Lawmakers Unveil Legislation To Limit Testing Time
February 16, 2017
Leading members of the House and Senate unveiled legislation Wednesday that they said could help reduce the amount of time Florida public school students spend on standardized tests during the school year.
But lawmakers admitted that the proposal (HB 773, SB 926), dubbed the “Fewer, Better Tests” legislation, would not explicitly do away with any exams.
The proposal would require the state’s language arts and math tests to be administered in the last three weeks of a school year, with the exception of the 3rd-grade reading exam.
It also requires that the scores for any tests used by local school districts be provided to teachers within a week, instead of the month currently allowed by law. And it calls for the state to conduct a study of whether college-entrance exams are closely aligned with Florida’s high school standards, with an eye on potentially using them as at least a partial replacement for the state’s graduation tests.
The proposal comes amid a continuing stream of complaints from parents that children in Florida’s schools are over-tested. Lawmakers at the press conference said they had heard the gripes.
“We got the message from parents and teachers about how they feel about the testing process, the anxiety that some of their students feel and really the common-sense approach of what they need and what kind of tools they need to make sure that their children or that their students are getting a year’s worth of learning in a year’s worth of time,” said Rep. Chris Sprowls, R-Palm Harbor.
Sprowls is set to become the speaker of the House after the 2020 elections.
The legislation is backed by the influential Foundation for Florida’s Future, an organization founded by former Gov. Jeb Bush to guard his work on education accountability. The foundation and other testing supporters have come under siege from the public pushback against testing in recent years.
Still, the legislation, highlighted at an event Wednesday at the Capitol, doesn’t get rid of any of the exams that parents, students and teachers have complained about.
“It doesn’t eliminate any tests,” Sen. Anitere Flores of Miami, the No. 2 Republican in the Senate, said in response to a reporter’s question.
When the reporter underscored the title that lawmakers gave the legislation, she pointed out that it would limit the amount of time when school districts can administer exams.
“It does reduce the testing window, but I don’t know if actually eliminates any tests,” Flores said.
Supporters said the one-week window for local tests was aimed at prompting districts to get rid of any exams that couldn’t meet that standard.
Rep. Manny Diaz Jr., R-Hialeah, said the local tests contributed more to the current backlash from parents than the state assessments, as districts try to measure their students ahead of the state exams.
“That’s what produced, I think, the overwhelming feeling that kids are just being over-tested anywhere,” said Diaz, who chairs the House subcommittee that oversees public school spending. “A lot of those tests are local because districts just want to see where their students are. And I don’t blame them. But, unfortunately, we have to clear the path for learning to go on.”
After the event, Diaz told a reporter he didn’t think there were too many state tests, but added, “I think we always have to evaluate that, because things change.”
Whether the bills could command support from groups like the Florida Education Association, the state’s main teachers union and one of the organizations pushing back on over-testing, remains unclear. Mark Pudlow, a spokesman for the FEA, said in an email that the group was still studying the proposal.
“There are some elements of the proposal we agree with, others that may be concerning,” Pudlow said. “We’ll be seeking clarification on some of those areas of concern.”
The legislation at least makes some nods in the direction of specific ideas that have been floated to help lighten the testing load in Florida, but doesn’t go as far as more sweeping suggestions.
For example, Sen. David Simmons, an Altamonte Springs Republican who chairs the Senate’s education budget-writing panel, has said there is “a good chance” that legislation he is planning to address testing will recommend doing away high school tests not required by federal law. The bill unveiled Wednesday would not do that.
And Sen. Tom Lee, R- Thonotosassa, has pushed for the state to allow at least some students to use scores on national tests like the SAT and the Preliminary SAT in lieu of state assessments, like the high-school graduation exam.
Diaz emphasized the need to study how well those tests line up with the state’s education standards before going down that road.
“All of those conversations have occurred without us taking an actual deep-dive look at whether that is actually even viable,” he said.
During a committee meeting last month, that argument didn’t appear to persuade Lee.
“If you have a child that is performing well on the PSAT to the point where they’re then going on to make (a high score) on the SAT, what else do we need to know?” he said.
