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Florida
14th May 2026
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THE HOT STORY

New study shows U.S. students still struggling with reading recovery

A new national study has found that U.S. students remain in a deep reading recession, with most states showing little improvement in reading achievement since the pandemic, although some California school districts, including Los Angeles Unified, Compton, and Modesto, have emerged as notable bright spots. Researchers from Harvard, Stanford, and Dartmouth analyzed test scores across more than 5,000 school districts and found that reading performance has continued a long-term decline that began years before COVID-19. Nationally, students remain nearly half a grade level behind pre-pandemic reading levels, while math recovery has been stronger in most states. Researchers said states that embraced phonics-focused instruction, including Louisiana, Tennessee, and Maryland, generally saw the strongest reading improvements, though results varied. Experts also pointed to factors such as reduced recreational reading, increased smartphone and social media use, and weaker accountability systems as contributors to the ongoing decline in literacy skills.

USE ASSESSMENT DATA WITH CONFIDENCE

From Assessment Data to Instructional Impact

Turn assessment results into instructional plans that support stronger literacy outcomes. School leaders across Florida are looking for ways to provide teachers with ongoing insight into student learning while minimizing disruption to classroom instruction. With increasing expectations around early identification, progress monitoring, and effective intervention, educators need accurate and timely information that reflects student progress. Using this insight, school leaders can help address unfinished learning, focus instructional support, and strengthen instruction across classrooms and schools.  

Explore how timely, accurate insight into student learning supports instructional planning, ongoing progress monitoring, and more purposeful instructional decisions that lead to stronger literacy outcomes for students across Florida schools.

Explore Data Insights

 

NATIONAL NEWS

Trump administration expands IDEA funding

The U.S. Department of Education will distribute an additional $144m in federal IDEA funding to states and local governments to support special education and early intervention services, marking what the Trump administration described as a significant expansion of resources for students with disabilities and their families. The funding includes approximately $123.6m for IDEA Part B programs, which support children and young adults aged three to 21, alongside $20.5m for IDEA Part C early intervention services for infants and toddlers through age two. The grants will be allocated through formula funding later this year. Federal officials said the money comes from non-expiring funds previously returned to the department in recent years. The announcement comes as educators and advocacy groups continue to warn that IDEA funding has failed to keep pace with rising numbers of eligible students and increasing service costs. The Education Department also introduced new guidance allowing states, for the first time, to use IDEA Part C funding to support expectant parents whose unborn children are likely to qualify for disability services after birth. The Council for Exceptional Children has welcomed the additional investment and called on Congress to provide broader long-term increases in IDEA funding.

STATE NEWS

Florida students earn credits for band

Starting next school year, students in Florida can earn graduation credits through participation in Special Olympics and marching band, thanks to legislation signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis. The law, known as HB 453, allows eligible students with disabilities to satisfy one physical education credit through Special Olympics programs and earn additional credits through marching band. Rep. Peggy Gossett-Seidman, who sponsored the bill, emphasized that it “sends a powerful message that every student matters.” Sherry Wheelock, President of the Special Olympics Florida Foundation, expressed her excitement, stating: “We love to see these programs reaching even more people who will benefit from these services and opportunities.” The law aims to recognize the hard work of students outside traditional classroom settings.

Florida's high school sports chaos

In a recent article by Harriet Ryan in the Wall Street Journal, the state of high school sports in Florida was described as a "mess," highlighting issues like rampant transfers and illicit pay-for-play schemes. Jon Santucci and Nick Wilson from USA TODAY Florida Network provide insights, noting that the state's open enrollment laws have led to a culture of constant student movement. Santucci emphasizes that the primary motivation for transfers is opportunity, stating: "The opportunity to win... to be seen by colleges and get a scholarship." Wilson agrees, calling Florida's system a "Wild West" of sports, where players seek exposure rather than just NIL deals. He argues that the current landscape reflects a systemic issue, where many students rely on sports for academic engagement and future financial stability. The article critiques the portrayal of Florida's high school sports as solely corrupt, suggesting that many players are simply adapting to the evolving NCAA environment.

