Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jim RosicaJanuary 14, 2016

The Florida Education Association, the statewide teachers union, is planning a noon rally in the Capitol courtyard Thursday to show lawmakers their “anger and exasperation” with how the Legislature handles education issues. The group announced the “Enough is Enough!” event in a Wednesday news release. Parents, public school supporters and others “will express their anger […]

Guest AuthorNovember 30, 2015

Underneath the candidate smears that are so much a part of local and national politics, there are a number of critical issues that leave both Republicans and Democrats too far apart. Party posturing aside there is substance to both sides of each concern but an inability for friendly if not effective bipartisan discussion. The elephants […]

Marc YachtNovember 29, 2015

Underneath the candidate smears that are so much a part of local and national politics, there are a number of critical issues that leave both Republicans and Democrats too far apart. Party posturing aside there is substance to both sides of each concern but an inability for friendly if not effective bipartisan discussion. The elephants […]

Janelle Irwin TaylorFebruary 18, 2015

A nonprofit public education advocacy group is asking supporters to throw their weight behind legislation proposed by state Sen. Bill Montford that would ban the use of standardized testing results against students during the transition from the current FCAT model to the new Common Core testing standards. Senate Bill 774 introduced by Montford is an answer to […]

Janelle Irwin TaylorFebruary 18, 2015

A nonprofit public education advocacy group is asking supporters to throw their weight behind legislation proposed by state Sen. Bill Montford that would ban the use of standardized testing results against students during the transition from the current FCAT model to the new Common Core testing standards. Senate Bill 774 introduced by Montford is an answer to […]

Julie DelegalJanuary 12, 2015

“Can’t we all just get along?” The immortal words of police brutality survivor Rodney King might make for great TV, but they’re a lousy statement on education policy. And yet, those words nearly jumped off the page as I read Trey Csar’s recent apologia for public school privatization. Csar is president of the Jacksonville Public […]

Jac VerSteegJanuary 11, 2015

Florida’s national ranking by Education Week has dropped precipitously, to No. 28. In 2013, Florida was ranked No. 6. When Florida’s public education system rose to No. 6, politicians raced to crow and claim credit. The ranking proved, they said, that Florida’s encouragement of charter and voucher schools and the state’s accountability system were working. […]

Daniel TilsonDecember 31, 2014

So you ask, how did Florida’s future fare in 2014? And you say your friend is wondering what our 2015 prospects look like? Glad you’re asking, because I was contemplating just such things while chasing my 9-year-old kid and her friend around the carnival at a local park today. They’re great pals, classmates at our […]

Daniel TilsonNovember 2, 2014

As most of you know, Florida isn’t considered by political and Election 2014 analysts as a Republican “red state” or a Democratic “blue state,” but rather a politically divided “purple” state…when it comes to the electorate, that is. Remarkably but understandably enough though, that balance doesn’t reflect itself in the composition of our government, or […]

Marc YachtJuly 13, 2014

When being interviewed by the press, it’s preferable to stick to a limited number of talking points so the conversation stays on a sensible track. When it comes to Florida education, it is impossible to stay on message. There are simply too many issues. Poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning asked, “How do I love you, let […]

Teachers union plans “Enough is Enough!” rally in capital

Dr. Marc J. Yacht: The elephants in the room

Dr. Marc J. Yacht: The elephants in the room

Email Insights: Fund Education Now asks for support of Bill Montford’s education bill

Email Insights: Fund Education Now asks for support of Bill Montford's education bill

Julie Delegal: Lousy education policy blurs line between public, private

Jac Wilder VerSteeg: The 'They changed the formula' education excuse

Daniel Tilson: Florida 2014 – Days of Future Past

Daniel Tilson: Restoring some balance of power in Florida Election 2014

Marc Yacht: Florida’s public education system facing grave threats