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The Florida House has introduced a resolution aimed at safeguarding students' rights to express their religious beliefs in public schools. Rep. Chase Tramont, R-Port Orange, stated that the resolution "secures the rights of students to pray, speak about their faith, form religious clubs and express religious viewpoints without discrimination or retribution." The proposal seeks to amend the Florida Constitution, allowing students to engage in religious activities, wear religious symbols, and lead prayers at school events. Critics, including Chris Line from the Freedom From Religion Foundation, argue that existing constitutional protections are sufficient and that claims of discrimination against religious expression in schools are unfounded. Tramont emphasized the importance of allowing students to express their faith freely, claiming: "The Constitution does not relax when a student walks onto a school campus." The resolution also calls for a daily moment of silence in classrooms.

 

Daytona Beach News Journal

Get more 3s on the FAST ELA

According to the FLDOE, FAST ELA scores are hovering at 52% for level 3 proficiency for grades 3-5 in the 2024 and 2025 school years. 
More students reached level 3 proficiency on the FAST ELA in districts implementing HMH Into Reading Florida vs. other curricula across grades 3-5. 
Analyze prose and poetry for theme, comprehend main idea and text structure of informational texts, and build academic vocabulary to get more 3s on the FAST.  

Access free ELA resources to boost FAST scores, including SOR eBook

 

The U.S. Supreme Court has directed the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit to reconsider its ruling on a New York state law that eliminated religious exemptions for school vaccinations. This decision follows the high court's previous ruling in Mahmoud v. Taylor, which affirmed parents' rights to challenge public school curricula based on free exercise of religion. The case, Miller v. McDonald, arose after New York's 2019 law removed religious exemptions in response to a measles outbreak. Amish schools and parents contested financial penalties imposed for non-compliance, arguing that the law infringes on their First Amendment rights. The 2nd Circuit previously ruled that the law did not pose an existential threat to the Amish community, referencing Wisconsin v. Yoder. In a related matter, the Supreme Court declined to review a case regarding book removals in public libraries, which has implications for school libraries as well. The justices let stand a lower court's decision allowing the removal of books, including ones dealing with themes of race and LGBT identity, from its public library system. The lower court rejected the argument made by the plaintiffs that removing the books was unlawful under the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment protections against government abridgment of free speech.

 

Education Week News

New York Times

Reuters

Leon County middle school students will now leave their Chromebooks at school to reduce losses and damage. Chris Petley, LCS spokesperson, confirmed: "To ensure access for those who need it, each campus will offer a Chromebook check-out process for students who require a device at home." The new policy, which varies by school, aims to enhance daily instruction and minimize delays in accessing necessary materials. Fairview Middle School has already implemented this change, noting: "This change will help reduce delays in students not having necessary materials, decrease screen fatigue, promote handwriting fluency, and encourages independent thinking." The district initially invested $10.5m in these devices during the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Tallahassee.com

Seven schools in Broward County are at risk of closure due to a significant budget shortfall of $94.7m, which has increased by $33m since earlier this year. Superintendent Howard Hepburn informed the School Board that declining enrollment is exacerbating the financial crisis. Rebecca Thompson, a member of the Broward County School Board, acknowledged the emotional weight of the decision: "I know the decision that we face ultimately in January will be challenging, and for many families, it will be heartbreaking." The district is grappling with tough choices as it navigates this fiscal challenge.

 

Local10

Local10

Sun Sentinel

Manatee County is set to welcome two new elementary schools, Rye Ranch Elementary and Elementary School at Artisan Lakes, for the 2026-2027 school year. Both schools, costing $75m each, will be located in the Parrish area and are designed to accommodate 969 students from kindergarten to fifth grade. Jamie Carson, a spokesperson for the School District of Manatee County, said: "We're really excited about these new schools." The principals, Laura Tomeo Campbell and Melinda Lundy, bring extensive leadership experience, with Campbell being named Manatee County's Principal of the Year in 2022. The district is also undergoing a rezoning process to update student attendance zones, which will take effect in the upcoming school year.

