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Florida
21st July 2026
 

THE HOT STORY

Florida's school choice under fire

The Florida Education Association (FEA) has filed a lawsuit against the Florida Department of Education, claiming that funding for private school scholarships and school choice programs violates the state constitution's mandate for free public schools. If successful, this lawsuit could reverse significant advancements in educational freedom in Florida, where nearly 1.4m students currently attend various schools of choice. Skylar Zander, state director of Americans for Prosperity-Florida, emphasized that "education should not be about protecting institutions. It should be about serving students." The lawsuit raises concerns about the balance between public education and school choice, as Florida's recent school grades indicate that expanding educational options does not detract from public school performance.

NATIONAL NEWS

AFT backs science of reading and AI safeguards

The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) used its 2026 convention to outline its policy priorities for the next two years, with a strong focus on the 2026 midterm elections, encouraging members to campaign for education-focused candidates, monitor polling places, and run for public office. Delegates also reelected Randi Weingarten to a 10th two-year term as president and highlighted continued membership growth, including new organizing efforts among charter school educators. The union also approved a series of education policy resolutions, including expanded support for science of reading instruction through evidence-based literacy programs for early grades, renewed opposition to private school vouchers, and new safeguards governing the use of artificial intelligence in schools. The AFT called for limits on student AI use, restrictions on screens and online assessments in the earliest grades, stronger privacy protections, and greater oversight of AI developers, while continuing to work with technology companies on teacher training initiatives.

Civil rights groups challenge childcare funding restrictions

Civil rights organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union, the National Women's Law Center, and the National Center for Law and Economic Justice, have sued the Trump administration over its attempt to restrict $10bn in federal childcare and family assistance funding for five Democratic-led states. The lawsuit seeks communications between the Department of Health and Human Services and conservative influencer Nick Shirley, whose widely shared 2025 video alleging fraud at Minnesota childcare centers was cited by senior administration officials to justify the proposed funding restrictions, despite subsequent reports describing the claims as misleading. The funding freeze was blocked earlier this year by a federal judge and was formally rescinded by HHS this month. The lawsuit comes amid broader criticism of the administration's efforts to withhold federal funding over issues including alleged fraud, climate initiatives, diversity programs, transgender policies, and pro-Palestinian protests. Rights advocates argue these actions violate free speech and due process, while also accusing President Donald Trump of using isolated fraud cases to justify targeting immigrant communities in Minnesota.

STATE NEWS

Florida schools pass safety test

Florida placed 13th nationally in WalletHub’s public-school rankings, earning a score of 57.22 out of 100. The state ranked 16th for educational quality and ninth for safety, finishing ahead of nearby states including Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi. WalletHub assessed all 50 states and Washington, D.C., across 32 measures, with quality accounting for 80% of each score and safety representing 20%. Florida’s weakest result was its pupil-to-teacher ratio, which ranked 47th nationally, indicating comparatively fewer teachers per student. WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo said adequate funding is important, but “simply having more money doesn’t guarantee success,” noting that spending decisions, educator quality and curriculum also influence outcomes. Massachusetts led the overall rankings, while New Mexico finished last.

DISTRICTS

Escambia schools face tough decisions

Escambia County Public Schools is taking steps to "right size the school district," which may involve closing some schools and realigning others. School Board Chair Tom Harrell announced the formation of a School Attendance Zone Advisory Committee (SAZAC) to address declining enrollment, a trend affecting many Florida districts. "It's going to be a difficult process, but it's much needed," Harrell said. The committee, consisting of eight community members and three administrators, will meet throughout the fall to develop recommendations for school rezoning and potential closures. The district has lost over 4,600 students since the pandemic, prompting the need for these changes.

Broward School Board's bold move

The Broward School Board is set to initiate its “Redefining Broward County Public Schools” initiative, which may lead to the closure of at least 10 schools. Superintendent Howard Hepburn anticipates that more than 10 schools could close, with specific schools to be identified in an upcoming meeting. Factors influencing closures include operational costs, enrollment rates below 70%, and the condition of school facilities. Board member Rebecca Thompson expressed concern, stating: “We can't keep closing schools every year,” advocating for a resolution this year to allow the community to heal. The district is also looking to sell surplus properties, including an 11.84-acre site and the Technology & Support Services Facility, with interested buyers already expressing interest.

Bible classes during school hours

LifeWise Academy, an interdenominational Christian education program, is set to provide Bible education to students during school hours at N.B. Cook and A.K. Suter elementary schools in Escambia County. Classes will begin on August 31, with parental approval required for participation. Rich Holzknecht, director of LifeWise Academy Escambia, emphasized that the classes will not interfere with mandatory school subjects, stating: "We're probably looking at recess, lunch or things like that." The program operates under the released time law, which allows students to leave public schools for off-site religious instruction, a practice upheld by the Supreme Court in the 1952 Zorach v. Clauson ruling. Holzknecht believes this initiative will benefit the community, saying, "This is really a win for the kids, a win for the schools, a win for the community." LifeWise Academy currently serves over 100,000 children across 1,200 schools in 37 states.

Hillsborough county dress code overhaul

Hillsborough County schools are implementing significant changes to their student dress code for the upcoming school year. New rules prohibit pajamas, require hemlines to reach mid-thigh, and ban face coverings unless for religious reasons. The district has committed to applying the dress code fairly, ensuring it is not enforced differently based on a student's body type, gender, or other characteristics. This update follows feedback from students, including a senior from Robinson High School who highlighted the negative impact of inconsistent enforcement on student well-being.

