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Florida
26th February 2026
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THE HOT STORY

When grades look good, parents overlook falling test scores, study finds

A new study of more than 2,000 parents suggests that families are far more likely to respond to slipping grades than declining standardized test scores, a pattern researchers say could lead to underinvestment in children’s learning. In an online experiment, researchers from Oregon State University and the University of Chicago presented parents with hypothetical student profiles showing different combinations of grades and percentile-ranked test scores. Parents were asked how they would spend an imaginary $100 per week to support the child, choosing options like tutoring, after-school programs, or saving the money. They could also invest their own time helping with homework. Parents were most likely to increase support when both grades and test scores were low. However, when grades were high but test scores were weak, parents were much less likely to step in. More than 70% of parents said they trusted grades more than standardized tests, while fewer than 9% trusted test scores more.

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NATIONAL NEWS

Educators seek clear national framework as AI use in schools surges

Education experts and ed-tech leaders have called on Congress to establish clear federal “guidance and guardrails” for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in K-12 schools, warning that teachers are currently navigating a patchwork of advice from states, tech companies, and social media. Speaking on Tuesday before the U.S. House subcommittee on early, elementary, and secondary education, witnesses stressed the need for consistent direction as AI use in classrooms rapidly expands. More than 60% of K-12 teachers reported using AI tools in 2025, nearly double the share from two years earlier, though training remains uneven in quality and scope. Lawmakers are still defining the federal role in AI integration following a 2025 executive order to expand AI use in schools. States such as West Virginia have already issued and updated AI guidance, while major tech companies including Google, Microsoft, OpenAI, and Anthropic are investing heavily in teacher AI training initiatives. However, some lawmakers and experts expressed concern that reliance on private-sector training could overburden teachers and risk prioritizing speed over student well-being.

STATE NEWS

Students walk out, face backlash

In recent protests against immigration enforcement actions, students from St. Petersburg High and other schools faced disciplinary actions for walking out, with some receiving severe penalties. Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas emphasized that protests should not occur in schools, urging parents to report educators who support such actions. The state has pressured schools to enforce stricter discipline, contrasting with previous years when student protests were met with understanding. “What is happening in schools today is a deeply concerning extension of what happened three years ago,” said Eliza Lane, a student activist.

WORKFORCE

Teachers' rights at stake in Hernando

The ongoing impasse between Hernando County District Schools and the Hernando Classroom Teachers' Association (HCTA) was a focal point at the recent Hernando County School Board meeting. HCTA President Lisa Masserio emphasized the need for the district to evaluate its values, stating: “Defending public education, educators' rights and our students' rights to a high-quality public education is never a frivolous endeavor.” The district has proposed a $470 salary increase for teachers, but a survey revealed that nearly 85% of HCTA members are not ready to accept this offer. The board also recognized various achievements, including student valedictorians and the HCSD Veteran of the Month, Jacquelynn Muncy. The next school board meeting is scheduled for March 24 at 6 p.m.

DISTRICTS

New Alachua school rezoning maps unveiled

On February 25, Alachua County Public Schools (ACPS) released two new rezoning maps ahead of the School Board's workshop on February 26. A committee of ACPS leaders and JBPro staff recommended Draft C and Draft D for elementary schools, with Draft C also suggested for middle schools. For high schools, both Drafts C and D are under consideration. The maps aim to address capacity challenges and transportation needs across the district. "Expanding AP, CTE, and magnet programs across the district should be a priority," district leaders said, acknowledging that unequal program offerings may lead students to move outside their assigned zones. The final decision on the maps will be made by the School Board.

TECHNOLOGY

Six million educators to receive free AI training under Google-ISTE partnership

Google has partnered with ISTE+ASCD to deliver free Gemini artificial intelligence (AI) training to all 6m K-12 teachers and higher education faculty across the United States, marking what it calls the largest AI literacy initiative of its kind. The program will provide educators with access to Google’s AI tools, including Gemini and NotebookLM, along with structured, classroom-focused training modules. Training modules are designed to be concise and practical, addressing concerns that existing AI programs are too time-consuming or disconnected from daily classroom realities. Use cases include personalizing lesson plans using assessment data, adapting materials for diverse learners, supporting large lecture halls with AI study tools, and helping students create customized study resources. The content aligns with ISTE+ASCD’s AI-ready graduate framework and educator standards. Participants who complete the modules will receive micro-credentials demonstrating AI literacy in Google tools.

