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The reading and math scores of 12th graders have reached their lowest levels in over 20 years, according to the National Assessment of Education Progress. The average reading score is the lowest since 1992, while math scores are at their lowest since 2005. Educators like Chantel Jiroch and Careshia Moore, co-authors of Raising America: A Visual Celebration of Educators, attribute this decline to the pandemic's impact on education, stating, "Education was drastically reshaped by the global pandemic." Factors such as overdependence on technology, lack of interest in learning, and chronic absenteeism are contributing to this trend. Nicholas Ferroni, a New Jersey educator, emphasized that societal shifts, rather than schools, are to blame for the decline.

 

The Miami Herald

An Administrator's Guide to Blended Learning

Online learning doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing approach. Explore blended learning with this comprehensive guide from FlexPoint^®, which includes:

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Download the FlexPoint guide to find the right mix of face-to-face and online instruction for your school or district.

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Former Brevard County School Board member Jennifer Jenkins has announced her candidacy for the U.S. Senate in Florida's 2026 election. Aiming to challenge Republican incumbent Ashley Moody, Jenkins faces a significant voter registration disadvantage, with Republicans leading by over 1m voters. In her announcement video, she said: "We've let MAGA extremists and out-of-touch billionaires take over our country," emphasizing her commitment to fighting for working people. The election will take place on November 3, 2026, with primary elections scheduled for August 18, 2026.

 

Florida Today

The Sarasota School Board is contemplating the closure of Wilkinson Elementary School and relocating the district's central office to the site. The proposal, which could be voted on by late November, aims to reassign Wilkinson's students to three nearby schools, all currently operating below capacity. The central office, valued at approximately $19m, is facing significant maintenance costs and is located in a flood zone. The plan is part of a broader strategy to optimize school resources and address declining enrollment due to competition from charter schools and private education options.

 

Sarasota Observer

Schools across the U.S. are grappling with the impact of aggressive immigration policies, particularly those enacted by the Trump administration. The fear stemming from immigration raids has led to a decline in student attendance, with an estimated 620,000 K-12 students lacking legal status in 2021. Clinical child psychologist Allison Bassett Ratto emphasized the psychological harm faced by immigrant children, commenting: “What they see are their classmates, their family members, their neighbors often being apprehended in violent and confusing ways.” Education leaders, including Noel Candelaria from the National Education Association, stress the importance of creating safe environments for all students.

 

EdSurge

In Volusia County, officials are investigating vandalism at Friendship Elementary School, where a glass door was shattered and the media center was damaged. The Volusia Sheriff's Office responded to a fire alarm and discovered the destruction.

 

Fox 35 Orlando

The Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) is navigating a complex budget landscape with over $7.5bn allocated for the year. Despite an increase of approximately $231.2m from last year, three of the five funding categories have decreased. District 6 school board member Stephanie Vanos stated, “As OCPS has always done, we will do the most we can with the money we have.” The General Fund, which supports essential services like teacher salaries, has seen a decline of $13,897,226. A significant concern is the loss of 6,627 students, more than double the initial estimate, with nearly 40% being immigrant students.

 

News 13

In Florida, several teachers are facing disciplinary actions for their social media comments regarding the murder of Charlie Kirk. Gov. Ron DeSantis' administration has warned that public school staff could be sanctioned for posts deemed critical of Kirk. Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas emphasized that “personal views that are made public may undermine the trust of the students and families they serve.” One teacher, Kelly Brock-Sanchez, was suspended after posting a controversial remark about Kirk's death. Legal expert Clay Calvert noted that while educators have First Amendment rights, these do not extend unconditionally into their professional roles.

 

Naplesnews

Florida Politics

News 13

Brentwood Elementary and West Pensacola Elementary have been selected as the next sites for the Healthy Schools Escambia initiative, which aims to provide essential services to students and their families. Starting November 1, the program will offer free medical, dental, and optometry care, along with afterschool tutoring and other support services. Jessica Johnson, the program director, noted that the initiative has already made significant impacts, stating, “Overall, we want to ensure that children in the schools are healthy, holistically well.” The program, which is part of a five-year pilot approved by the Escambia Children's Trust, aims to enhance student well-being and academic performance through tailored services based on each school's needs.

 

Pensacola News Journal

Many U.S. schools are adopting phone-free policies, with 79% of adults supporting smartphone restrictions in educational settings. Yondr bags, fabric pouches that secure students' phones, are used by around 2m students across the country. Yondr CEO Graham Dugoni stated, “I think it's an investment,” emphasizing the need for tailored solutions for each school. While some districts, like Los Angeles USD, have invested significantly in Yondr, others, such as Sutter Middle School, have opted for simpler methods, like an “off and away” policy. Dayton, Ohio, public schools have successfully implemented a low-cost solution where students hand in their phones at the start of the day, demonstrating that effective phone management doesn't have to be expensive.

 

NBC Miami

Broward schools are facing significant challenges in assessing students who may pose a threat, as revealed by a recent audit. The internal review found that the district was noncompliant in 52% of the assessed areas, raising concerns about communication with parents. The audit highlighted delays in threat assessments and inadequate documentation, with 22% of initial forms not completed on time. The district is committed to improving compliance and enhancing the threat management process.

 

Sun Sentinel

A census carried out by the Independent Schools Council (ISC) has found that the number of American children being taught in British private schools has risen by 25% since 2020, reaching 5,117 this year, behind only China and Hong Kong. Henry Faber from consultancy Oppidan Education said he is seeing "unprecedented interest from American families who view a British education not only as academically rigorous but also a launchpad to the Ivy League and beyond." Wellington College head James Dahl notes speculation that "there are families perhaps of a more liberal persuasion who are not sure any more whether the American education system or indeed America is a place where they want their sons and daughters to be in school."

 

The Times of London