The big story: Educators across Florida and the nation continue to explore the best and most appropriate uses of artificial intelligence in classrooms — an issue with heightened importance after President Donald Trump issued an executive order aimed at boosting AI’s school applications.
Hillsborough County schools lately have been testing the technology to assist students who are still learning English.
Officials say about three quarters of their classrooms have the equipment available for children to wear headsets that translate what they hear into one of 170 languages and also write it out on a tablet. The school board wants to expand the effort.
“It’s how the students feel within the classroom,” said board member Lynn Gray, a retired teacher. “The confidence.” Read more here.
Hot topics
Academic challenge: The Odyssey of the Mind team from one of Pasco County’s smallest and poorest elementary schools is headed to international competition.
Board members: Gov. Ron DeSantis has named a replacement to fill a recent vacancy on the Broward County school board, the Sun-Sentinel reports.
Diversity, equity and inclusion: Federal judges blocked the Trump administration’s move to stop diversity, equity and education programs in schools, Associated Press reports. The rulings came a day after the Palm Beach County school board revamped its policies to comply with the administration’s order, the Palm Beach Post reports.
Legislation: The House and Senate approved several bills on Thursday, sending them to their opposite chambers for further consideration. Among them, the House passed a measure making it easier to convert district schools to charter status, Florida Politics reports. • House and Senate leaders remain at odds over their budgets, meaning the session will not end on time, News Service of Florida reports. • The House adopted a bill to remove consideration of literary value when reviewing school books that contain material harmful to minors, WUSF reports. The Senate’s version stalled in committee.
President searches: Florida A&M University trustees recently unveiled four finalists in their search for a permanent president, News Service of Florida reports. A Leon County commissioner is calling on the board to suspend its search, calling its list of finalists weak and the process a farce, the Tallahassee Democrat reports.
School leadership: Two Hillsborough County schools are getting new principals.
Student rights: A Brevard County high school student faced a one-day suspension over a profanity-laced email regarding a teacher’s dismissal that she sent from home to a school board member. The district revoked the suspension amid a debate over students’ rights, Florida Today reports.
Student visas: Fifteen University of Central Florida international students have had their visas revoked, the Orlando Sentinel reports.
From the police blotter … A Manatee County charter school teacher was arrested on allegations of molestation of students, the Bradenton Herald reports.
Don’t miss a story. Here’s a link to yesterday’s roundup.
Before you go … Make today perfect.
