This week, Florida students will take part in the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test, known as the FCAT, a cornerstone of outcome-based education, strongly promoted by Florida GOP leaders since the late 1990s.
Parents, educators and supporters of public education will occupy the U.S. Department of Education in Washington, D.C., starting Friday to demand support for well-funded, high-quality public schools and an end to publicly funded private schools.
Despite the sound defeat of two ambitious, GOP-sponsored education bills during Florida’s 2012 legislative session, charter school lobbyists are vowing to be back next year.
The K-12 education Parent Empowerment in Education bill, also known as the “Parent Trigger” bill, is slated to go before the Florida Senate Thursday. The bill, which opponents have said is merely a push to privatize public schools, has already passed the House of Representatives.
Business and political leaders will participate this Wednesday in the Florida Coalition of Public School Options’ second annual “School Choice Day” in Tallahassee, in a show of support for charter schools.
“National School Choice Week” launched its nationwide activities in New Orleans over the weekend with the participation of celebrities and elected officials and a proclamation of support by at least 25 state governors, including Rick Scott.
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