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Florida
16th March 2026
 

THE HOT STORY

AI spurs education overhaul

A bipartisan commission convened by the Bipartisan Policy Center has urged sweeping changes to the U.S. education and workforce systems to prepare students for disruptions driven by artificial intelligence (AI). The report says the federal government should coordinate a national workforce strategy, improve data systems that track students from school into careers, and fund research to help states align education with evolving labor market needs. The commission also recommends raising academic standards, creating a federal K–12 “scorecard” comparing state proficiency levels with national benchmarks, and providing incentives for states that improve student outcomes. It calls for redesigning high school so students graduate with credentials and skills relevant to employers, expanding competency-based learning models, and encouraging innovative teacher staffing strategies. While the strategy should be national, commissioners say implementation should largely occur at the state and local levels to respond to rapidly changing workforce demands.

NATIONAL NEWS

Admissions data order paused

A federal judge in Boston temporarily halted a Trump administration policy that would have required colleges to hand over seven years of admissions data, including race, gender, test scores, and GPAs. Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV issued the order after 17 Democratic attorneys general challenged the request as rushed, unlawful, and risky for student privacy. The administration said the records were needed to enforce the Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling on race-conscious admissions, while opponents said the move targets broader diversity efforts.

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Measles outbreak hits Florida hard

Florida is experiencing a significant measles outbreak, with 132 reported cases as of Friday morning, making it the state with the third-highest number of cases in the U.S. Most affected individuals are over 20 years old, primarily located in Collier County, with additional cases in Osceola, Pasco, and Pinellas counties. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) noted that over 90% of recent measles cases involved unvaccinated individuals. Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo has controversially compared mandatory vaccinations for schoolchildren to slavery and is advocating for legislation that would ease vaccination requirements.

Mindfulness matters: New Zen Den opens

Mary Blanco, a Miami-Dade School Board member, recently inaugurated the Cougar Zen Den at Kenwood K-8 Center, a space dedicated to enhancing mindfulness and emotional health among students. "The Cougar Zen Den recognizes that academic excellence is inextricably linked to mental well-being," Blanco said, emphasizing the importance of providing students with tools for emotional resilience. The initiative was supported by the Kenwood K-8 Center PTSO and involved contributions from the Mental Health Club students, showcasing a community commitment to student wellness. Blanco also acknowledged the leadership of principal Yolanda G. Oliu and assistant principal Dr. Gabriel Quintero for prioritizing mental health, along with the support from Miami-Dade County Public Schools' South Region Office.

STUDENT SUPPORT

Meeting needs before misbehavior

At Jeeter Primary School in Opelika, Alabama, Teresa Williams, a student-behavior tutor, plays a crucial role in addressing students' unmet needs. By observing students during morning drop-off, she identifies those who may be struggling due to issues such as hunger or lack of sleep. Williams said: "For some children, a clean set of clothes, a 30-minute nap, and some breakfast can change the course of the day." Her proactive approach has contributed to a significant reduction in disciplinary referrals, with the number of days students spent at the Opelika Learning Center dropping from 206 in 2018 to just 14 in the 2023-24 school year. Principal David Carpenter emphasizes the importance of early intervention, noting that "most [poor] behavior stems from an unmet need." Williams' unique position allows her to bridge the gap between students and teachers, fostering a supportive environment that promotes positive behavior and academic success.

Unlocking college dreams for students

Take Stock in Children, a Florida nonprofit, is transforming the lives of students in Escambia County by providing scholarships and mentorship. The program supports students with academic potential but financial need, offering guidance and stability. Scholars commit to academic success and receive mentorship through the Take Stock Mentor App, along with support from a College Readiness Coach. Scholarships cover tuition for up to 120 credit hours at Florida's state college rate, helping to alleviate the burden of tuition costs. Local funding is matched by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation, doubling the impact of community contributions.

DISTRICTS

Fueling brighter futures for students

United Way of Indian River County hosted the "Fueling Brighter Futures" event, featuring a discussion between CEO Meredith Egan and Dr. David K. Moore, Superintendent of the School District of Indian River County. The district has achieved an A rating for three consecutive years and ranks 5th in Florida. Dr. Moore emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating: “When I arrived in Indian River County, my goal was to create a system that was best for all kids.” The event highlighted the role of community partnerships in supporting students and families, with Egan noting,:“Schools cannot do this work alone.” The district's success stories include Vero Beach Elementary and Dodgertown Elementary, which have shown significant academic growth. The event concluded with the announcement of "The Moonshot Story," a documentary addressing the literacy crisis in the area.

Orange County parents oppose high school start time change

In a recent survey, a significant majority of parents, students, and staff in Orange County opposed the proposal to move high school start times later. Jessica Popov, a parent of two children in Orange County Public Schools, expressed concerns about the impact of later start times on family routines, stating: “I like that they are asking for community input. But there is so much scientific backing on the other end of this.” The survey revealed that 59% of parents and community members, along with 66% of students, were against the change. Angie Gallo, a member of the Orange County School Board, noted that the community's feedback was clear, as similar sentiments were expressed in a 2019 survey.

EARLY EDUCATION

Investing in early childhood success

In Tallahassee, leaders are prioritizing early childhood through initiatives like "Littles to Leaders" and paid family leave, fostering community partnerships among schools, hospitals, and universities. Leon County Schools Superintendent Rocky Hanna is committed to ensuring every child has a strong start, launching programs that provide resources to new parents. Mayor John Dailey's paid family leave policy supports family bonding during these crucial months. Collaborative efforts with Florida State University and Tallahassee Memorial Hospital aim to enhance community wellness and support families.

SOCIAL & COMMUNITY

Funding boosts arts education access

Congressman Jared Moskowitz announced a $20,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) for the Performing Arts Center Authority in Fort Lauderdale. This funding aims to enhance arts education and community engagement in Broward County, providing local students with "meaningful access to arts education and live performance." The grant will support jazz workshops in public schools and offer free tickets to performing arts students, allowing them to experience sound checks and interact with professional artists.

HIGHER EDUCATION

FSU Law school seeks new dean

Florida State University's College of Law is on the hunt for a new dean following Erin O'Hara O'Connor's resignation after a decade in the role. The university has engaged the executive search firm WittKieffer to assist in this national search. Community members, including students and faculty, have expressed their desire for a candidate who is an effective fundraiser, accessible, and possesses both academic and political skills.

INTERNATIONAL

Alberta court keeps teachers law active

An Alberta judge has declined the Alberta Teachers’ Association’s bid to pause back-to-work legislation that ended a three-week teachers’ strike in October. Justice Douglas Mah of the Court of King’s Bench said the union raised a credible legal question about the government’s use of the notwithstanding clause, but did not prove teachers would face irreparable harm before the full case is heard. As a result, the Back to School Act remains in place, including a strike ban through 2028, while the broader constitutional challenge is set to proceed in September.
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