In-State Tuition for Immigrants in Florida Likely to be Rejected, Again
A bill offering in-state tuition to illegal immigrants is likely to be back on the agenda of Florida’s Legislature this year, but many experts on immigration policy believe there is little chance of it passing, given the very vocal opposition of the Tea Party base.
Florida Out of Cash for New Schools, Classroom Buildings
A panel of state economists, meeting to tweak estimates made earlier this year, slashed estimates for available school construction money by $267 million for 2012, leaving educators with about $113 million in new cash available for building for the fiscal year that begins July 1.
Debate Over College Tenure Heats Up
Governor Rick Scott’s interest in higher education reform has ignited a contentious debate over the use of tenure at Florida’s universities and colleges. As lawmakers ponder whether to revisit a proposal to change or eliminate tenure at Florida’s colleges and universities, one public university has the enviable position of being largely unaffected by tenure changes. That’s because Fort Myers-based Florida Gulf Coast University doesn’t offer tenure.
Colleges, Universities React to Scott’s Push for Texas Plan
About six months ago, Gov. Rick Scott sent letters to presidents of Florida’s public colleges and universities asking their opinion of a proposal pushed by Texas Governor Rick Perry.
School Grades: Bill to Include Arts Filed
A bill (SB 338, HB 121) filed by Sen. Nancy Detert, R-Venice, and Rep. Charles McBurney, R-Jacksonville, would require the state to take into consideration the level of student participation in fine arts courses, including music, dance and arts, in determining that school’s grade.
Orange County Celebrates 12 Statewide Literacy Award Winners
The Florida Department of Education has announced Orange County Public Schools placed in three of four categories in the 2011 Just Read, Florida! Literacy Awards.
Lawmakers Wary of Texas-Style Higher Ed Reforms
Lawmakers in the Senate said Tuesday they are reluctant to fully embrace changes to higher education like those pushed in Texas and now being championed by Gov. Rick Scott. While several said they are willing to look at the Texas plan, others urged caution saying it needed study. Sen. Steve Oelrich, (R-Cross Creek) and chair of the Senate higher education committee said he will meet with Scott on Wednesday to discuss these reforms.
Acceleration Academy to Open Westside Campus
Acceleration Academy will expand from Orange County’s eastside to include a westside campus in January 2012, a statement from the Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) said.
More OCPS Students to Eat Breakfast in Classrooms
Many more students will now have their first meal in the classroom as the ‘Breakfast in the Classroom’ program is being expanded from eleven schools to 25 schools.
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