Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Julie DelegalJuly 17, 2014

Florida’s schools have been graded since FCAT began under Gov. Lawton Chiles in 1998. There weren’t any consequences for the first few years — no “turnaround” lists, no teacher bonuses — as schools were given the chance to adjust to the brand new test. Standards of the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test have been ramped up […]

Peter SchorschMay 1, 2014

Hi, there. My name is FCAT. Yes, I’m the test your kids have been taking in Florida schools for a while now. But before shutting me down, I ask that you hear me out. … I’m 16 years old, but in test years, that means I’m a pretty old guy now. This year it was […]

Guest AuthorApril 20, 2014

Tests are tough. I am here to share some tips for you and your children to go through these FCAT weeks with confidence rather than fear. I don’t want my students to be stressed out about the FCAT, and I am sure most teachers and parents would agree. Yes, tests are challenging – for the […]

Peter SchorschApril 17, 2014

Remember those required college courses where you could take the “same” class from any number of different professors? I was in one of those, a lower-level course on American government that had multiple sections. The course was a prerequisite for a number of other classes I wanted to take. My instructor wasn’t easy. He expected […]

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 […]

Guest AuthorFebruary 12, 2014

The point of school choice is to give parents options because we know different students thrive in different learning environments. So our need to assure that all these schools are holding up their end of the bargain is made no easier by those who demand we treat them as though they are all alike. Julie […]

Marc YachtFebruary 3, 2014

The debate between proponents and detractors of the Common Core standards is often strident and rarely enlightening. Opponents charge that the standards are part of a federal government plot to control America’s public schools. Proponents say our children have fallen behind students from Europe and Pacific Rim nations and that the tougher standards will help […]

Guest AuthorOctober 24, 2013

It’s time we challenge the popular notion that the purpose of our state government is to create jobs. I realize that what I will write is considered heresy in the hallowed halls of the state Capitol, but the notion of job creation is a whimsical idea that serves the agendas of those trying to profit […]

Julie DelegalOctober 17, 2013

This is part five of a six-part series presented in partnership with Folio Weekly. “The name is not open for discussion,” said Donna Mace, a Duval County fifth-grade teacher at Chimney Lakes Elementary, referring to the Badass Teachers Association. The 34-year veteran teacher is a founding member of the group, which uses social media to […]

Julie DelegalOctober 13, 2013

This is part one of a six-part series on Florida’s Future with the Common Core State Standards, presented in partnership with Folio Weekly. A complete version of this series will appear in Folio on Oct. 16. Few issues draw as much scrutiny from citizens — or as much controversy — as public education. Parents and […]

Tag: FCAT

Julie Delegal: Charter school grades should alarm every Floridian

Peter Schorsch: A farewell address from the FCAT

Beth Smith: A teacher’s tips for FCAT confidence

Peter Schorsch: Despite grumbling, why educational testing matters

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

Jason Fischer: School choice requires policymakers to strike a balance

Dr. Marc Yacht: Inflexible education standards do more harm than good

Rick Outzen: State government isn’t about job creation

Julie Delegal: Florida and the Common Core: A Badass teacher speaks out

Julie Delegal: Florida and the Common Core: Why all the talk?