Topic: Graduation Standards

Lawmakers appropriated a record amount for public education, granted in-state tuition rates to undocumented immigrants and expanded a tax-credit scholarship program. .

Gov. Rick Scott received 58 bills Thursday. He has 15 days to sign or veto the bills before they would automatically become law.

School superintendents, district school board members, parents and teachers have all called for a suspension in awarding letter grades to public schools while the state transitions to new standards and tests. Thursday Sen. Montford filed a bill which would stop the practice for at least three years.

Lawmakers will confront the four horsemen of education during the 2014 legislative session when they revise the school accountability system. Initiatives affecting charter schools, regulations of early learning programs and tying budget increases for higher education to performance are also on the agenda.

School boards, superintendents and teachers all call for a time out on school grades while the state transitions to new standards and tests. The education commissioner says she has a better idea: Grades with no consequences for one year.

In the face of growing opposition to the Common Core State Standards, a House committee next week will consider expunging the words "Common Core" from the official record. Common Core opponents say they are not fooled and call the lawmakers attempt at rebranding "weak."

The measure would grant in-state tuition to the children of undocumented immigrants and those who were brought to this country as young children. Lawmakers have been filing similar proposals for nearly a decade. ... Related Research: Jan. 9, 2014 Press release, "Lawmakers Look To Address In-State Tuition For Undocumented Students In 2014 Legislature," and Statement from FDP Chair Allison Tant.

They say financial matters are far too important to be taught as part of another course and that it makes sense to teach how money works as a standalone course.

The chair of the Senate Education Committee wants to focus on the final two years of high school. He says often students get caught in a malaise of football games, prom and irrelevant coursework. John Legg intends to knock down "artificial barriers" to early enrollment in college and university.

Two of the pathways to a high school diploma created by a sweeping education bill falls short of the "rigorous" education promised by Common Core, according to a Core advocacy group. Lawmakers dismiss the criticism and say graduation requirements are "aligned" enough and ensure success in college and careers. ... Related Research: 2013 annual report from Achieve.

AT&T Florida President Marshall Criser III was picked Wednesday to be the university system chancellor. Gov. Rick Scott applauded the decision, saying Criser has the vision to enhance the university system's effectiveness. ... Related Research: Nov. 20, 2013 Board of Governors Chancellor Search Committee Recommendation, New Chancellor.

The Education Commissioner Pam Stewart on Thursday wound up her three-city series of public meetings, collecting more than 6,000 emails and comments on proposed academic benchmarks for public schools. She said she will provide the Board of Education with a summary in November so board members can decide how to proceed.

Controversial items such as Medicaid expansion or alternative plans, more tort reform measures and a move to a defined contribution pension system will be pushed by the Florida Chamber of Commerce and legislative leaders despite the election year, when lawmakers are seen to become more skittish.

Education Commissioner Pam Stewart has set up hearings to gather public comment about the state's language and math standards for public schools. Gov. Rick Scott called on her to provide the public with an opportunity to comment on ways to strengthen Florida education standards. ... Related Research: Press release,s "DOE: Department to Hold Public Meetings on Florida Standards" and "The Florida Stop Common Core Coalition Calls Out Gov. Scott on Common Core Standards Hearings.