Thanks to all of the parents, teachers and other education advocates who reached out to the Senate Appropriations Committee and urged them to vote no on SB 1714 (aka Competency Based Education). Sadly, the bill passed the full Appropriations Committee last week. We are grateful that Senator Hays voted no. The author of the bill, … More Competency Based Education Update
Senate Bill 1714 and its companion House Bill 1365 will allow changes to state education law to put in place competency based education programs. Other names for competency-based learning [CBE], include performance-based, proficiency-based, and mastery-based education, as well as “customized” and “personalized” learning. Definitions of CBE are called “a work in progress,” and include life-long data and … More Call to Action: Competency Based Education
We don’t have time to play these games! I can’t say you weren’t warned. By Laura McCrary Founder, United for FL Children Parents, I Cannot Protect Your Children – I will do my best. But my best isn’t good enough – and I think that is the point I really want to make here…” … More Competency Based Education
The Florida Department of Education may be considering changes to the Math Standards during its meeting on Thursday, February 18. There is conflicting information about how substantial the changes will be, and whether this discussion is just a formality. According to the page on the DOE’s web site that describes rules that are under review, rule … More Comments needed: Florida Math Standards
The following speech was read by a parent at the Pasco County School Board meeting on January 19, 2016 (reprinted with permission from the author): Hello, School Board Members and Superintendent Browning. Thank you for the opportunity to speak to you this evening. Tonight, I would like to give you a parent’s perspective on my … More A Parent’s Vision for Education
Why aren’t parents asked for permission to release their children’s personal information? (Part two of a two-part blog. Click here for Part one.). Upon giving their children’s personal information to their doctor, parents are required to sign that they have read the HIPAA regulations. Upon opening a bank account, adults are required to receive information … More Forecasting Student Success – Forecasting a Child’s Readiness for College and Career – Part 2
(Part one of a two-part blog) Predicting a child’s readiness for “college and career” is like predicting the weather. Sometimes, even weathermen get it wrong. How will this affect our children’s data? How will this affect our children’s future? And will this data follow them throughout their lifespan? Many businesses use Data Analytics to “analyze current … More Forecasting Student Success – Forecasting a Child’s Readiness for College and Career
The following resignation letter was written by Tracey Suits, 10th grade English teacher in Pasco County. Oftentimes people in social situations ask me about my job. When I answer that I am a teacher, I frequently get a response of: “How do you do it?” or “I could never do that.” Well, the time has … More Pasco County Teacher Resigns
Action update 1/29: The House version of this bill passed unanimously in the K-12 Education Subcommittee this week. The next step is for the companion bill (SB1002) to be heard in the same Senate Committee. However, we are told the chair of that committee, Senator John Legg, has not placed the bill on the agenda … More Recess: A Physical and Emotional Need for Every Child
“Accountability” seems to be the latest buzz word in education. The idea is to hold schools and teachers accountable for ensuring children receive a high quality education. At the surface level, it’s hard to argue with that. However, what the state touts as a system designed to ensure every student receives a quality education has … More Call for Overhaul of the Florida School Grading System
UnitED For Florida Children 