Public News Service

From book bans to teacher qualifications, a new national report from the Network of Public Education examines the laws and policies that support or undermine each state's public schools and the students who attend them. (Pixabay)

Report: Florida last in public education

A new Network for Public Education report grades Florida an "F" for its public school funding. As Florida lawmakers negotiate the state budget in …

The National PTA and ConnectSafely are hosting a free virtual event to help parents safely navigate digital screen times with children and teens. (Pixabay/twinquinn84)

'Safer Internet Day' offers free resources to parents, children

As Florida lawmakers advance bills to restrict children's access to social media, today's Safer internet Day is a global campaign to raise awareness …

A new report reveals over the last 15 years, the majority of states have raised performance standards for public schools, while simultaneously decreasing funding. (ebpilgrim/Pixabay)

FL schools grapple with insufficient funding, persistent state budget cuts

A new report that examines school funding formulas finds 80% of states, including Florida, are grappling with ongoing state budget reductions and a …

Florida Democrats and LGBTQ+ advocates are calling on the Republican-controlled Legislature to focus on what they describe as

FL GOP bill could ban rainbow flags in schools, government buildings

Another GOP proposal is sparking controversy in Florida over freedom of expression, as it aims to ban rainbow flags from being displayed. House Bill …

In March, House Republicans in Florida passed a wide-ranging education bill targeting how teachers and students can use pronouns in schools, adding to the state's parental rights law, which critics called

FL teachers sue state over restriction on pronoun use

Three Florida teachers filed suit Wednesday over a Florida statute they claim targets transgender and nonbinary teachers for being themselves at work…

A algunos les preocupa que la presi�n para eliminar la sociolog�a de los requisitos de educaci�n general se produzca despu�s de que pase la nueva ley, que forma parte del Proyecto de Ley del Senado 266. La ley antidiversidad, equidad e inclusi�n de Florida, proh�be a las instituciones de educaci�n superior gastar fondos estatales en programas o iniciativas de DEI. (Pixabay)

¿Por qué la sociología está en peligro en Florida?

Otra medida controvertida en el sistema educativo de Florida es una propuesta para eliminar la sociología, el estudio de la vida social y las …

Some worry the push to drop sociology from general education requirements comes after a new law, part of Senate Bill 266, Florida's anti-diversity, equity and inclusion law, which forbids institutions of higher education from spending state funds on DEI programs or initiatives. (Pixabay)

Why is sociology on the chopping block in Florida?

Another controversial move in Florida's education system is a proposal to drop sociology, the study of social life and the causes and consequences of …

The ongoing Israel and Hamas conflict is affecting student organizations in Florida and across the country. (hosnysalah/Pixabay)

FL student groups defend Palestinian rights with lawsuits against state officials

The Students for Justice in Palestine chapters at the University of Florida and the University of South Florida are filing lawsuits against the deacti…

A Lumina Foundation/Gallup poll found Hispanic students struggled more than those of any other race or ethnicity to stay enrolled in post-high school education and training programs in 2022. (Pixabay)

Poll: Hispanic students most likely to consider 'stopping out' of college

The latest poll of Hispanic community college students finds more than half have considered quitting school in the last year. In the Lumina …

Una encuesta de Lumina Foundation/Gallup encontr� que los estudiantes hispanos tuvieron m�s dificultades que los de cualquier otra raza o etnia para permanecer inscritos en programas de educaci�n y capacitaci�n post-preparatoria en 2022. (Pixabay)

Encuesta: Estudiantes hispanos los que más se plantean dejar la universidad

La última encuesta entre estudiantes hispanos de colegios comunitarios revela que más de la mitad han considerado la posibilidad de abandona…

Alt New College is offering courses in partnership with the New College community and with support from Bard the Open Society University Network, OSUN. (Pixabay)

Educators preserve, shape future with 'ALT NEW COLLEGE'

The so-called conservative "hostile takeover" of a small, progressive liberal arts college in Florida is seeing some resistance from former students …

ALT NEW COLLEGE ofrece cursos en asociaci�n con la comunidad de New College y con el apoyo de Bard College y Open Society University Network, OSUN. (Pixabay)

