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For the fifth consecutive year, American teenagers' use of drugs and alcohol remains at a historic low, according to the National Institute of Health-funded Monitoring the Future survey. This survey, which has tracked student behaviors for over 50 years, indicates that the decline in substance use that began during the COVID-19 pandemic has become a lasting trend. Richard Miech, a research professor and lead investigator, said: "Many expected teen drug use levels to return to pre-pandemic levels once the social distancing policies were lifted, but this has not happened." The survey revealed that 91% of eighth-graders, 82% of 10th-graders, and 66% of 12th-graders reported not using marijuana, alcohol, or nicotine in the month prior to the survey. Dr. Nora Volkow, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, called the results encouraging, noting that "so many teens choose not to use drugs at all." However, she emphasized the need for continued monitoring of these trends.

 

Star-Telegram

In a significant legislative move, Florida Republican Sen. Clay Yarborough introduced bill SB 1010, which aims to expand the authority of the state's attorney general, James Uthmeier, to investigate health care providers who allegedly breach the ban on gender-affirming care for minors. The bill makes it a third-degree felony for providers to "aid or abet" minors seeking such care, although the term is not defined in the draft. If violations are found, the attorney general can file civil suits seeking penalties of up to $100,000 per violation, with damages benefiting the minor. This bill amends the 2021 Parents' Bill of Rights, which protects parental authority over children's health care decisions. Uthmeier has emphasized parental rights since his appointment, stating that the law ensures parents can direct their children's upbringing without undue interference.

 

Florida Phoenix

House Bill 899 would create a temporary statewide task force to examine how artificial intelligence is reshaping public higher education in Florida. Filed by Rep. Leonard Spencer, the proposal places the task force within the Department of Education to study risks, best practices, and governance of AI in instruction, research, and student conduct. Members would assess impacts on academic integrity, privacy, data security, accessibility, and faculty training, and recommend model policies and potential legislation by Dec. 1, 2026.

 

The Capitolist

An op-ed in the Miami Herald argues Florida is removing voters and the Miami-Dade School Board from charter school approvals by transferring authority to Miami Dade College’s appointed trustees. The piece warns this undermines accountability, noting the Florida Constitution says “the school board shall operate, control and supervise all free public schools.” It also cites a prior court ruling against creating “a parallel system of free public education.” The editorial questions potential conflicts of interest and contends the change accelerates privatization while weakening public oversight.

 

The Miami Herald

A federal judge has ruled against California school policies that prevent educators from disclosing a student's gender identity to their parents. U.S. District Judge Roger Benitez stated that “parents and guardians have a federal constitutional right to be informed if their public school student child expresses gender incongruence.” The ruling, which applies to all California public schools, was part of a class action suit filed by teachers and parents, including Elizabeth Mirabelli and Lori Ann West from the Escondido Union School District. The decision has drawn criticism from the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus, which argued it undermines privacy rights. California Attorney General Rob Bonta's office plans to appeal, asserting that the ruling misapplies the law. Legal experts suggest the case may escalate to the U.S. Supreme Court, highlighting the ongoing debate over student privacy and parental rights in education.

 

EdSource

The Congressional–Executive Commission on China (CECC) recommends major expansion of U.S. Mandarin immersion programs, using the U.S.–Taiwan Education Initiative as a model to avoid Chinese government influence. Its 2025 report calls for more language education in Tibetan and Uyghur as well, citing national security and human rights concerns. The CECC supports legislation restricting K–12 schools from partnering with Chinese-linked entities and urges federal funding transparency. “Linguistic and cultural experts” are essential, it argues, to counter covert Chinese influence and strengthen U.S. institutions.

 

Language Magazine

New research warns that even infrequent cannabis use can negatively impact teenagers' academic performance and emotional well-being. The study, published in the journal Pediatric, found that using cannabis just once or twice a month is linked to poorer school performance and increased emotional distress. Dr. Ryan Sultán, the study leader and Assistant Professor of clinical psychiatry at Columbia University, said: "A few ‘harmless' joints can snowball into real academic consequences." The findings highlight that today's cannabis products are more potent, containing two to three times more THC than in the past, which raises concerns about their effects on developing brains. The study analyzed data from over 160,000 American students, revealing that adolescents who used cannabis reported higher rates of depression-like symptoms and poor academic engagement.

 

Bradenton.com

Keys News

Jarrett Williams, a former teacher at B.D. Gullett Elementary School, was arrested for aggravated stalking of an 11-year-old student. The arrest report reveals that Williams allegedly harassed the student over several months, making her feel “upset,” “uncomfortable,” and “embarrassed.” Evidence included interviews with the victim and classmates, as well as an inappropriate letter Williams wrote to the student. Despite earlier decisions by the State Attorney's Office to not pursue charges, the case gained traction after public outcry, particularly from the victim's mother, Ann Mitchell. The district's investigation found multiple policy violations by Williams, who now faces a third-degree felony charge that could lead to a five-year prison sentence.

 

Bradenton.com

Palmer Trinity School (PTS) has celebrated significant achievements by its middle and upper school performing arts students at the recent Florida Thespians Junior and Senior Thespian District Festivals. “Our students continue to elevate the standard of performing arts at Palmer Trinity School,” said Patrick Roberts, head of school. The middle school theater program, featuring six sixth-graders, earned 4 Excellents and 2 Superiors. The upper school troupe, showcasing a mix of experience, secured 11 Superiors, 2 Excellents, and 3 Top Honors at District 8, one of Florida's most competitive districts.

 

Miami's Community Newspapers

Katherine Fisch, the Teacher of the Year at Buddy Taylor Middle School, has dedicated her 31-year career to teaching intensive reading. She believes that "literacy is the key to success in the real world," emphasizing the importance of reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Fisch's motivation stems from her personal experiences, particularly her cousin Maureen, who has Down Syndrome, which inspired her to support students facing learning challenges. Fisch's approach focuses on fostering a collaborative environment where students can grow together, and she values the "light bulb moment" when students grasp difficult concepts.

 

Ormond Beach Observer

Alex Giorgianni, the Teacher of the Year at Flagler Palm Coast High School, leads the Bulldog Entrepreneurial Program of Innovation. With nine years of teaching experience, he transitioned to this role three years ago after teaching social studies and working at i3 Academy. Giorgianni credits his nomination to his students' hard work and emphasizes the importance of relationships built over the years. Reflecting on his teaching journey, he noted that his time at i3 Academy transformed his educational approach. 

 

Ormond Beach Observer

Florida State University (FSU) and Florida A&M University (FAMU) have reported significant increases in early applications for the fall 2026 semester. FAMU received 12,930 early action applications, marking a 6% rise from the previous year, with 2,967 applicants admitted, a 201% increase from last year. Meanwhile, FSU received a record 33,700 early applications, accepting 12,900 students. Both universities are gearing up for their next rounds of admissions decisions, with FAMU's on March 12 and FSU's on February 12.

 

Tallahassee.com

Under Nick Morrow's leadership, the University of North Florida (UNF) athletics has achieved remarkable milestones, including record fundraising exceeding $20m since 2021. Morrow, who recently received a new contract and a $45,000 raise, noted: "We had a record fundraising year, close to a new donor count record." The athletics program also reached its highest-ever finish in the Learfield Directors' Cup, placing 114th nationally.

 

The Florida Times-Union