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Florida
20th October 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Supreme Court revisits race and education with Maryland magnet school case

Montgomery County Public Schools has become the subject of a US Supreme Court review examining whether facially race-neutral admissions policies can constitute racial discrimination under the Constitution's Equal Protection Clause. The Association for Education Fairness, representing parents who allege that changes to magnet middle school admissions disadvantaged Asian American students, has challenged policies introduced in 2017 and subsequently revised in 2020 to incorporate lottery-based admissions. Lower courts dismissed the case after finding that Asian American admissions exceeded the group's share of applicants. The Supreme Court will consider whether plaintiffs must demonstrate an aggregate disparate impact to establish discrimination, revisiting school admissions law following its 2023 ruling against race-conscious college admissions. Arguments are expected in early 2027, with a decision anticipated by the end of June.

OUTCOMES-BASED CONTRACTS

Hillsborough County Public School Students Make Major Literacy Gains

Hillsborough County Public Schools reported significant literacy gains among participating high school students following the implementation of an outcomes-based partnership with HMH. District data showed the percentage of participating students reaching proficiency increased by 18 percentage points, while 49% achieved a full level of growth on Florida's FAST Achievement Levels scale. The agreement established shared accountability for implementation and student outcomes, with district leaders and HMH teams working together throughout the school year on professional learning, coaching, and ongoing reviews of student performance data. The district has since expanded the initiative following the results.

Read how the partnership was structured and what district leaders learned.

 

EXAMS

Testing overload: are we measuring learning?

The U.S. K-12 public school system has been significantly influenced by standardized testing, particularly since the No Child Left Behind Act was enacted in 2001. This law expanded state testing and linked results to school performance, leading many districts to prioritize English and mathematics instruction. A 2026 study revealed that students take a median of 57 assessments before high school, with some facing as many as 88 tests annually. Despite the emphasis on testing, there is no clear correlation between the number of tests and student proficiency. Liza Bondurant from Mississippi State University noted: "You don't get a pig to grow by measuring it more," highlighting the debate over whether increased testing aids learning or detracts from it. The ongoing reliance on standardized tests continues to shape educational practices and teacher satisfaction, raising questions about the effectiveness of this approach.

NATIONAL NEWS

Federal education report reveals rising disability rates among public school students

The U.S. Department of Education has reported that 19% of nearly 50m public school students received disability-related services during the 2023–2024 academic year, up from 17% two years earlier. According to its latest civil rights data collection, 15% of students were served under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), while 4% received support through Section 504. Despite representing just 15% of enrollment, students with individualized education programs (IEPs) accounted for 68% of seclusion incidents involving students and 73% of students physically restrained, as well as approximately one-quarter of suspensions. The Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates has raised concerns about these disparities, calling for evidence-based alternatives to exclusionary discipline, restraint, and seclusion.

SAFETY & SECURITY

School safety debate shifts toward prevention

A deadly shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, where a 16-year-old gunman killed three children and a teacher after shooting through a locked entrance, has reignited debate over school safety policies and the effectiveness of physical security measures. While the tragedy has prompted renewed calls for stricter gun laws, reinforced school buildings, armed personnel, and enhanced emergency preparedness, education and security experts warn that defensive measures alone cannot prevent determined attackers. Despite a school safety industry valued at approximately $4bn, experts emphasize that early intervention, trusted relationships between students and adults, mental health support, secure firearm storage, and effective threat reporting systems offer more promising approaches to preventing violence. Research cited in the article indicates that more than 80% of over 100 averted school shootings were prevented after individuals reported concerning behavior.  

TECHNOLOGY

AI workshops gain strong educator approval

OpenAI has reported positive feedback from its AI Skills Jams, free training workshops delivered with the Walton Family Foundation across nine U.S. communities, attracting more than 1,600 K–12 teachers, administrators, and district leaders. Of 802 survey respondents, 92% said they created something reusable, 96% intended to apply their learning within 30 days, and 97% would recommend the workshops to colleagues. Educators developed lesson plans, science simulations, administrative tools, and customized ChatGPT applications to support classroom instruction and routine school operations. However, 29% requested additional hands-on practice, highlighting the need for more tailored training for beginners and experienced users. OpenAI plans to use the feedback to improve future workshops, although the findings do not establish measurable improvements in student outcomes or long-term workload reductions.

WORKFORCE

Tax boost fills teacher vacancies

The Pasco County School Board is advocating for the renewal of a one-mill property tax increase, initially approved by voters in 2022, which has significantly improved teacher staffing. Chair Colleen Beaudoin said: “I can say with certainty that the voter-approved salary referendum has played a pivotal role in making that possible,” noting that 99% of teaching positions are now filled. However, challenges remain in filling bus driver positions, with 27 routes still unfilled. The tax, which charges homeowners an additional dollar per $1,000 of taxable property value, received 59% support in the last election. Voters will decide on its renewal on November 3. In other news, the board recognized coaches for their contributions to students beyond athletics and approved proclamations for Hispanic Heritage Month and White Cane Awareness Day.

