Florida to receive additional $170M in Race to the Top funds
Florida will receive up to another $170 million in Race to the Top funds on top of the $700 million awarded to the state last week, according to Gov. Charlie Crist's office.
The Education Department is handing out $3.4 billion in Race to the Top grants that aim to reward changes in teaching programs and improve academic achievement.
Florida and New York received the most among the nine states and one city -- the District of Columbia -- that will share the money.
According to a statement released today by Crist's office, Florida is among 25 states that will receive even more funding. D.C. also is on the list for additional monies.
"Florida is once again being recognized for continued leadership in education reform," Crist said. The state “will work with out partnering states during the next four years to develop new and better ways to measure the knowledge and skills students gain in our classrooms.”
We reported last week that Brevard Public Schools' share of the Race to the Top reform grant competition money could amount to as much as $7.125 million. It was not immediately clear how the additional funds might impact Brevard.
Grant requirements will determine what the money can be used for.
About the photo: Students listen to 3rd grade teacher Linda Spracklin at Golfview Elementary in Rockledge. (2009 Florida Today file)
Florida Tech is getting high rankings from two separate publications.
The Washington Monthly 2010 placed Florida Tech first among private universities in Florida. The publication rates schools based on their contribution to the public good in three broad categories: social mobility, research and service.
“I believe that our diversity, acclaimed sponsored research projects, active service organizations and community involvement have all helped us to earn this recognition,” said Florida Tech President Anthony Catanese.
Forbes also listed Florida Tech among America’s Best Colleges in its recently published 2010 Special Report.Read more ...
Brevard Public Schools ranked fourth in the state among districts that received a grade of A based on student performance on last year's Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test exam, district officials said.
The Florida Department of Education produces school grades -- from A to D and F -- based on FCAT scores. The grades determine which schools receive bonus money or are penalized, and shape the way a school community thinks about itself.
School districts also are graded, based on a point system. A district must score 525 or more points to earn an A.
According to data unveiled at Tuesday night's school board meeting, Brevard tied for fourth place with Okaloosa County. Both districts earned 574 points.
St. Johns County ranked first, with 583 points. Gilchrist County ranked second, with 582 points. Seminole County was third, with 575 points.
District officials attributed Brevard's high ranking to hard work by all teachers and students in subjects across the board, regardless of income level.
They also pointed out that Brevard has more students that figure into its score than the other counties that came in ahead of the district.
Read more in an upcoming addition of FLORIDA TODAY.
About the photo: Kennedy Middle School Principal Richard Myers shows off a chart indicating the school's increase in FCAT scores from 2006 to 2009. (2009 Florida Today file)Read more ...
Two Florida Tech students are among 20 students in the country who were awarded NASA aeronautics scholarships.
Juniors Roderick Blevins of Maryville, Tenn., and Michael Sorrenti of Oakville, Conn. Blevins each received up to $15,000 per school year for education-related expenses.
They also get a summer internship at a NASA Research Center. A stipend of up to $10,000 is offered to students who conduct aeronautical research between their junior and senior year.
Blevins is a mechanical engineering major and Sorrenti is a computer engineering major.Read more ...
Mark Nelson, musical director at Satellite High, wants to personally thank the school's community.
Nearly $42,000 was sent to the school's orchestra as part of a flag fundraiser.
The group invested $6,000 to place flags in the front lawns of more than 10,000 homes. In return, they hoped to spread some patriotism and maybe recoup the money they invested in the project.
The Satellite High School Instrumental Music Department would like to thank the school communities for their generous outpouring of support in our music endeavors.
The care and commitment you have exhibited throughout our American Flag event has been tremendous.
Our goal was to provide every home in the community with an American Flag. We distributed 13,000 flags!
Your donations have only been a part of us helping to provide our students with the best possible music education and music experiences.
The addition of your personal triumphs and unfortunate family losses in military activities that you included with your donations touched the hearts of all the students an was an education in of itself.
They now understand your love and sacrifice for your country. Your love for America and what it stands for continues to shine, now in the eyes of these young adults.
Patriotism is alive in our community as many fly an American Flag and continue to display our gift of the American Flag.
Thank you once again for your support and God Bless America!
Mark P. Nelson Director of Instrumental Music Satellite High School Satellite Beach, FloridaRead more ...
Teachers and budding artists and writers in kindergarten through 12th grade are eligible to win prizes through contests sponsored by Gov. Charlie Crist's office as part of Hispanic Heritage Month.
Two or three winners will be chosen from each student contest category.
The categories include an art contest for students in kindergarten through 3rd grades. There are two separate essay contests for students in grades 4 through 5 and 6 through 12.
In the teacher contest, three educators – one each at the elementary, middle school and high school level – will win the Hispanic Heritage Month Excellence in Education Award.