“And if they’re not doing as well as we hope to on our (state tests) after accomplishing those scores on the PSAT and the SAT, maybe it’s our standards that are the problem, not the test.”
by The News Service of Florida
Cool Day, Cold NIght With A Weekend Warmup
February 16, 2017
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 64. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the afternoon.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 37. Calm wind.
Friday: Increasing clouds, with a high near 70. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Friday Night: Showers likely. Cloudy, with a low around 49. South wind around 5 mph becoming east after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Saturday: A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 68. East wind around 5 mph.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 51. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 75. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 53. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph after midnight.
Washington’s Birthday: Sunny, with a high near 77.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 55.
Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 77.
Tuesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58.
Wednesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 73.
Slayton Wins State Music Educator’s Award
February 16, 2017
Bill Slayton has been named the Florida Music Education Association District School Board Member of the Year. The award is presented annual to an individual for outstanding contributions over an extended period of time to music education throughout Florida as well as nationally.
Slayton represents the North Escambia area as the District 5 member on the Escambia County School Board.
Slayton holds bachelor and master’s degrees in music education from the University of Southern Mississippi, served as band director for Tate High School’s “Showband of the South” from 1971 to 1987 and served as fine arts supervisor for the Escambia County School District from 1987 to 1991. From 1991 until 2007, he moved into administration for the school district, serving as assistant principal and principal at Woodham High and principal at George Stone Technical Center.
Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate, Northview Players Named To All State Football Teams
February 16, 2017
FloridaHSFootball.com has released their 2016-2017 All State Teams. Several Tate and Northview high school players were selected:
Tate/Class 6A
FIRST TEAM OFFENSE
ATH — Jake Henry, Sr., Tate
1,647 yds passing, 20 TDs; 1,168 yds rushing, 13 TDs
SECOND TEAM DEFENSE
DB — Patrick Palmer, So., Tate
31 tackles, 7 INTs, 4 PBUs, 1 FR
SECOND TEAM SPECIALISTS
LS — Raymond Freeman, Sr., Tate
Northview/Class 1A
FIRST TEAM DEFENSE
AP — Luke Ward, Sr., Northview
47 tackles, 3 TFL, 4 INTs, 3 FF, 1 defensive TD; 1,121 yds passing, 12 TDs, 9 INTs, 1,117 yards rushing, 14 TDs; 24.5 yards avg. per punt return
ATH — Ohijie Elliot, Sr., Northview
113 tackles, 11.5 TFL, 4 sacks, 1 FF; 103 yds receiving, 1 TD
SECOND TEAM OFFENSE
WR — Neikel Robinson, Jr., Northview
48 rec, 818 yds, 6 TDs; 1 two-point conversion; 15 tackles, 4 INTs, 1 defensive TD at safety
HONORABLE MENTION
OL:Justin Helton, Jr., Northview
DL:Jared Aliff, Sr. Northview
LB:Alston Wiggins, Sr., Northview;Hunter Edwards, Sr., Northview
Pictured: Luke Ward (top) and Neikel Robinson (below). NorthEscambia.com photos.
Bratt Elementary Names February Students Of The Month
February 16, 2017
The following students (pictured above) were named Students of the Month for February at Bratt Elementary School.
Bentley Alexander
Troy Ard
Waylon Bell
Ethan Bingham
Camden Clarke
Jerick Cooper
Kylar Davis
Carson Eady
Mayson Edwards
Evelyn Esparza
Jamison Gilman
Logan Kaul
Kaylee Long
Adalynn Lowery
Anyla McNeir
William Plato
Colby Pugh
Madison Rice (not pictured)
Maggie Stewart
Avery Stuckey
Kennedy Ward
Mi’Kavion White
Mya Wilson
Jasmine Zisa
The students pictured below, Madison Rice and Mya Wilson, were chosen to represent Bratt Elementary School as Escambia County Students of the Month for February.
Cantonment Man Arrested For May 2016 Hit And Run Crash
February 15, 2017
A Cantonment man on the lam since a 2016 hit and run crash in Cantonment is now behind bars.
