Florida schools explore grade configurations as choices expand

The big story: K-8 schools are on the comeback trail in Florida. School districts are increasingly turning to the once-popular grade configuration for a couple of key reasons. Some are consolidating schools that have seen enrollment decline. Others are trying to keep families from bolting to charter and private schools. Is the model worth consideration?

Experts say it has several benefits, but much depends on the way educators implement it. “It’s hard to prove that one model is better than the other,” said Michael Petrilli, a research fellow at Stanford University’s Hoover Institution. “There’s going to be tradeoffs. ” Hot topics **Attendance rates:** Marion County schools are seeing improvement in daily attendance amid a campaign explaining the importance of being present, Spectrum 13 reports **Bus safety:** Drivers who illegally pass stopped Hillsborough County school buses will begin receiving citations with fines instead of warnings, WFTS reports. **Chaplains:** The Osceola County school board again voted against allowing religious chaplains to counsel district students, WMFE reports.

**Class size:** Teachers in south Florida say they struggle with too many students in their classes, WTVJ reports. **Counseling:** Lee County school board members are debating changes to policy regarding whether guidance counselors must alert parents to students’ conversations about personal matters, WCGU reports. **Gender recognition:** The Miami-Dade County school board rejected a resolution recognizing LGBTQ+ history month for the third year in a row, the Miami Herald reports. **School threats:** Three Duval County students were arrested on accusations of making threats against schools, WJAX reports. Two Volusia County students were arrested in connection with school threats of violence.