HEALTH & WELLBEING

AAP's fresh take on school recess

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has released updated guidance to enhance recess access in schools, addressing the alarming trend of reduced playtime. Dr. Robert Murray, a lead author, emphasized the importance of recess, stating: “Breaks offer an opportunity for students to manage stress and promote prosocial development, a universal benefit for all ages.” With up to 40% of school districts cutting recess, the AAP recommends at least 20 minutes of daily play and encourages student involvement in planning recess activities. The guidance also advocates for a ‘Recess Before Lunch’ policy to ensure students have adequate time to eat. Furthermore, the report highlights recess as a tool to combat childhood obesity, which affects about 1 in 5 children in the U.S. Notably, a 2024 California law mandates 30 minutes of outdoor recess daily and prohibits withholding recess as punishment, although implementation remains inconsistent.

FINANCE

Volusia County School board says no to tax hike

The Volusia County School Board has unanimously voted against a referendum to add one mill of ad valorem taxes to fund teacher and staff salaries for four years. This decision came after board members received numerous calls from constituents expressing concerns about financial strains due to inflation and rising gas prices. "I'm already choosing between my medicine and groceries, and you want to increase my property taxes?" said board member Jamie Haynes, reflecting the sentiments of many callers. The initiative, led by the Volusia United Educators, aimed to generate approximately $70m. While some board members initially supported giving voters a choice, they ultimately decided it was not the right time for a tax increase. Future discussions about a referendum may occur, as board member Krista Goodrich noted: "I think we've got a couple years to work on how this looks going forward."

SAFETY & SECURITY

Canine grant aims for school safety

The Leon County School Board is set to discuss a $113,000 grant aimed at enhancing school safety through a firearm detection K-9 program. This funding, part of the Florida Safe Schools Canine Grant, will support K-9 Tango, a dog trained to detect firearms, in collaboration with the Leon County Sheriff's Office. The initiative is designed to improve safety for students and staff by addressing active assailant threats. Additionally, the board will vote on a new name, image, and likeness (NIL) policy for student-athletes, allowing them to profit from their personal brand while imposing restrictions on endorsements related to alcohol, tobacco, gambling, and more. "Students would be prohibited from NIL deals involving alcohol, tobacco, vaping, gambling, weapons, or political and social activism," the policy states.

DISTRICTS

Fort Myers beach school revival ahead

Fort Myers Beach Elementary School has been closed for over a year due to damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The Lee County School Board is set to review a proposal for a working agreement with the Town of Fort Myers Beach, which could lead to the school operating as a charter school in the future. Abigail Eberhart, the town's public information officer, expressed optimism about acquiring the school property, saying: "We're just hoping that they deed us over the land so that we can take control of this school."

Inspiring students shine at Silver Knight Awards

The Silver Knight Awards for 2026 recognized outstanding students from Broward-Monroe counties for their impactful projects. Colette Marquez from North Broward Preparatory co-founded Serenity Studio, a support group for students to express emotions through art, saying: "Through this check-in, I hope participants feel a sense of community and acceptance." Other notable winners include Isabella Abohasen, who collected sports equipment for local youth, and Ava Weissman, who founded Pickleball 4 A Purpose to connect seniors and teens through sports. Rebecca Elitzur created Elevate Health, a nonprofit that educates over 42,000 people on nutrition. Each winner demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to their communities, showcasing the power of youth engagement.

Gadsden County students on the move

Gadsden County School District is relocating students and staff from James A. Shanks Middle School as a new K-8 campus is set to be built next to the current site, with completion expected by August 2027. During this transition, Shanks students will be assigned to Havana Magnet School, West Gadsden Middle School, and Greensboro Elementary School. Superintendent Elijah Key emphasized the importance of making the transition a positive experience, stating: "We all just have to get behind them and make sure this is a very enjoyable year." The district aims to retain all employees during this period, with staff being reassigned as necessary.

LEGAL

Broward school employees face fraud charges

Two Broward School District employees, Brandon Wesley and Cedric Smith, are facing charges related to improper gym rentals. Wesley, the athletic director at Coral Springs High School, was arrested for allegedly profiting from "illicit" basketball tournaments, receiving Zelle payments totaling $650. Smith, an assistant coach at Boyd Anderson, turned himself in after reportedly earning $3,150 from similar activities. The Broward Schools Police Department found that gyms at five schools were rented without proper protocols, leading to a potential revenue loss of nearly $9,000 for the district. Attorney Johnny McCray Jr. criticized the criminal charges as “overkill,” suggesting the issue could have been resolved internally. Wesley faces charges of organized scheme to defraud and grand theft, while Smith faces similar charges.

SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION

Bipartisan bill aims to improve safety for school bus riders

U.S. Sens. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Todd Young (R-IN) have introduced The Safe Bus Routes to School Act, a piece of legislation that would expand the federal Safe Routes to School program to allow funding for projects supporting school bus riders, including sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, traffic-calming measures, and safer bus stop waiting areas. The bill would also fund school bus safety education initiatives.

SOCIAL & COMMUNITY

Gen Z faces financial hurdles post-graduation

The report titled “Turning the Tassel: What Gen Z Says About Life After High School Graduation” reveals significant financial challenges faced by Generation Z in the decade following graduation. Conducted by Harris Poll and commissioned by The Agency, Inc., the survey of 5,000 Gen Z respondents highlights that charter school graduates earn about $22,000 more annually than their public school peers. The report also notes a widening homeownership gap, with 35% of charter school alumni owning homes compared to 25% of public school graduates. The findings underscore the urgent need for educational reform to better prepare young people for the evolving job market, particularly in technology and AI. Veney emphasized: “The question isn't whether AI will take your job; it's whether you'll be able to keep your job because you know how to use AI effectively.”

HIGHER EDUCATION

Kamoutsas leads Polk State College search

Anastasios Kamoutsas, Florida's education commissioner, is the sole finalist for the presidency of Polk State College, as announced by the school. If selected, he would join a growing list of college presidents in Florida with political connections. Kamoutsas has served as education commissioner since last summer and previously held roles as general counsel and chief of staff for the state Department of Education, as well as deputy chief of staff for Governor Ron DeSantis. Trustee Steve Lester praised Kamoutsas, remarking: "Anastasios distinguished himself as an inspiring, diligent, and highly capable leader with a clear vision for the future of Polk State College."

INTERNATIONAL

Economic inequality continues to shape children’s futures, UN agencies warn

New reports from UNICEF and UNESCO warn that economic inequality is increasingly shaping children’s health, education, and future opportunities, with disadvantages beginning in childhood and extending into adulthood. A UNICEF study covering 44 OECD and high-income countries found that children in more unequal societies experience poorer health and weaker educational outcomes. Children in the most unequal countries are 1.7 times more likely to be overweight, while students from low-income households are far less likely to achieve basic reading and math proficiency than wealthier peers. UNICEF said widening income gaps are contributing to entrenched child poverty and unequal access to nutrition, education, and wellbeing. UNESCO’s separate report on higher education found that global university enrollment has more than doubled since 2000, reaching 269 million students in 2024, but access remains highly uneven. Around 80% of young people attend higher education in Western Europe and North America, compared with just 9% in sub-Saharan Africa. Graduation rates have also lagged behind enrollment growth, while rising costs and limited public funding continue to restrict access for disadvantaged groups. Both agencies called for stronger investment in education, social protection, and inclusive policies to prevent inequality from becoming more deeply entrenched across generations.

Africa’s education gains stall as out-of-school numbers climb again

More than 100m children and adolescents across Africa are currently out of school, according to new research analyzing 25 years of education trends, with experts warning that progress in school participation is now reversing. The study found that the number of out-of-school children fell from more than 100m in 2000 to around 90m in 2014, before climbing back to 100m by 2025, largely because rapid population growth has outpaced education access. Although the percentage of children out of school has declined over time, participation rates remain particularly weak at secondary-school level. Researchers identified several drivers behind the recent deterioration, including reduced government funding for free education programs, declining international aid, and the long-term effects of COVID-19, which pushed an estimated 10m children permanently out of school. Political instability, conflict, climate pressures, poverty, and child labor were also cited as major barriers, especially in the Sahel region, South Sudan, Chad, northern Nigeria, and Zimbabwe. The report highlighted successful progress in countries such as Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, and Rwanda, where policies including free education, school feeding programs, cash transfers, and expanded school infrastructure helped improve attendance.
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