LEGISLATION

New bill aims to ensure books are relevant and helpful

If approved, House Bill 1071 will take effect on July 1, potentially transforming the landscape of classroom books. The bill aims to address various educational needs and standards, ensuring that materials are relevant and beneficial for students. As the bill progresses, educators and stakeholders are closely monitoring its implications for teaching and learning. "This could be a significant shift in how we approach educational resources," said an education advocate.

LEADERSHIP

Alachua County leader joins national board

As schools nationwide celebrate National Career and Technical Education Month, Alachua County Public Schools gains recognition with Jennifer Breman's election to the Board of Directors of the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE). Breman, a career and technical education program specialist, will serve as Counseling and Career Development Division vice president-elect starting July 2026, followed by a three-year term. In her role, she will guide initiatives on career counseling and workforce readiness. “Jennifer's election to the ACTE Board reflects both her professional expertise and her deep commitment to student success,” said Shannon Ritter, director of career and technical education for Alachua County Public Schools. Breman's experience includes mentoring students and enhancing their job-seeking skills, emphasizing her dedication to preparing students for future careers.

EARLY EDUCATION

Boosting Pre-K learning with support

The Leon County Schools Ambassador Program is enhancing Pre-K learning by providing teachers with additional support. Chelsea McClendon, a teacher at Astoria Elementary, noted, "This program provided a lot of support. They check in with me, we have meetings, they ask me anything that I need." The initiative aims to close developmental gaps before children enter kindergarten, with Early Education Director Brooke Brunner emphasizing the importance of early intervention. "What we know is early intervention provides an opportunity to close gaps before kids enter kindergarten," Brunner said. Currently active in four schools, the program plans to expand to four more next academic year, allowing the district to track student progress effectively.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Florida Poly teams up with Taiwan university

Florida Polytechnic University has partnered with National Chin-Yi University of Technology (NCUT) in Taiwan to enhance international research and develop innovative solutions in technology. The agreement facilitates faculty exchanges and offers students opportunities for study and research collaboration in fields like mechanical and electrical engineering. Dr. Devin Stephenson, president of Florida Poly, emphasized that "this partnership is a natural fit for two universities committed to applied, industry-driven STEM education." The collaboration aligns with Florida Poly's goal of expanding global engagement and will last for five years, with potential for renewal. Dr. Kuen-Suan Chen, president of NCUT, expressed excitement about the partnership, highlighting its benefits for both institutions.

Florida House votes for campus transfer

The Florida House has passed a bill to transfer the University of South Florida's Sarasota-Manatee campus to New College of Florida, pending Senate approval and state budget finalization. The transfer includes USFSM's 11 campus buildings, such as the new Atala Hall dormitory, but also entails taking on debt from a $44m residence hall and a $6.5m STEM facility. Governor Ron DeSantis included this draft bill in his proposed $117bn state budget.

INTERNATIONAL

Ontario school board takeovers criticized by Black trustees

Black trustees in Ontario are raising concerns that the provincial government’s takeover of seven school boards is undermining efforts to combat anti-Black racism in schools. In an open letter to Premier Doug Ford, the Black Trustees’ Caucus said the supervision measures are weakening governance and equity structures needed to address systemic discrimination. The Ford government has placed the boards under provincial supervision, citing financial mismanagement, and is considering broader governance reforms, including potentially eliminating elected trustees. However, Black trustees argue that supervisors in some boards have reduced equity and human rights staff and paused Black student achievement committees, steps they say limit the system’s ability to identify and correct race-based disparities. The caucus also noted that at least 10 Black trustees have been removed or sidelined in supervised boards, diminishing oversight on equity issues. They are calling on the government to protect equity offices during supervision, provide dedicated funding for anti-racism initiatives, ensure transparent reporting on race-based outcomes, and implement recommendations from a recent Ontario Human Rights Commission report on anti-Black racism in education.
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