Ripple Effect Award celebrates teachers in Sarasota County

The Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation, in collaboration with Sarasota County Schools, has awarded three exceptional educators with the Ripple Effect Teacher Award. This award acknowledges educators whose influence significantly impacts students, colleagues, and school communities. The latest awards were presented on September 22, bringing the total honorees for 2026 to ten. The recipients include Heather Bingle, Eric Bishop, and Chelsea Tuggle, each recognized for their outstanding contributions.

FINANCE

OCCTA accepts magistrate's recommendations

The Orange County Classroom Teachers Association (OCCTA) has accepted the magistrate's recommendations regarding educator compensation and health insurance. Following an impasse with the Orange County School Board, OCCTA officials stated: "CTA's decision reflects the severity of the district's proposed insurance changes." The recommendations aim to alleviate some financial burdens by lowering proposed deductibles and rejecting a deductible-first model. OCCTA President Clinton McCracken emphasized the need for compromise, saying: “Our educators and their families cannot afford the financial burden the district has proposed.” If the district does not accept these recommendations, an impasse hearing is scheduled for October 21.

Leon County Schools seek tax extension

Since the 2012-13 fiscal year, Leon County Schools has raised nearly $347m through a half-cent sales tax, funding significant improvements across the district. In November, voters will decide whether to extend this tax for another 15 years. Taryn Samuel, a student at Rickards High School, emphasized the importance of these enhancements, stating: "The additions to both our classrooms and the courtyard cannot only support our teachers and our students, but also our clubs." The district has seen revenue growth, from about $17m in the first year to over $31m recently. Key projects include a complete rebuild of Raa Middle School, contingent on voter approval. A yes vote would extend the tax, while a no vote would let it expire at the end of 2027.

GOVERNANCE

Candidates clash for Marion County school board seat

In the upcoming Nov. 3 election, School Board Chair Sarah James and Donald "Donny" Barber are vying for the Marion County school board District 5 seat after emerging as the top candidates in the August primary. James, who received 49.17% of the vote, emphasized her accomplishments, including the appointment of Dr. Danielle Brewer as superintendent and the elimination of "D" or "F" schools in the district. She aims to address chronic absenteeism, balance the budget, and improve academic achievement. Barber, currently Archer's city manager, highlighted his experience in managing large public organizations and his commitment to enhancing school safety, discipline, and financial accountability. He stated, "I want safer schools, stronger discipline, improved academic achievement."  

DISTRICTS

Volusia County shines as top district

The Florida Department of Education has recognized Volusia County Schools as a high-performing district, one of only 18 among the state's 67 public school districts. Education Commissioner Henry Mack acknowledged this achievement, which grants Volusia increased flexibility in meeting state requirements. To qualify for the "academically high-performing" designation, school districts must meet specific criteria set by Florida law. This recognition highlights Volusia's commitment to educational excellence and its ability to adapt to state standards.

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Free period products coming to schools

Starting this school year, seven Broward County schools will provide free menstrual products in student restrooms, following a unanimous vote by the Broward County school board. The initiative aims to ensure that students have access to essential hygiene products, which currently vary by school. Anaya Andre, founder of Promote Her, Period, emphasized the importance of this program, stating: “What started years ago as a simple question, ‘Why aren't there free period products in school bathrooms?' grew into a collective movement to demand change.” The program will be evaluated for its effectiveness, with data collected on usage and costs to inform potential district-wide expansion. School board chair Sarah Leonardi noted: “This pilot program reflects our commitment to supporting the well-being, dignity and academic success of every student.”

HIGHER EDUCATION

Florida's education revolution is here

Florida is witnessing a significant economic transformation as prestigious universities like Carnegie Mellon and Vanderbilt establish campuses in South Florida. This shift aims to diversify the state's economy, traditionally reliant on tourism and agriculture. Eduardo Tobon of BMO Financial Group described the development as "a game-changer," emphasizing the potential for economic growth. Notably, Ken Griffin's $3bn donation to Carnegie Mellon for a Miami campus and Vanderbilt's $520m West Palm Beach campus are pivotal. These institutions are expected to create an educational corridor that attracts top companies and fosters innovation. Bob Swindell, president of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance, said: "The stronger South Florida's overall innovation education ecosystem becomes, the more competitive the entire region becomes on a national and global scale."

INTERNATIONAL

Childhood poverty widens Ireland’s education gap

The Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) has found that childhood poverty in Ireland significantly affects educational achievement, school engagement, and future aspirations, with limited access to books and reading opportunities among the key contributing factors. The report reveals that half of Irish children experience poverty before age 13, while one in five endure three or more periods of financial hardship. Among persistently poor nine-year-olds, 9% report never liking school, compared with 4% of children who have never experienced poverty. Additionally, just 62% of persistently poor 13-year-olds expect to earn a college degree, compared with 79% overall. The ESRI has recommended improving access to books, extracurricular activities, parental reading support, and positive teacher-student relationships to reduce educational inequalities.
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