Colby Chase Myrick, 26, is charged with leaving the scene of a crash with injuries, leaving the scene of a crash with property damage, driving while license revoked habitual, reckless driving with injuries, driving while license expired more than six months and tampering with evidence. He also faces citations for failure to report a crash and failure to provide insurance in a crash. He was booked into the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $23,000.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Myrick was traveling northbound on Wegner Avenue approaching Mintz Lane on May 31, 2016, when he failed to stop at a yield sign and struck a Toyota Avalon driven by 71-year old Elizabeth Harris of Cantonment.
The Toyota left the roadway and struck a concrete table and landscaping at 302 Wegner Avenue, while Myrick fled fled the scene in a Dodge Ram northbound on Wegner Avenue. Harris and her six-year old passenger suffered minor injuries.
Over two weeks later, the 1996 Dodge Ram was located on Well Line Road and positively identified as the vehicle involved in the crash. The vehicle was identified by a piece of the front grill left behind at the crash scene with a chrome skull with two guns mounted to the front.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
fffffffffffffffffffffffffffToday Marks One Year Since Century Tornado
February 15, 2017
Today marks the one anniversary of what has become known simply as the “Century Tornado”.
The tornado first touched down southwest of Lambert Bridge Road southwest of McDavid at 3:32 p.m. on February 15, 2016. The first EF-2 intensity damage was on Holland Road where a workshop was destroyed. As it moved into Century, the tornado reach peak intensity with widespread EF-2 damage with isolated EF-3 level damage that destroyed numerous homes.
The tornado continued to track across the state line into Alabama with EF-2 damage on Old Fannie Road east of Flomaton. The tornado continued toward Pollard, AL, where it weakened and lifted at 3:55 p.m.
The EF-3 tornado was on the ground 16.5 miles with a path up to 300 yards wide.
For a photo gallery from February 15, 2015, click here.
For a photo gallery featuring the Century UMC, click here.
For an additional damage photo gallery, click here.
For a photo gallery from Gov. Rick Scott’s visit to Century, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Back In The 30’s Tonight
February 15, 2017
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 37. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 63. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the afternoon.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 37. Calm wind.
Friday: Increasing clouds, with a high near 70. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Friday Night: Showers likely. Cloudy, with a low around 49. South wind around 5 mph becoming east after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Saturday: A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 68. East wind around 5 mph.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 51. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 76. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 52. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph after midnight.
Washington’s Birthday: Sunny, with a high near 77.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 55.
Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 77.
Tuesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58.
Wednesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 73.
Century Canvassing Board To Meet For February Special Election
February 15, 2017
The Century Canvassing Board for the February 28 Special Election will meet at the following times, at the Century Town Hall:
- 9:00 a.m., Tuesday, February 21, 2017 – Canvassing Board Orientation and Logic and Accuracy Testing of Voting Equipment.
- 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 28, 2017 – process vote-by- mail ballots, canvass precinct results, and perform any other duties that may be prescribed by law. The sealed vote-by-mail ballots will be available for public inspection prior to processing.
- 9:00 a.m., Friday, March 3, 2017 – process provisional ballots, certify the election, and conduct the Post Election Audit.
It may become necessary for the Century Canvassing Board to reconvene at times or places other than those pecified above. If so, the location, date and time will be announced at the conclusion of the pertinent meeting, posted online at EscambiaVotes.com and posted on the doors at the Supervisor of Elections Office and Century Town Hall.
All Century Canvassing Board meetings are open to the public.
Scott Tax Cut Plan Draws Doubts
February 15, 2017
Gov. Rick Scott may be “a little ambitious” in seeking $618.4 million in tax cuts, a key lawmaker said Tuesday, while others said the proposed cuts favor corporations over individual Floridians.
House Ways & Means Chairman Jim Boyd, in saying the governor’s recommendation may be “a little ambitious,” acknowledged the proposal might not fit with the state’s current tight budget and that the House is working on its own proposal that likely won’t be as large.
“I don’t have a number in mind,” Boyd, R-Bradenton, said after his committee reviewed Scott’s proposal. “I mean $600 million is pretty strong. I’d love for his number to be correct, because that means we’re in better shape than we think we are in terms of the money that will be available to use.”