Educadores preservan y dan forma al futuro con 'ALT NEW COLLEGE'

La llamada "adquisición hostil" conservadora de una pequeña y progresista universidad de artes liberales en Florida está experimentando…

The Florida Board of Governors' statement on the Supreme Court's landmark affirmative action decision:

A Challenge to Help Redesign Higher-Ed Admissions Process

If applying for college was not so difficult, maybe more people would enroll, which is the premise of a new challenge to states and universities…

As founders and leaders of the Tallahassee chapter of the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE), Florida A&M University (FAMU) students Patricia and Priscilla Stephens led a series of nonviolent protests in Tallahassee in the early 1960s in front of a segregated theatre in Tallahassee. (State Archives of Florida)

Florida's New Teachings on Slavery 'Offensive,' Distort Brutal Reality

As Gov. Ron DeSantis promotes claims that enslaved people developed skills for their personal benefit, and is requiring those teachings to middle …

Along with boosting reading comprehension, other elements of the American Federation of Teachers' campaign include garnering more support staff and necessary teacher resources, and making strides to improve youth mental health. (Adobe Stock)

New Campaign Works to Aid FL, US Public Education

A new campaign is working to invigorate public schools across Florida and the U.S. The American Federation of Teachers - Real Solutions for Kids …

Adem�s de impulsar la comprensi�n de la lectura, otros elementos de la campa�a de la Federaci�n Estadounidense de Profesores incluyen la obtenci�n de m�s personal de apoyo y recursos necesarios para los profesores, y la realizaci�n de esfuerzos para mejorar la salud mental de los j�venes. (Adobe Stock)

Nueva campaña en favor de la educación pública en FL y EE.UU.

Una nueva campaña pretende reavivar las escuelas públicas de Florida y Estados Unidos. La campaña Real Solutions for Kids and …

Florida lawmakers changed language in a higher ed bill which would have banned course topics on gender and women's studies. (Pixabay)

The Fight to Preserve the Future of Gender and Women's Studies

By Aviva Dove-Viebahn for Ms. Magazine.Broadcast version by Trimmel Gomes for Florida News Connection reporting for the Ms. Magazine-Public News …

According to the Annie E. Casey Foundation, Florida's average cost of center-based child care for a toddler in 2021 amounts to 26% of a single mother's income in the state. (Pixabay)

Report: Child Care Costs Push FL Parents to Breaking Point

New data ranks Florida 31st in the country for overall child well-being, however, it showed parents are tapped out on child care costs. The Annie E…

Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis has used New College of Florida, a tiny, public liberal arts college on the shores of Sarasota Bay, as an example for his war on

Some New College of Florida Students Feel 'Trapped' in 'Hostile Takeover'

Following what's described as a "hostile takeover" by right-wing conservatives, at the progressive New College of Florida, students and prospective …

As the number of full-time statehouse reporters decline so do the number of newspapers. Since 2005, the U.S. has lost more than a fourth of its newspapers (2,500) and is on track to lose a third by 2025. (Adobe Stock)

University-Led Reporting Lets Students Cover the Statehouse

Student reporters are stepping up to fill gaps in news coverage as the number of full-time statehouse reporters continues to decline. State …

Parents, students and teachers are raising concerns over proposed education policies in the Sunshine State. (Pixabay)

Parents Fight FL Education Policies with #NotFoolingUs Rally

Some students, parents and educators plan to rally to send a message to Gov. Ron DeSantis on April Fools' Day. The group of unions, parents and …

Padres, maestros y estudiantes est�n expresando su preocupaci�n por las pol�ticas educativas propuestas en el Estado del Sol. (Pixabay)

Padres luchan contra políticas educativas de FL con el mitin #NotFoolingUs

El grupo de sindicatos, padres y líderes comunitarios están planeando una manifestación en Miami usando el hashtag #NotFoolingUs…

The Employee Organizations Representing Public Employees Bill would change how union dues and fees are collected for some public employees in Florida. (Pixabay)

Could Legislation Targeting Public-Sector Unions Threaten Academic Freedom?

