The part of Florida's embattled investment fund for local governments that remains open received the best possible rating Friday from Standard & Poor's. ...more

December 22, 2007

A confidential, nationwide list of 24,500 teachers who have been punished for a wide array of offenses was made available to the public Friday by a Florida newspaper. ...more

December 21, 2007

Pasco County leaders on Thursday unanimously agreed to withdraw the maximum 15 percent, or $65 million, from a state investment pool as they wait for assurances that the fund can remain solvent. ...more

December 7, 2007

SEBRING — A software program originally developed to improve the singing of children and adults also helps students improve their reading. The program, SingingCoach from Electronic Leaning Products, Inc., Tampa, teaches users to sing in tune and in rhythm while providing real-time pitch tracking. The University of South Florida performed a study, with sixth, seventh and eighth-graders to determine its effect on the reading fluency and comprehension of struggling readers. ...more

December 6, 2007

SEBRING — As more students use Florida Virtual School, school districts face the reality of funding losses. The Highlands County School District is proposing a way to receive funding for some students who are taking online courses. If a student takes an online class during the school day, that takes a tremendous amount of funding away from the school district, School Board Chairman J. Ned Hancock said. But those virtual classes may be the only opportunity for the district's students to take certain courses. ...more

December 3, 2007

Gov. Charlie Crist and two other top state officials suspended withdrawals from a state-operated investment pool Thursday, abruptly halting a run by local governments spooked over the downgrade of its mortgage-related holdings. ...more

November 30, 2007

The Hernando County School Board is not giving up control of the district's charter schools. ...more

November 25, 2007

LAND O' LAKES - Teachers would receive pay raises averaging 4.05 percent under a tentative contract agreement reached between the Pasco County School District and the union representing school employees. ...more

November 21, 2007

With hundreds of families clamoring for a spot in the school next year, Terrace Community Middle has no problem filling its seats. ...more

November 21, 2007

SEBRING — How many unexcused absences are too many? School Board Member Andy Tuck is alarmed at the nearly 7,700 unexcused absences district-wide in the first nine weeks of school. It's hard to hold teachers accountable when kids don't come to school, he said. Several students have already missed more than 10 days of school. Highlands County School District data shows 43 middle school students (1.5 percent) were absent 10 or more days during the first nine weeks of the school year. At the elementary level, 57 students (1 percent) were absent 10 or more days during the same time period, Aug. 20 through Oct. 24. At the high school level, only five students (one-tenth of 1 percent) were absent 10 or more days. ...more

November 9, 2007