2016 school grades released: Be in the know about how they're calculated
7/8/2016
The controversial “baseline” school grades for 2015 were released based on the new FSA test despite computer malfunctions, the omission of learning gains, and the vehement opposition from Florida’s Superintendents and others. This year, however, the State seems to have addressed the concerns that were raised from last year and have released school grades, that we are considering as true baseline grades. Here’s the scoop on how school grades are now calculated. (Image source: Florida Department of Education)
Read MoreStandards, testing and school grades: Understanding the changes
7/8/2016
Florida's standards, testing and school grading system has changed a lot over the last two years. Here's what you need to know to better understand the changes.
Read MoreHow does free and reduced lunch work?
7/7/2016
Recently, we published an Issue Review, in which free and reduced-price lunches were an important measurement for understanding the socio-economic structure of Duval public schools. In the process, we received some questions about free and reduced lunches like, “Is this data from the state the same as what the district reports?”, “What makes students eligible for free and reduced lunch?”, and “Is free and reduced lunch rate the same as the poverty rate?” Some answers we knew, some we didn’t. Wondering why some information was so difficult to find, we dug deeper to create a brief description of free and reduced lunch and how it functions.
Read MoreFree Pecha Kucha event will explore the question, "What makes a great teacher?"
7/6/2016
What makes a great teacher? It's not as simple as you think. The Jacksonville Public Education Fund and PB&J Jacksonville present an evening of high-energy speakers who are passionate about public education and with a wide variety of perspectives and answers to this question. Come to be inspired and energized by students, teachers and advocates, all with a different take on what makes a great educator.
Keep reading to learn more and RSVP.
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