 

Bradenton.com

The Miami-Dade County School Board, led by chair Mari Tere Rojas, recognized the 40th anniversary of The Education Fund during a meeting on November 19th. This milestone highlights the Fund's significant role in supporting Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) over the past four decades. Since its establishment in 1985, The Education Fund has invested over $90m into local schools, impacting more than 310,000 students and 20,000 educators annually. Its innovative programs, such as the Ocean Bank Center for Educational Materials and the Food Forests for Schools initiative, have been crucial for educational success. "This 40-year milestone represents a legacy of public-private collaboration dedicated to one simple goal — ensuring students and educators succeed," Rojas said. The Fund continues to support educators through initiatives like Miami Loves Teachers and the annual Idea EXPO.

 

Miami's Community Newspapers

As generative artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes the job market, concerns arise about the future of white-collar roles, particularly in knowledge work. Jennifer L. Steele, a professor of education policy, emphasizes the importance of teaching soft skills, which AI struggles to replicate. "The skills that underpin modern technology will likely continue to matter," she said. Teachers can integrate emotional awareness and problem-solving into their curricula, helping students develop skills that are vital in an AI-driven economy. By focusing on emotional intelligence and complex problem-solving, educators can prepare students for a future where human interaction and understanding remain essential, even as AI takes on more tasks. The challenge lies in ensuring that students learn these skills without relying too heavily on AI tools.

 

Midfloridanewspapers

Kenneth Horne, a civics teacher at Montford Middle School, has been named Leon County Schools Teacher of the Year. With 35 years of teaching experience, 33 of which were spent in the local district, Horne will now compete for the Florida Teacher of the Year title. "It's wonderful to be so appreciated by so many people," Horne said, expressing gratitude for the support he has received. He emphasizes a hands-on approach in his lessons, making material engaging for students. Horne also sponsors various clubs and activities, showcasing his dedication to his students and the school community. Montford Principal Anthony McQuade praised Horne, stating: "Mr. Horne is one of the best teachers I have worked with and an even better person." The Florida Teacher of the Year will receive a $50,000 cash prize and other benefits.

 

Tallahassee.com

After the tragic loss of a classmate, students at Freedom High School are advocating for a new e-bike helmet law. On December 5, they filed their proposal as part of the state's Ought to Be a Law program. State Representative Susan Valdés joined the students in their efforts, celebrating their initiative. "We want to ensure safety for all riders," said Valdés, highlighting the importance of the proposed legislation. The students, including Maggie Takamatsu, Philip Ernst, Zoee Weston, and Abigail Carnahan, are determined to make a difference in their community by promoting safer riding practices.

 

Tampa Bay Times

The structure of elementary reading blocks varies significantly across schools, despite over 40 states mandating evidence-based approaches to early reading instruction. While foundational skills like phonics are emphasized, the allocation of time and the sequencing of activities remain contentious. Anjanette McNeely, a kindergarten teacher at Windridge Elementary in Kaysville, Utah, integrates various components of literacy instruction, arguing: "I think we can have both" structured teaching and free play. Similarly, Jeannette Symmonds, a first-grade teacher at BelovED Community Charter in Jersey City, New Jersey, adapts her schedule based on student needs, emphasizing flexibility in instruction. Research suggests that while a reading block of 90 minutes is common, experts recommend extending this to two to three hours to better support diverse student needs.

 

Education Week News

In November, the State University System of Florida (SUSF) announced the termination of 18 academic programs due to underperformance in graduate production. The SUSF identified 214 underperforming programs, planning to retain at least 150 while consolidating another 30. Notable cuts include African American Studies and Middle Eastern Studies. David Newheiser, an associate professor at FSU, criticized the evaluation criteria, stating, “The SUSF measures performance solely based on degrees awarded,” which he believes does not reflect actual program impact. Faculty morale is reportedly low, with Robin Truth Goodman, President of the FSU chapter of the United Faculty of Florida, expressing concerns about faculty feeling demoralized and fearing repercussions for their teaching. Students, like biology major Lauren Yoakum, also voiced worries about the implications of these cuts on educational diversity and the value of humanities programs.

 

Tallahassee.com

In China, children’s smartwatches, originally marketed as safety devices, are increasingly becoming tools of peer pressure and digital addiction, with some watch accounts traded online for hundreds of yuan due to their social value. Experts, including Xiong Bingqi of the 21st Century Education Research Institute, warn that these devices now function as social "hard currency" among students, fostering exclusion and distorting values. Xiong is calling for tighter regulation to limit entertainment and social features under the Law on the Protection of Minors.

 

China Daily