Stay informed about education news and updates in Tampa Bay, FL.
Two teachers from Bradford County, Florida, resigned instead of implementing a controversial new grading policy that alters student grades. The policy, which was made mandatory at several elementary schools, aims to better align classroom performance with state expectations but has faced pushback from educators. This incident highlights the ongoing debate over grading practices in Florida schools.
Pinellas County Schools announced that they are on track to reopen on Wednesday following Hurricane Milton. The district's timely response aims to restore normalcy for students and families impacted by the storm.
The Parks and Recreation Department in Tampa is launching a free day camp titled "School's Out, Camp's In" for children aged 5-17 at 21 recreation centers on October 16, 2024. The program aims to support families with children while schools remain closed, providing supervision, entertainment, and lunch. Parents are encouraged to pack snacks and a refillable water bottle for their children.
A St. Petersburg school community has come together to construct temporary classrooms following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. The emotional support from local residents and organizations has been pivotal in addressing the immediate educational needs of affected students.
Florida school districts are moving to reduce comprehensive sex education in favor of abstinence-focused curricula, following directives from the state's Department of Education. This shift has been prompted by state officials deeming certain topics, including contraception and consent, inappropriate for students. The changes reflect ongoing debates over sex education in the state.
Florida schools are on high alert as they monitor the trajectory of Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine, which is expected to develop into Tropical Storm Helene and potentially become a major hurricane. Officials in the Tampa Bay area have confirmed that schools will remain open for now but will make further announcements as the storm's path becomes clearer.
The University of Florida (UF) and the University of South Florida (USF) have experienced a decline in the latest U.S. News & World Report college rankings, with UF dropping to seventh among public universities and 30th overall. Meanwhile, several other Florida institutions have seen improvements in their rankings, highlighting a shift in the educational landscape of the state.
Hillsborough County Public Schools is hosting a series of town hall meetings to discuss a proposed property tax increase aimed at enhancing teacher salaries. Voters will have the opportunity to decide on this measure during the upcoming election on November 5, following a similar proposal that was rejected in 2022.
Hillsborough County School Board will hold a meeting to discuss the recent performance grades of charter schools in the county, with seven schools receiving D grades and one an F. The board plans to hear from school officials about improvement strategies to enhance educational outcomes.
Florida schools are adapting to increasing curriculum demands by integrating social studies and reading through a newly implemented humanities block. This approach aims to alleviate the pressure on teachers and students, as they often struggle to cover essential topics due to stringent reading requirements.