The contests help highlight the anniversaries of several Latin American countries that celebrate their independence during Hispanic Heritage Month, which lasts Sept. 15 through Oct. 15.
At least seven Brevard Public Schools have open houses Tuesday night, and there are reports that this makes it inconvenient for some people to vote in today’s primary election.
Janet Eastman, president of the Brevard Teachers Federation union, said her office received several phone calls regarding the conflict.
She said the union encouraged people to vote early or by absentee ballot, but some people were not able to.
"Due to the early start of school and getting ready for it, many teachers and parents forgot about early voting and absentee voting,” Eastman said. “The district is trying to workout a method that allows people to vote and get back in time for open house so it’s a win, win situation for everyone.”
If this issue comes up again in the future, Eastman said the union will make sure there is a method that allows voters, whether they are teachers, parents or administrators, to get to the polls and attend open house.
Two Brevard County students received a $1,000 scholarship from the John Maryland Memorial Scholarship fund.
Malika Roberts and Jasmin Peek received the money presented by the Gamma Nu Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Roberts, a Rockledge High graduate, will pursue a medical career at Florida Atlantic University. She’s the daughter of Janice Roberts of Cocoa and the granddaughter of Essie Sanders of Rockledge.
Jasmin Peek, a graduate of Cocoa Beach High, will major in biology at Florida A & M. She is the daughter of Beatrice Turpin-Peeke of Cocoa Beach.
Judges who reviewed candidates’ essays were Gloria Johnson Jones, Beecher Whisenant, Khandia Pinkney, Dannye Williams and Gina Beckels.
Next year, the fraternity plans to award four scholarships at $500 each. The fraternity has awarded scholarships for more than 40 years in Brevard County, assisting hundreds of college-bound students achieve their career goals.
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity was founded at Howard University in Washington, D.C.
About the photo: Malika Roberts (left) and Jasmin Peek (right) each received $1,000 from the John Maryland Memorial Scholarship fund awarded by the Brevard County chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Rosetta Maryland presents the awards named in honor of her husband. Submitted photo.Read more ...
Friday, August 27 Last day for Florida Tech students to withdraw from a class with a full tuition refund and without receiving a grade of W.
About this photo: Candidates for Brevard County School Board speak at a forum earlier this month at Brevard Community College. Left to right are: Robert Jordan, Michael Krupp, Martin McClellan, Dean Paterakis and Andy Ziegler. Photo by Christina Stuart. Read more ...
U.S. News and World Report ranks Florida Tech high
Florida Tech is the second best private university in Florida, according to the 2011 U.S. News & World Report college rankings.
Florida Tech ranked no. 159 out of 1,400 schools. University of Miami was the only other private school in Florida to rank higher.
Florida Tech also was one of 197 schools to get the Tier 1 Best National University distinction.
According to the report, 27 percent of Florida Tech’s incoming freshmen are in the top 10 percent of their high school graduating class. That’s a 4 percent improvement over 2009.
It also said 55 percent of Florida Tech classes include 20 or fewer students, 2 percent more than last year.
Over the past two decades, the U.S. News college rankings has grouped schools based on categories created by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. It is used as a comprehensive research tool for students and parents considering higher education opportunities.
About this photo: Florida Tech president Anthony Catanese congratulates a graduate at the spring 2010 commencement ceremony. Photo by Michael Brown.Read more ...
Johnson Middle instructor still teaching after arrest
A Johnson Middle business teacher is still in the classroom despite being arrested last week for fraud at a car dealership he owned.
Daniel A. Jacobs, 39, of Rockledge, sold vehicles in which he installed odometers reading thousands of miles less than the originals, police said.
Jacobs and another man were arrested Aug. 10 at Originality Autos Inc., an 11-year-old dealership based in a warehouse near Sarno Road and Eau Gallie Boulevard.
Listed as the company's owner and president, Jacobs was charged with six counts of selling a motor vehicle with an altered odometer, a third-degree felony.
He came to Brevard Public Schools in July 1997 and has been the business teacher at Johnson since 1998.
The charges he faces are not those by law that require he be removed from the classroom, according to district spokeswoman Christine Davis. If he is convicted or pleads guilty he could be terminated.
Examples of when an arrested employee would be removed from the classroom include charges of abuse, extreme violence or a sexual offense.
"The district is following the proper legal procedures in this situation,” Davis said.
She added that if his presence created a disruption, district officials could consider removing him from the classroom. However, even if removed from the classroom, Jacobs is still legally entitled to his salary until terminated by the district.
His district file shows no disciplinary remarks during his employment.
Jacobs did not respond to a telephone message or an e-mail.
Read Friday's FLORIDA TODAY for more details.Read more ...
