Senate Plan Would Lead To Fewer Student Tests
April 4, 2017
An effort to scale back standardized testing in Florida schools gained approval from a key Senate committee Monday after a last-minute flurry of amendments aimed at gaining bipartisan support.
The Senate Education Committee unanimously backed the revised measure (SB 926), which would require school districts to begin testing later in the year, eliminate requirements on four end-of-course tests in high school and allow students who do well enough on college-entrance and other advanced exams to skip some state tests.
But the legislation could run into problems in the House, where lawmakers have traditionally been more hesitant about rolling back testing requirements and have moved forward with a less-aggressive approach.
The Senate bill is the result of weeks of discussion that involved the sponsor, Sen. Anitere Flores, R-Miami; Sen. David Simmons, an Altamonte Springs Republican who chairs the chamber’s education budget-writing committee; and Sen. Bill Montford, a Tallahassee Democrat and head of the Florida Association of District School Superintendents.
The legislation also includes components important to Sen. Tom Lee, a Thonotosassa Republican who spearheaded an effort to block the bill in committee last week over concerns that it wasn’t far-reaching enough.
“This is a result of not just working together over the last week, but really working together over the last several months with Senator Montford, with Senator Simmons and with others,” Flores told reporters after Monday’s meeting.
It also marks a departure from years of policy aimed at tying testing more closely to education practices. For example, the state would no longer require school districts to base part of teachers’ pay on a formula developed by the Florida Department of Education that measures student learning but critics say is convoluted and unfair.
One of the more significant concessions to critics of the “Fewer, Better Tests” legislation is that the Senate version now would repeal the requirement of end-of-course tests in civics, U.S. history, geometry and Algebra II. Students still would have to take at least one math exam in high school, something senators said was a federal requirement.
That would dramatically dial back the number of standardized tests some students would have to take during high school.
“That’s what we had for years, and then we changed it and we put in the end-of-course exams, and so now the state and the citizens are asking us to recalibrate what we did,” Flores said.
Provisions allowing students to use tests like the SAT, ACT, Advanced Placement exams and other national assessments were pushed by Lee for years.
“To the extent that we can utilize those tests, there’s a chance that we can help (students) to avoid having to take duplicative tests,” he said Monday.
However, the amendments to the Senate bill — many of which were approved with little discussion in the waning moments of the committee meeting — also created differences with the House version (HB 773).
That legislation, which mirrors Flores’ original bill, would also 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 third-grade reading exam.
But the state would only 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 bill also includes reporting standards for local exams, which supporters say could cause some of those tests to be jettisoned. However, House members haven’t yet adopted language that would do away with end-of-course testing requirements.
by Brandon Larrabee, The News Service of Florida
International Paper Resumes Full Operations
April 4, 2017
International Paper’s Pensacola Mill in Cantonment, Fla., has successfully resumed full operations following a digester incident that occurred on January 22, 2017. The company, with the assistance of independent third-party experts, has implemented enhanced procedures and protections across the enterprise to prevent the recurrence of such an incident.
“We are pleased to report that full operations at our Pensacola site have resumed,” said Tim Nicholls, senior vice president, International Paper. “Our primary focus remains on ensuring the health and safety of our employees, contractors and community members – along with providing our customers the excellent service they have come to expect,” added Nicholls.
Including capital expenses, the company estimates total costs related to the incident will be between $80 and $120 million. The majority of these costs are expected to be recovered through insurance coverage.
Pictured top: Emergency crews on the scene following an explosion January 22 at International Paper in Cantonment. Pictured below: First responders coordinate their response efforts from a command post at IP shortly after the explosion. Pictured bottom: A vehicle that was passing the mill at the time of the explosion covered in black liquor from the explosion. NorthEscambia.com file photos.
Century Correctional Institution Inmate Assaults Officer
April 4, 2017
On March 22, an inmate assaulted a correctional officer at Century Correctional Institution, according to information recently released by the Florida Department of Corrections.
Inmate Michael Corrales assaulted the officer at approximately 6:10 p.m. Corrales struck the officer several times in the face and head. Staff responded appropriately, and the inmate was subdued, according to FDOC.
Medical staff examined the officer and noted minor injuries.
Corrales will receive a disciplinary report for this assault. He is serving a life sentence for second degree murder and armed burglary .
