February 21, 2020
Sen. Keith Perry, R-Gainesville, is a tremendous advocate for families that depend on the Gardiner Scholarship to find the right educational support for children with special needs. But there are many more children who could benefit from a scholarship. It only takes a few minutes for Floridians to contact their lawmaker in the House and encourage them to join the Senate and increase funding to serve more families.
Highlights:
The House approved HB 523 this week, expanding opportunity for personalized learning.
Study shows ALL Florida schools do better when families have access to more educational options.
Interested in learning more about school choice or want to find out if your student is eligible for any scholarships? Here’s a new website that makes it easy!
What They Are Saying:
.@GovRonDeSantis has issued a proclamation observing Feb. as Career & Technical Education Month in FL! @EducationFL is committed to providing a world-class education to all FL students and expanding career and certification opportunities so that all can be successful.#CTEMonth pic.twitter.com/rGd6A1wc3N
— Florida Department of Education (@EducationFL) February 20, 2020
.@CBS12’s @SavanahResnik interviewed our 2020 #CTE Teacher of the Year, Ms. Karen Kane, at @wearesouthfork this afternoon. Savanah is a graduate of Ms. Kane’s TV Production class!
???? tonight at 5:55! #ALLINMartin???? pic.twitter.com/OwrxZUvNJa— Martin County School District (@MCSDFlorida) February 14, 2020
Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Department of Education have made ensuring all students can graduate on the right path to success in school, careers and in life a priority. Visit the ExcelinEd policy library for more information on this critical issue.
Legislative Update:
For years, public school students have been able to enroll in postsecondary courses without having to worry about the cost of tuition or textbooks. Both SB 1246 by Senator Kelli Stargel, R-Lakeland, and HB 187 by Reps.Ardian Zika, R-Land O’ Lakes, and Susan Valdes, D-Tampa, would provide the same support to home school students and those attending private school. SB 1246 has one committee stop left and HB 187 is ready for floor action.
HB 523 by Rep. Nick DiCeglie, R-Indian Rocks Beach, provides select districts with flexibility to tailor students’ education experience to meet their strengths, interests and needs. Students are encourages to play a greater role in their learning. Teachers have more autonomy to ensure each student has mastered key content and skills before they move on to new concepts. The bill was approved by the full House this week.
HB 171 by Rep. Mel Ponder, R-Destin, provides for a fair, uniform system for service members to receive college credit and career clock hours for postsecondary level training received while serving our country. The bill is now on third reading.