florida schools

A new study from PEN America reveals that there were nearly 12,000 book bans in public schools over the past year, the highest since tracking began five years ago. Stephen King remains the most banned author for the second year. Many bans occur in Florida and Texas, where restrictive laws and political pressure have increased removals.

In concert, state bodies governing public pre-K through Ph.D. students are implementing policies addressing safety and classroom use of artificial intelligence.

The rule applies to AI and AI instructional tools, which are defined as software applications or services that use AI.

Publishers acceded to state requests watering down information on climate change's impact, WUSF/Hechinger Report investigation finds. Now the state has turned to updating its science standards.

As Florida students settle back into their desks, there are a few new laws on the books, including required testing of cursive writing and providing teachers more training to work with students with autism.

This year's Florida Assessment of Student Thinking results show four Tampa-area districts received an A, but some parents and educators are not convinced the state's standards encourage excellence.

The Florida Department of Education cannot account for US$270 million it has spent through its school choice program. That’s according to a November 2025 state audit of the department.

In a telephone-only board meeting, the panel voted to require all students admitted to the state’s 28 colleges to be a U.S. citizen or “lawfully present in the United States.” The state colleges, once known as community colleges, must require students to present documentation before enrolling.

The latest findings by researchers at Harvard and Stanford are based on 2024-25 state test results, combined with national assessment data, to pinpoint trends in learning.

Districts have until May 18 to sign up for the new pilot program. The statewide implementation of the new course is slated for 2027-2028 school year.

Cursive writing will be a revived practice after Gov. Ron DeSantis signed an amended teacher training and mentoring bill into law, which requires cursive instruction for Florida students in grades three through five.

The Florida Department of Education appointed a financial board to both Union and Glades counties' school districts to help with "operations, management and finances and to make recommendations for financial recovery."