One Injured In Highway 29, Highway 97 Crash
April 4, 2017
One person was injured in a two vehicle crash just before noon Monday at the intersection of Highway 29 and Highway 97 in Molino.
Two cars collided in the intersection. One came to rest in the northbound lanes of Highway 29; the second came hit an embankment and came to rest of a drainage culvert in front of the Tom Thumb.
One person was transported by Escambia County EMS to an area hospital with injuries that were not considered life threatening.
Further details on the crash has not been released as the Florida Highway Patrol continues their investigation. The Molino, Cantonment and McDavid stations of Escambia Fire Rescue also responded to the accident.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Man Indirectly Hit By Lightning On UWF Campus
April 3, 2017
One person on the campus of University of West Florida was evaluated after a lightning strike just before noon.
The indirect lighting hit was reported on the UWF campus at 11:54 a.m. The man was said to be alert and orientated. He was evaluated by Escambia County EMS but refused transport to the hospital.
File photo.
Rain Leads To Several Minor Accidents
April 3, 2017
Heavy rain was a likely contributor to several minor accidents around the North Escambia area Monday morning.
On the Florida Highway in Escambia County, AL, the driver of a vehicle lost control and rolled over in a field (pictured above). The accident happened just a few yards north of the Alabama/Florida line, just north of Highway 99 and State Line Road/Old Bratt Road. The driver of the vehicle reportedly refused medical treatment at the scene. The Atmore Fire Department, Atmore Ambulance and the Escambia County (AL) Sheriff’s Office responded. The accident is under investigation by Alabama State Troopers. The Walnut Hill Station of Escambia Fire Rescue was also dispatched.
The driver of another vehicle lost control on Highway 29 just north of Champion Drive in McDavid (pictured below). The vehicle entered the median and struck a signpost. There were no injuries. The McDavid Station of Escambia Fire Rescue and Escambia County EMS responded.
The driver of a third vehicle lost control on Highway 95A near Williams Ditch Road and ran into a wooded area. The Cantonment Station of Escambia Fire Rescue responded. There were no injuries.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enalarge.
Storm Sends Tree Down Onto Highway 31
April 3, 2017
High winds during a morning storm sent a tree down partially across Highway 31 in Flomaton, west of Highway 29. The Flomaton Fire Department, the Century Station of Escambia Fire Rescue and other personnel worked to clear the tree. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia County Emergency Operations Center Partially Activated
April 3, 2017
As potentially severe weather moved through the area Monday morning, the Escambia County Emergency Operations Center was activated at a Level 2, or partial evacuation. That allowed county staff to be r eady to respond in case severe weather impacted the area. It also allowed staff to monitor the storm and be ready in the event of an emergency. In a partial activation, only specific emergency support functions under the county’s emergency plan are called in. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
‘Life Threatening Injuries’ During Inmate Altercation At Century Prison
April 3, 2017
UPDATED — Three inmates were involved in an altercation Sunday at Century Correctional Institution that left one in critical condition. At least two o the two inmates were reportedly cut or stabbed.
“Three inmates were injured as a result of an apparent inmate-on-inmate altercation at Century Correctional Institution,” according to a statement from the Florida Department of Corrections. “All three inmates were transported to a nearby medical facility, one inmate for the treatment of life-threatening injuries.”
Two ambulances and later a medical helicopter were called to the facility on Tedder Road Sunday afternoon. The names and conditions of the inmates have not been released. There were no injuries reported to corrections officers or other staff.
The incident is currently under investigation by the Department of Correction’s Office of the Inspector General.
FDOT: Weekly Traffic Alerts
April 3, 2017
Drivers will encounter traffic variations on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- Interstate 10 (I-10) Routine Sign Maintenance from Escambia Bay Bridge to U.S. 29- Alternating east and westbound lane restrictions from 8 p.m. Monday, April 3 to 5 a.m. Tuesday, April 4 as crews make repairs to signs.
- I-10 under County Road (C.R.) 99 Bridge Maintenance Work- Eastbound lane closure from 12 a.m. to 5 a.m. Thursday, April 6 as crews perform bridge work.
- 9th Avenue (State Road (S.R.) 289) over I-10 Routine Bridge Maintenance- Intermittent and alternating lane closures from 8 p.m. Monday, April 3 to 5 a.m. Tuesday, April 4 as crews replace bridge joints.
