Florida schools expand language lessons
The big story: Bilingual education is gaining popularity in schools across Florida.
A growing number of school districts including Hillsborough County are expanding programs that teach children in multiple languages. The initiative has multiple goals, including helping youngsters to become biliterate and closing achievement gaps for students who are still learning English.
Seen as a strong educational model, it can be expensive, leading some to wonder how much more dual language immersion can grow. Read more here.
The number of immigrant students is growing in the state, leading one Broward County school to establish an international welcome center to help families adjusting to a new language and culture, WTVJ reports.
Hot topics
Book challenges: Brevard County schools have paused their review of challenged books as officials update procedures, Florida Today reports. Two review committee members have quit.
Free meals: Hoping to see more students take advantage of free cafeteria breakfast and lunch, the Miami-Dade County school district is changing its menus, WLRN reports.
High school football: Clewiston High in Hendry County has indefinitely suspended its football program after a game-night brawl on Oct. 19, WZVN reports.
PragerU videos: Americans United for Separation of Church and State wants more information about how the controversial PragerU social studies videos were approved for use in Florida schools, WUSF reports.
Security: The Clay County school district is considering whether to place its police department under the direction of the county Sheriff’s Office, Clay Today reports.
Student housing: The University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee campus is preparing to open its first on-campus dormitory, the Herald-Tribune reports.
Substitute teachers: The Lee County school district is turning to a staffing company to help it find substitute teachers, WINK reports. The district has had a 57% fill rate.
University president searches: State Rep. Randy Fine says he applied to lead Florida Atlantic University only after the governor’s office told him it was a sure thing, the Sun-Sentinel reports. It didn’t work out that way.
Vouchers: More Miami-Dade County students signed up for school vouchers this year. Most already were attending private schools, the Miami Herald reports.
From the court docket ... The Columbia County school district is considering a lawsuit against a company that was paid to renovate a track for its high school, but did not complete the work, WCJB reports.
Don’t miss a story. Here’s a link to yesterday’s roundup.
Before you go ... Nile Rodgers and Chic get funky at NPR’s Tiny Desk. Enjoy.
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