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Outgoing U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona has told state and local K-12 and early education leaders that the use of restraint and seclusion to address behavior issues is harmful to children, and that schools should instead use proactive practices such as multi-tiered systems of support, which individualize interventions based on students’ needs. According to the most recent available federal data, about 52,800 public school students were physically restrained, mechanically restrained, or placed in seclusion at schools during the 2020-21 school year. “The rejection of seclusion and the shift away from reliance on restraint in our Nation’s schools and early childhood programs is long overdue,” Cardona said. “We must equip educators and early childhood providers with the positive, proactive, and evidence-based tools and resources to meet the needs of all students.” He also promoted creating early education and school programs that foster inclusion, safety and belonging. 

 

K-12 Dive

Reclassify your ELLs sooner with targeted and explicit ELD instruction

Did you know that only 15% of Florida’s K-12 English Language Learners were proficient in English according to the ACCESS for ELLs Spring 2024 assessment?  One of the most important domains for ELLs to master is reading, so that they can acquire knowledge across the curriculum.  The resources linked below include targeted English Language Development teaching strategies including activating prior knowledge, scaffolding tools like sentence frames, building academic vocabulary with response frames, role-play activities to create opportunities for authentic language practice, formative assessments to guide instruction and targeted lesson samples for each of the four language domains—including speaking, listening, reading, and writing.

Access Free ELD Resources

 

The Florida State Board of Education is grappling with the future of school vouchers, particularly concerning the smaller scholarship organization, AAA. Education commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. criticized AAA's stance, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the law. The board decided to table the renewal of AAA's contract while quickly approving the larger organization, Step Up for Students, despite ongoing complaints about its services. In other news, several schools received extensions to improve performance, and discussions on various topics, including campus closures and cellphone policies, continue across the state.

 

Tampa Bay Times

In South Florida, municipalities are implementing strict zoning laws to limit the growth of nonpublic schools amid declining public school enrollment. The City of Margate has set a minimum lot size for high schools at 45 acres, while Hollywood is considering zoning changes that would effectively restrict private schools to only the wealthiest. Hallandale Beach has introduced costly planning fees and lengthy approval processes for new schools. According to a study by Teach Coalition, nearly 90% of surveyed localities in South Florida impose severe restrictions on nonpublic school openings. One commissioner stated that the support for nonpublic schools is part of a plan to "destroy our public education system." Advocates argue that these measures hinder parents' choices, emphasizing that "every child deserves to find the best school for them."

 

Florida Politics

The Leon Classroom Teachers Association and the Leon County Schools district have successfully negotiated a new agreement, breaking a previous impasse. The deal includes a 3.037% pay increase, childcare assistance, sick-leave buy back, and five days of paid parental leave. LCTA President Scott Mazur highlighted the comprehensive nature of the package, which aims to meet various needs of educators. The agreement is seen as a significant step towards improving employee retention and fostering a supportive environment for teachers.

 

Tallahassee News

In Volusia County, a new initiative is addressing student absenteeism by providing bicycles and helmets to those in need of transportation assistance. Mike Micallef, Executive Director of Graduation Assurance and Student Services for Volusia County Schools, highlights the program's importance in helping students get to class. This effort aims to improve attendance rates and ensure that all students have the means to participate in their education.

 

Fox 35 Orlando

The Brevard Schools Foundation will host the Applauding Brevard's Champions Awards Gala on January 30 at the Radisson Resort at the Port, celebrating outstanding educators. The event will begin with cocktails at 5 p.m., followed by dinner and an awards program. This year, 94 Teacher of the Year honorees will be recognized, with six finalists including Jennifer Laham from Bayside High School and Teresa Huskisson from Andrew Jackson Middle School.

 

SpaceCoastDaily.com

A woman in Orange County, Florida, is suing the Orange County school district after her nine-year-old son was allegedly sexually assaulted in a bathroom at Chickasaw Elementary School in 2022. The lawsuit highlights serious concerns regarding student safety, as the mother claims the incident occurred in a school facility meant to be a safe environment for children. The case has drawn attention to the need for improved safety measures in schools, with the mother stating, "We must ensure our children are protected." The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for the district and its policies regarding student safety.

 

Click Orlando

Fox 35 Orlando

The U.S. Department of Education has issued guidance indicating that colleges paying athletes directly for their name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals could violate Title IX. The nine-page memo states that NIL compensation should be treated like athletic financial aid, meaning it must be distributed proportionately to male and female athletes. This guidance could disrupt plans for many schools, as the House settlement allows universities to pay athletes directly under a revenue-sharing plan. NCAA board chair Linda Livingstone acknowledged the need to assess the implications of this guidance, while David Ridpath, former president of the Drake Group, remarked, “There was always a question of how Title IX applies to NIL. Now there is just more guidance.” The memo also raises concerns about potential disparities created by third-party NIL agreements.

 

U.S. News

The Miami-Dade County School board has approved a $37.5m investment for renovations at James H. Bright/J.W. Johnson Elementary School and West Lakes Preparatory Academy in Hialeah. The funding, sourced from the General Obligation Bond, aims to enhance facilities and create modern learning environments. James H. Bright/J.W. Johnson Elementary will receive $15.2m for extensive upgrades, including classroom renovations and infrastructure improvements, set for completion by August 2026. West Lakes Preparatory Academy will undergo a $22.4m renovation to modernize classrooms and facilities, also expected to finish by August 2026. School Board Member Roberto J. Alonso stated: “These renovation projects represent a long-term commitment to improving our schools and providing the best possible environment for our students.”

 

Miami's Community Newspapers

The Space Coast Association of REALTORS is hosting Project Prom 2025 on March 15, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Palm Shores. This event provides students with the opportunity to select gently used formal attire and accessories at no cost, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent anyone from attending prom. “We believe every student deserves to enjoy their prom,” stated a representative from Space Coast REALTORS.

 

SpaceCoastDaily.com

The new national "Stop Campus Hazing" law marks a significant victory for hazing victims and their families, addressing a persistent issue in U.S. colleges and universities. Florida, with a troubling history of hazing incidents, has seen multiple tragedies, including the deaths of Chad Meredith, Robert Champion, and Andrew Coffey. The law requires institutions receiving federal funds to report hazing incidents and outline prevention programs in their annual Campus Hazing Transparency Reports. David W. Bianchi, a leading hazing lawyer, emphasizes the need for stricter enforcement of existing anti-hazing laws and swift expulsion of offenders. He states: "Until we get much tougher with the imposition of penalties, campus hazing will continue." The law aims to create a safer environment for students and foster accountability among institutions.

 

The Miami Herald

Several states, including California and Florida, have enacted bans on cellphone use in schools in recent years, driven by concerns over screen time and classroom distractions. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy has emphasized the need for "phone-free times" in schools to protect children's mental health. But while 77% of U.S. schools reportedly prohibit non-academic cellphone use, enforcement remains inconsistent. Kim Whitman, co-founder of the Phone Free Schools Movement, noted that "all children are struggling and need that seven-hour break from the pressures of phones and social media during the school day." However, some parents have argued that access to phones is crucial for emergency communication, especially in light of recent school shootings. Keri Rodrigues, president of the National Parents Union, cautioned that bans may not address deeper issues like bullying and social media dangers.

 

News 13

Six students from the Monroe County School District have been recognized through the IT Premier Pathways Program for their achievements in Career and Technical Education. These awards not only celebrate the students' success in obtaining industry-recognized certifications but also provide financial incentives to enhance their career readiness. The program aims to acknowledge and support students in their pursuit of professional development in the IT field.

 

Keys News