Union leaders and public-sector workers say bills advancing in the Florida Legislature, if passed, will strip them of their representation and could …

El Proyecto de Ley de Organizaciones de Empleados que Representan a los Empleados P�blicos cambiar�a la forma en que se recaudan las cuotas y tarifas sindicales para algunos empleados p�blicos en Florida. (Pixabay)

¿Podría legislación para sindicatos amenazar la libertad académica?

Los líderes sindicales y los trabajadores del sector público dicen que los proyectos de ley que avanzan en la Legislatura de Florida…

In partnership with the Charles and Margery Barancik Foundation, New College of Florida offers free writing worships to high school students preparing for college. (Pixabay)

Free Essay Workshops Aim to Support Students on Path to Higher Ed

The college admissions process can be both expensive and stressful for students, but a free program at New College of Florida aims to demystify the …

Last year, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed legislation dubbed the

AP African American Studies Course Blocked in FL Schools

The administration of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has rejected plans to expand an Advanced Placement African American Studies course for high schools…

Tallahassee U.S. District Judge Mark Walker has blocked the so-called

Higher Ed Braces for DeSantis Attacks on Unions, 'Trendy Ideology'

If it's "woke," "trendy," or has anything to do with race and diversity, it appears Gov. Ron DeSantis wants no part of it in Florida. From signing …

On June 10, 2020, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) renounced jurisdiction over faculty employees at most religious educational institutions, which has resulted in faculty unions being disbanded at some of those schools. (Pixabay)

Florida University Uses Religious Exemption to Disband Faculty Union

Citing a religious exemption, Edward Waters University - a private, historically Black school in Jacksonville - has shut down its faculty union…

El 10 de junio de 2020, la Junta Nacional de Relaciones Laborales (NLRB) renunci� a la jurisdicci�n sobre los empleados del profesorado de la mayor�a de las instituciones educativas religiosas, lo que ha provocado la disoluci�n de los sindicatos del profesorado en algunas de esas escuelas. (Pixabay)

Universidad de FL utiliza exención religiosa para disolver sindicato de profesores

Argumentando una exención religiosa, la Universidad Edward Waters -una escuela privada históricamente negra de Jacksonville- ha cerrado su …

American children spend a total of 3 billion hours on school buses each year. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates: State Must Do More on School Bus Electrification

With the Inflation Reduction Act supporting the beginning of a transition to clean school buses, elected officials in Florida are calling for quicker …

Karla Hern�ndez-Mats, 42, has been president of the United Teachers of Dade since 2016, but has never held public office. She is now part of Democratic gubernatorial candidate Charlie Crist's ticket. (Karla Hern�ndez-Mats/Twitter)

Teachers Rally to Boost Profile of Hernández-Mats for Lt. Gov.

In the race for governor, Democratic nominee Charlie Crist picked the top teacher's union representative in Florida's largest public school district …

'Don't Say Gay' Proves Challenging for FL Students, Teachers

Despite being aimed at children in kindergarten through third grade, Florida teachers say what's often referred to as the "Don't Say Gay" law has …

DeSantis' new proposal to recruit teachers

FL Educators Decry Classroom 'Politicization' as Gov Relaxes Teaching Rules

As Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis defends and expands his call to have military veterans bypass the teacher certification process to become educators…

With 96% of all incarcerated persons returning to their communities, the Institute for Educational Empowerment wants to ensure individuals are prepared to take on the challenges of re-entering society. (Pixabay)

Some Incarcerated People to Become College Grads at Miami Dade College

Eighteen incarcerated students will become college graduates Tuesday at Everglades Correctional Institution in South Florida. Imagine taking an …

Con el 96% de todas las personas encarceladas regresando a sus comunidades, el Institute for Educational Empowerment (Instituto para el Empoderamiento Educativo) quiere asegurarse de que las personas est�n preparadas para asumir los desaf�os de reingresar a la sociedad. (Pixabay)

Algunas personas encarceladas se graduarán del Miami Dade College

Dieciocho estudiantes encarcelados se graduarán el martes en la Institución Correccional Everglades en el sur de Florida. Imagine tomar …