- Perdido Key Drive (S.R. 292) Resurfacing from the Alabama State line to the ICWW (Theo Baars Bridge) – Drivers can expect intermittent, isolated daytime lane restrictions Monday, April 3 through Friday, April 7 as crews complete miscellaneous construction activities on the project. Drivers can expect minor delays.
- U.S. 29 at North Tate School Road Turn lane construction in Gonzales – The northbound, outside and southbound (left) turn lane will be closed from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday, April 3 through Friday, April 7 as crews extend the southbound (left) turn lane, install a new northbound (right) turn lane, and construct a new driveway at Arby’s.
- Nine Mile Road (S.R. 10) south of Scenic Hills Drive Turn Lane Construction- Eastbound lane closure from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday, April 3, Tuesday, April 4 and westbound Wednesday, April 5 and Thursday, April 6 as crews construct right turn lanes on Nine Mile Road just east of Westside Drive and a westbound left turn lane across from Scenic Hills Drive.
- Interstate 10 (I-10)/ U.S. 29 Interchange Improvements Phase I – Drivers will encounter the following traffic impacts from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Monday, April 3 through Thursday, April 6 as crews perform paving work.
- Alternating lane closures on I-10 near U.S. 29 (Exits 10A and 10B).
- The U.S. 29 north to I-10 westbound ramp will be closed. Traffic will be detoured north to make a U-turn at Broad Street to access I-10 westbound.
- Intermittent lane closures on the I-10 westbound to U.S. 29 north ramp (Exit 10B). Traffic will be detoured to Exit 10A for access U.S. 29.
- The U.S. 29 south to I-10 eastbound ramp will be closed. Traffic will be detoured south to make a U-turn at Diamond Dairy Road to access I-10 eastbound.
- The U.S. 29 north to I-10 eastbound ramp will be closed. Traffic will be detoured north to make a U-turn at Broad Street to access I-10 eastbound. The U.S. 29 ramps to I-10 eastbound will not be closed at the same time.
- In addition, drivers will encounter alternating lane closures on U.S. 29 near the I-10 interchange Monday, April 3 as crews place barrier wall.
- I-10 Widening from Davis Highway to the Escambia Bay Bridge - Alternating eastbound lane closures, between Davis Highway (S.R. 291/Exit 13) and Scenic Highway (U.S. 90/Exit 17), from 7 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. the week of Monday, April 3 as crews perform paving work.
- U.S. 29 (S.R. 95) Widening from I-10 to Nine Mile Road- Alternating lane closures continue from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. on U.S. 29 between I-10 and 9 1/2 Mile Road and on Nine Mile Road near the U.S. 29/ Nine Mile Road overpass as crews perform drainage and bridge operations.
- Nine Mile Road (S.R. 10/U.S. 90A) Widening from Pine Forest Road to U.S. 29- Alternating lane closures continue on Untreiner Avenue as crews perform jack and bore operations.
Santa Rosa County:
- S.R. 89 Turn Lane Closure at U.S. 90- S.R. 89 southbound turn lane to U.S. 90 westbound will be closed from 6 p.m. Friday, March 31 through 6 p.m. Sunday, April 2 as crews remove and replace sidewalk and handicap ramps at the intersection.
- C.R. 89 over I-10 Routine Bridge Maintenance- North right, outside lane closed from 8 p.m. to midnight. Monday, April 3 as crews clean and repair bridge joints.
- S.R. 87 over East Bay River Routine Bridge Maintenance- North and southbound right, outside lane closed from 12 a.m. to 5 a.m. Monday, April 3 as crews clean and repair bridge joints.
- U.S. 90 from East Spencer Field Road to Ridge Point Drive- Westbound intermittent lane closures from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, April 3 through Thursday, April 6 as crews perform routine maintenance along the roadway.
- Stewart Street (S.R. 87) along frontage of King Middle School- Southbound lane closures from 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 4 to 6 a.m., Wednesday, April 5 as crews repair manholes.
- U.S. 98 between North Cliff Drive and the Baptist Hospital- East and westbound outside, right lane closure from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Tuesday, April 4 through Thursday, April 6 as crews perform utility operations.
Drivers are reminded to use caution, especially at night, when traveling through the construction zone, and to pay attention for workers and equipment entering and exiting the work area. All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Pictured top: Work on Nine Mile Road. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.