Florida universities still require entry tests. Which has the best scores?
The big story: Many states have suspended or ended the use of admission test scores to gain entry to their university systems. They say there are better ways to measure student qualifications.
Florida is not one of those.
Instead of going test-optional, like Texas and California, Florida has added more exams for students to choose among. But the scores are still required.
So which schools in the Sunshine State are most competitive? Read more from the Palm Beach Post.
Today in education ... Nearly 60 Pasco County parents and residents who object to the school district’s adoption of a personal finance textbook by radio personality Dave Ramsey will make their arguments to a special hearing officer today at 11 a.m. The session in Land O’Lakes is supposed to be streamed on the district’s YouTube page, if you want to watch.
The objectors will argue that the book does not align with state curriculum standards, and that it advances a religious view of personal finance. They also will present information that district educators asked to review the material did not support its use, despite the ultimate recommendation that went to the board.
The hearing officer is expected to provide his report within two weeks, after which the board will have 30 days to meet and reconsider the book. Here’s some background.
Also today, the Senate Education PreK-12 Committee is scheduled to discuss FAST progress monitoring cut scores at 4 pm. The state switched to the new tests after revising standards in language arts and math.
Hot topics
Teacher pay: Representatives for Hillsborough County teachers and the school district reached a tentative contract agreement, WFTS reports. • The Osceola County school district is poised to increase supplemental pay for teachers who coach sports, the Orlando Sentinel reports. Other central Florida districts continue to spar over the money coaches receive.
Substitute teachers: The Miami-Dade County school district has lowered its requirements to be a substitute for the second time in six years, the Miami Herald reports. Now it takes candidates who have only a GED.
Social media: Volusia County schools seek to help parents and students navigate social media as the district sues platforms for their negative effects on student mental health, the Daytona Beach News-Journal reports.
Vouchers: Northeast Florida school districts are seeing enrollment and growth rates shrink, WTLV reports. They say more families are taking vouchers.
Days off: Only one Florida school district still recognizes Columbus Day, Florida Phoenix reports.
School board pay: An Osceola County School Board member has been arrested on allegations of battery and serving alcohol to a minor. District officials have asked the state if they have the authority to suspend the board member’s pay, Florida’s Voice reports.
From the police blotter ... A Flagler County high school student was arrested on accusations of biting a school staff member, the Daytona Beach News-Journal reports. • A former St. Lucie County high school teacher was arrested on accusations of sexual battery against a student from six years ago, WPTV reports.
More higher ed
Accreditation: Broward College received a negative preliminary accreditation evaluation, failing to meet or provide documentation for qualification in 22 of 40 measured areas, the Sun-Sentinel reports.
Greek life: Tallahassee commissioners are poised to prohibit fraternities and sororities from establishing houses in the city’s central urban district, the Tallahassee Democrat reports.
Student housing: Manatee County backed out of an agreement to donate land to the University of South Florida, and instead is considering giving the property to New College as a site for new student housing, the Herald-Tribune reports.
Don’t miss a story. Here’s a link to yesterday’s roundup.
Before you go ... Tom Scott posts weekly about interesting things in science, technology and engineering. Have you ever heard of this curved elevator in Hanover, Germany?
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