The American Federation of Teachers launched its

Book Bans, Censorship Met with 1M Free Books for Students, Families

As the state of Florida combs through textbooks to ban content with diverse views, a national campaign pledges to deliver a million free books with …

In a new survey, 76% of bachelors'-degree students and 63% of associate-degree students cite emotional stress as a reason they've considered

Study: Florida’s Black College Students Need More Support

Barriers like financial constraints, family obligations and involvement with the justice system are preventing some Black Floridians from achieving …

En un comunicado, el secretario de Educaci�n de EE. UU., Miguel Cardona, dijo que los legisladores de Florida est�n

"Tú importas": Mensajes tras aprobación de proyecto de ley "No digas gay"

Los defensores LGBTQ se están enfocando en palabras de aliento para los jóvenes que son homosexuales, luego de la aprobación del …

In a statement, U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said Florida lawmakers are

"You Matter:" Messages of Support Follow Passage of 'Don't Say Gay' Bill

LGBTQ advocates are turning their focus to encouraging words for young people who are gay, following passage of Florida's "Parental Rights in …

Partnerships from California, Florida, Indiana, New Mexico and Texas have been chosen to divide a $750,000 grant to improve rural higher education and workforce systems. (Aymanejed/Pixabay)

FL Coalition Wins National Grant to Improve Rural Higher Ed

Some national funding is headed toward Southwest Florida to help boost rural learning and workforce systems. CivicLab, a national nonprofit …

About 25% of former community-college students cited difficulty learning on their own, in an online environment, as a barrier to completing their coursework. (Wokandapix/Pixabay)

FL Community Colleges Zero In on Dropout Prevention

New research shows six in ten Florida community-college students drop out before they finish - even with good grades and only a few credits shy of gra…

Alrededor del 25% de los exestudiantes de universidades comunitarias mencionaron la dificultad para aprender por s� mismos, en un entorno en l�nea, como una barrera para completar sus cursos. (Wokandapix/Pixabay)

Colegios comunitarios en FL se concentran en prevención de abandono escolar

Una nueva investigación muestra que seis de cada diez estudiantes de universidades comunitarias de Florida abandonan los estudios antes de termin…

According to the White House, more than 30 million Americans live in areas where there is no broadband infrastructure that provides minimally acceptable speeds. (fancycrave1/Pixabay)

Rural Florida Cites Need for Better, Cheaper Broadband

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- The bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed by Congress contains $65 billion to give every American affordable …

To qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, borrowers have had to meet a handful of requirements including working in a public-sector job, making 120 on-time student loan payments and participating in a qualified repayment plan. (Mikhail Nilov/Pexels)

More Student-Loan Forgiveness Urged as Repayments Set to Resume

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - As more than 200 organizations call on the Biden administration to extend the pause on student-loan repayments, some borrowers …

Some 500 volunteers made phone calls and canvassed neighborhoods in Broward County to find truant students. (Pixabay)

FL Teachers, Volunteers Go Door-to-Door to Get Missing Students Back to Class

TAMARAC, Fla. -- Teachers and volunteers in Broward County embarked on a unique canvassing campaign to find up to 11,000 students who either have not …

Through P-EBT, eligible schoolchildren receive temporary emergency nutrition benefits loaded on EBT cards that are used to purchase food. (Oleg Magni/Pexels)

Florida OK'd for More than $1B in P-EBT Funding for Children

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- After weeks of pressure on Gov. Ron DeSantis to apply for a one-time pandemic food-stamp program, this week Florida became the …

Republican lawmakers across the country have proposed legislation to limit or forbid the teaching of such concepts as racial equity and white privilege. (Kelly Lacy/Pexels)

Bill to Ban Critical Race Theory Sparks Call for African American History

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - State Rep. Randy Fine, R-Palm Bay, is lashing out against the idea of Critical Race Theory, filing a bill to ban its use in all …

House Democrats advanced a $3.5 trillion spending plan in a party-line vote Tuesday, which includes free two-year community college tuition. (Emily Ranquist/Pexels)

FL Supporters Amplify Need for Biden's Free Community College Plan

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Despite the raging pandemic, college students are flooding Florida classrooms and campuses this week as the fall semester begins…

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FL: Education