Linda Miedema, Brevard Community College's Titusville provost for two years has a new position at the college.
Miedema is associate vice president for planning and assessment, overseeing strategic planning methods and the college’s accreditation process.
She began with the college in 2001 as an assistant professor and worked her way up with positions like dean and associate provost.
Before joining the college, Miedema was a nurse for more than 25 years in Florida and Michigan.
In her new position Miedema will report to newly hired Vice President of Planning and Assessment Bob Shearer. Together they will lead a college-wide model for the planning and assessment of academic strategic planning initiatives and assessment methods.
“I am very excited to have this opportunity to work in planning and assessment,” Miedema said. “It is an opportunity to make a real difference in the quality of education for our students.”
Miedema has a bachelor’s of science in nursing from Northern Michigan University, a master's of science in administration with a specialty in nursing from Madonna University and a doctorate in education from Capella University.
Taking over for Miedema at the Titusville campus is Cathy Cady.
The former associate provost is now the interim Titusville provost.
Cady came to BCC in 2007 as the director of retention. Since 2008, she has served as an associate provost on both the Melbourne and Titusville campuses.
"I am very happy to have this opportunity to serve the BCC students, staff and faculty here in Titusville and continue the tradition of community outreach providing a quality education to all who attend our campus,” Cady said.
Cady has a bachelor's in Communications from University of Central Florida and a master's in liberal arts with a certificate in adult learning, training and development from Regis University.
She is working on her doctorate in leadership and education from Capella University.
About this Photo: Linda Miedema, BCC's associate vice president for planning and assessment. Photo provided by BCC.Read more ...
BCC eliminates position of Chief Equity and Diversity Officer
The position of Brevard Community College's Chief Equity and Diversity Officer was eliminated, less than a year after it was created.
Alberta Wilson was let go in late July. She was hired in November at a salary of $150,000.
Her assistant's position also was eliminated. A third staffer in that office was reassigned.
BCC President Jim Drake said the responsibilities will be divided up among current staffers.
This way employees won't have to travel to the Cocoa campus to share concerns. Previously, they had to carve out time to visit the chief equity and diversity officer on the Cocoa campus, a hassle for some on the Titusville or Palm Bay campuses.Read more ...
Here are some education-related events taking place this week in Brevard County.
Are we missing something for this week? Add it below in the comments section.
If there's an upcoming event you want added to future posts, e-mail it to education@floridatoday.com
Monday, August 16 Classes start at Florida Tech and Brevard Community College
Brevard Community College Board of Trustees meeting Time: 9 a.m. Location: Carver Administration Building, Room 231, Cocoa campus
Brevard Community College Welcome Back Event The student government association will hold corn hole tournaments, provide an inflatable obstacle course, a rock wall, games, contests, prizes. Time: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Location: Cocoa campus, by the Lake, behind the student services center and the amphitheater.
Tuesday, August 17 Brevard Community College Welcome Back Event The student government association will hold corn hole tournaments, provide an inflatable obstacle course, a rock wall, games, contests, prizes. Time: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Location: Cocoa campus, by the Lake, behind the student services center and the amphitheater.
Wednesday, August 18 Brevard Community College Welcome Back Event The Fall Term 2010 Welcome Back Tailgate Party will include a cornhole tournament, rock wall, free food, and Osman Lincoln Mercury trucks will be on display. Students also will have a chance to meet and greet BCC Titans Athletes – Men’s & Women’s Basketball, Softball, Baseball, Golf, Volleyball. Time: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Location: Melbourne campus, Melissa Prevatt Pavilion
Brevard Community College Welcome Back Event Pizza and Welcome Back table set up for evening students. Time: 4 p.m. - 6 p.m,. Location: Melbourne campus, Melissa Prevatt Pavilion
Thursday, August 19 Brevard Community College Welcome Back Event At Splish, Splash Pool Bash there will be ice cream, games and giveaways. Students are encouraged to bring their families to the Pool party. This event is free to all participants. YMCA also is offering a week long guest pass to students on the first week of classes. Time: 12 p.m. - 3 p.m. Location: Cocoa campus, YMCA
About this photo: Students attending Florida Tech are moving into the Roberts Hall dorm before the first day of classes today.Photo by Michael Brown.Read more ...
Don't forget the back-to-school tax holiday starts today and ends midnight Sunday.
It lifts sales tax on certain school supplies priced less than $10 and certain books, clothing, footwear and accessories less than $50.
This weekend is the first back-to-school tax holiday since 2007. The popular measure failed to pass in the state Senate the last two years because of tight budgets.
About this photo: Lisa Seymour and her daughters Laura, 8, and Amy, 11 shop for school supplies at Target in the Hammock Landings shopping center in West Melbourne last month. Photo by Craig Bailey.Read more ...
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