Scott’s proposal features a reduction in a tax on commercial leases, an increased corporate-income tax exemption and a number of sales-tax “holidays” for consumers.
Meanwhile, Boyd said the House continues to look at preventing an increase in local property taxes as part of the state’s school-funding formula, a move that could amount to more than $400 million.
“Hopefully we’ve got some other ideas and other ways that we want to put money back in taxpayers’ pockets,” Boyd said. “We certainly have a list of priorities, and it’s just a matter of what we can fund at the end of the day.”
Boyd’s comments add more doubt to the possibility that Scott will get tax cuts in the amount and shape he wants.
Last year, Scott sought more than $1 billion in tax cuts, but legislators facing diminishing revenue projections agreed on a package that totaled $129 million, which included a Scott priority to eliminate a sales tax on manufacturing equipment.
However, lawmakers took credit for much larger “tax relief” by including money used to hold down local property taxes that would otherwise go into the school-funding formula.
Rep. Evan Jenne, D-Dania Beach, said that while Scott’s new tax-cut requests appear “sound and logical and they make sense,” the majority of the savings will end up in corporate hands rather than with “everyday, individual Floridians.”
“I understand that a lot of these are smaller businesses, but nonetheless it’s an overall economic theory, and it’s overt at this point when you look at these numbers,” Jenne said.
The cuts are built into Scott’s proposed $83.5 billion budget for the fiscal year that starts July 1. The proposal is $1.2 billion more than the current year’s spending plan and seeks to boost education funding, cut spending on hospitals and adjust pay for corrections officers and state law enforcement.
The tax-cut package has eight main components, with each proposed to some degree in past years.
The prime feature is a proposed reduction on a commercial lease tax, from 6 percent to 4.5 percent. That would save $454.4 million on state and local taxes in next fiscal year.
Scott also is taking another crack at lowering corporate income taxes. Current law exempts the first $50,000 of a corporation’s income from the tax. By increasing the exemption to $75,000, as he has sought in past years, the governor’s office estimates that 2,500 businesses would be exempt having to pay the tax and another 11,500 would get a savings.
Scott was able to increase the exemption from $5,000 to $25,000 in 2011 and to $50,000 a year later.
Christian Weiss, a policy coordinator in Scott’s Office of Policy and Budget, said business savings are expected to be used to add jobs and increase capital investments.
“A lot of the businesses that pay the commercial rent taxes are small businesses, they are sole proprietorships, they’re partnerships, and to the extent they don’t have to pay this tax anymore … it’s a significant amount of money that they will no longer have to pay,” Weiss told the committee. “Any cost (savings) to the business goes straight into their income or into their investment possibility.”
For most Floridians, the biggest features of the tax package is a series of sales-tax “holidays.”
A 10-day period for “back-to-school” shopping in August would allow Floridians to avoid paying sales taxes on clothing and footwear priced at $100 or less, on school supplies at $15 or less, and on the first $750 of the prices of personal computers. The holiday is collectively projected to save shoppers $72 million.
A Veterans Day discount period in November would last three days and mix the school holiday discounts with lifting sales taxes on books under $50, recreational equipment up to $100, and televisions and household appliances up to $1,000. The holiday savings is estimated at $18.4 million.
A nine-day holiday period on hurricane supplies is expected to save $6.9 million by exempting such items as self-powered lights, radios, waterproof sheeting, portable generators, shutters, gas tanks, batteries, food storage coolers and reusable ice.
Also, sales taxes would be lifted on certain camping and fishing gear on July 1, the start of the 2017-2018 fiscal year. The one-day holiday would exempt pop-up shelters, sleeping bags, canoes, life vests, bug spray, first-aid kits and flashlights. The savings to Floridians is projected at $500,000.
The governor also wants to revive a tax break on college and university textbooks, projected to save students $48 million, and exempt school book fairs from having to collect sales taxes, a $3 million savings.
The proposal also seeks to lift fees on military veterans getting commercial driver’s licenses or for citizens over 80 surrendering their driver’s licenses or renewing identification cards.
by Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida