Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Guest AuthorMay 7, 2014

Thanks to Jeb Bush, Florida has turned into the Wild West of education speculation: charter schools, vouchers, virtual schools, you name it — as long as it promises “profit over pupils in the name of reform.” It’s no surprise to noted education reformer Diane Ravitch, who reports “the charter industry has friends at the top […]

Julie DelegalMay 5, 2014

It looks like my columns questioning the efficacy of school privatization in Florida have hit a nerve. Again. Voters might remember that I’ve long opposed voucher schools because, among other reasons, they don’t administer the same high-stakes tests to their students that public schools do. Without equal accountability, parents of mostly low-income children who now […]

Marc YachtApril 28, 2014

Florida legislative efforts to increase charter schools continue. About one in 17 Florida children attend a charter school. That’s a six-fold increase in a decade. Both not-for-profit and for-profit companies can operate charter schools. School districts can open charter schools. Charter-school teachers must be certified, but administrators do not need to be certified. Proponents of […]

Guest AuthorApril 28, 2014

Florida legislators demanding more “accountability” as a condition for expanding the state’s premier school-choice program could learn a very valuable lesson from the example set by the late, great Mary McLeod Bethune. When Bethune opened her Daytona School for Negro Girls in 1904, she knew success would depend on satisfying two different constituencies — parents […]

Julie DelegalApril 22, 2014

Often, I find myself explaining to my public-school advocacy friends that no one can afford to take on Bush-brand education reform and live to get elected. Barack Obama didn’t even try, and sang Jeb’s praises instead. And, if I’m reading the political landscape correctly, neither will Hillary Clinton, even if she’s called to square off […]

Marc YachtApril 8, 2014

The Florida Constitution requires adequate funding for public education. Florida ranks as the nation’s fourth wealthiest state, yet it ranks 43rd of 50 states in public school funding. Despite that grim ranking, charter schools, home schooling and vouchers continue to drain critical resources. Courts have ruled against charter schools and vouchers. Yet charter schools flourish […]

Julie DelegalApril 3, 2014

“Our hands are tied.” That’s what Duval County School Board members say about allowing charter schools to open in Jacksonville. State law mandates that, unless a charter school’s application indicates financial mismanagement, school boards can’t say “no” to opening a new one. Board members say the district can’t afford the legal fees needed to fight […]

Guest AuthorMarch 27, 2014

We hate children. Oh, stop the breathless denials and heart-tugging, oh-to-the-contrary protestations. We hate our children because we flat out refuse to support public schools. The United States spends $500 billion a year on public kindergarten through 12th grade. We spend $716 billion a year on the military — and that’s after the sequestration and […]

Marc YachtMarch 26, 2014

The Broward County School Board has notified three charter schools that they have violated their agreement with the school system and will have to close. But the State Board of Education has to approve such decisions and often does not support school board decisions. The three Broward schools are still operating. Local school boards are […]

Julie DelegalMarch 3, 2014

Officials at private schools that accept voucher students are now “terrified,” writes Scott Maxwell of the Orlando Sentinel. They’re worried about some legislators’ suggestions that schools that admit students who pay tuition with tax-credit vouchers should be required to administer the same standardized tests that public schools do. But take heart, private school officials! House […]

Tag: charter schools

Stephen Goldstein: “Education Emperor” Jeb Bush is not wearing any clothes

Julie Delegal: Let’s determine if Bush-brand education reforms are working

Marc Yacht: Florida charter school growth needs improved oversight

William Mattox: Private schools must pass the ‘Mary McLeod Bethune’ test

Julie Delegal: Charlie Crist, this education article is for you

Marc Yacht: The legislative war on Florida public education

Julie Delegal: Duval case shows why we can’t afford not to challenge charter schools

Linda Cunningham: Do we love our kids? If so, then let’s fix our schools

Marc Yacht: Corruption, poor accountability undermine charter schools

Julie Delegal: Voucher students must take the tests public-school pupils do