GOVERNANCE

Miami-Dade School Board's next move

The Miami-Dade School Board is progressing in its search for a new superintendent, with South Region Superintendent Rafael Villalobos emerging as a strong candidate. All eight board members supported Villalobos as a semifinalist, alongside five others, including Jose Bueno, who was also favored by four members. The board is set to meet to advance semifinalists to finalists and schedule public interviews. The selection process is ongoing, with the board aiming to finalize their choice soon.

Mullen returns to lead Lakewood Ranch

Mike Mullen has been appointed as the new principal of Lakewood Ranch High School, a position he previously sought in 2019. After serving as principal at Martha B. King Middle School for four years, Mullen expressed his eagerness to return, stating, “This was a place I've always wanted to return to.” He aims to foster a culture of excellence and connection among students, staff, and families.

CHARTERS

New charter school to open doors in Fort Pierce

A new tuition-free career and technical charter school, SouthTech Treasure Coast, is set to open in Fort Pierce this August, offering middle and high school students the chance to earn industry certifications alongside their traditional studies. “All of our students are working on their academics, but they are also all in one of our career academies,” said Carla Lovett, Executive Director of SouthTech Schools. The St. Lucie County School Board approved the charter application in April, recognizing the area's growing demand for skilled workers. The school aims to enroll about 460 students in grades 6 through 12, providing options in various career academies such as medical science and culinary arts. “It’s better to learn something for free when you’re a kid than to pay for it in college,” noted Meghan Hess Shamdasani, Career and Technical Education Program Coordinator. The initiative seeks to equip students with valuable skills before they enter the workforce or pursue further education.

STUDENT SUPPORT

Empowering special education students today

The Sun Sentinel looks at how helping special education students succeed requires a customized approach that addresses their specific needs. Many parents, teachers, and therapists opt for specialized school supplies, which include adaptive tools like pencil grips and visual planners. These supplies, such as swaddle swings and fidget toys, are designed to alleviate anxiety and enhance focus. The article emphasizes the importance of selecting supplies based on individual needs, including fine and gross motor skills, sensory integration, language development, and behavioral support. "It's an ongoing process," said a special education teacher regarding the selection of appropriate supplies. Prices for these tools vary, with smaller items costing under $10 and larger ones ranging from $50 to $1,000.

STEM

OLFA partners with embry-riddle for future

Our Lady of Fatima Academy (OLFA) has announced a partnership with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, introducing aviation, robotics, and flight simulation classes, along with STEM and Honors courses. This collaboration marks OLFA as the first private school in the tri-county area to offer such opportunities, allowing students to earn up to 18 transferable college credits at no cost. The academy, which serves students from kindergarten to 12th grade, is committed to inclusivity, accepting neurodivergent students and those with special needs. Maureen Manconi, OLFA Administrator, emphasized the importance of changing perceptions around special needs education. With plans to expand from 35 to 500 students, OLFA aims to foster community pillars through quality education and innovative programs.

Teen invents AI hearing aid

In Saratoga, California, 14-year-old Arjun Goli has developed an innovative AI-powered hearing aid that transcribes speech to text, translates languages, and enhances specific sounds in noisy environments. Initially created for a school science fair, Goli's project was inspired by his grandparents' hearing difficulties. After winning second place at the 2025 Synopsys Science & Technology Championship, he sought feedback from seniors at Morning Star Senior Living, which led to improvements and $10,000 in funding. Goli's second version utilizes machine learning and neuroscience to decode auditory attention, aiming to amplify important sounds. His work has garnered recognition from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and Saratoga Mayor Chuck Page. With a patent pending, Goli aspires to create solutions that benefit communities globally.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Seoul ranked world's best student city for second straight year

Seoul has been named the world's best student city for the second consecutive year in the QS Best Student Cities 2027 rankings, earning the only perfect score of 100 and finishing ahead of Tokyo and London. The city led the global rankings on the strength of its universities, graduate employment prospects, and overall appeal, with 23 universities featured in the QS World University Rankings 2027. South Korea also strengthened its international standing, with five cities appearing in the rankings, including first-time entrants Daejeon and Gwangju. QS said the results reflected the country's sustained investment in higher education and growing strength beyond Seoul, although affordability, student diversity, and overall student experience remain areas for improvement.

INTERNATIONAL

Australia's education experts call for overhaul of science education

A new white paper from the Australasian Science Education Research Association (ASERA) has called for a comprehensive overhaul of science education in Australia and New Zealand, recommending a new national strategy that includes integrating artificial intelligence into classrooms, expanding professional development for teachers, and introducing dedicated science specialists in primary and early childhood education. The report argues that teacher shortages, increasing numbers of out-of-field science teachers, and declining student engagement are undermining science education. ASERA President Professor Linda Hobbs said schools need stronger internal and external support for teachers assigned to science outside their area of expertise, warning that a lack of support can contribute to teacher dissatisfaction and retention issues. The recommendations come as Australia's National STEM Schools Education Strategy is due to expire in 2026, with advocates urging governments to seize the opportunity to modernize science education. Australia's Chief Scientist, Professor Tony Haymet, said rapidly evolving technologies, climate change, and the spread of misinformation make strengthening science education more important than ever.

AND FINALLY...

Monkey see, monkey euclid

New research indicates that baboons and macaques possess geometric intuitions similar to those of young humans, challenging previous beliefs about non-human primates' cognitive abilities. Jessica Cantlon, senior author and cognitive neuroscientist at Carnegie Mellon University, stated: "What surprised us wasn't just that monkeys could do the task, it was that monkeys, children and adults seemed to think about geometric relationships in fundamentally the same way." The study involved a touch-screen matching game with geometric shapes, revealing "clear continuity" in geometric understanding across species. The findings suggest that children have innate geometric intuitions that education can build upon, rather than starting from scratch. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, emphasizes the importance of understanding these intuitions for effective teaching in geometry.
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