasco County schools superintendent Kurt Browning says it’s time for the district to consider reforming its code of student conduct. Tampa Bay Times.
Conduct: An Orange County teacher’s aide accused of abusing her elderly mother is suspended from her job. Orlando Sentinel.
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