Education Issues

Palm Beach Schools Allowing Some To Opt Out of FCAT

It looks like Palm Beach County middle school advanced class students might be able to forego the FCAT test this year, pending on a case-by-case basis. Last week, the Sun-Sentinel reported that parents had been complaining to school officials about their kids being double-tested thanks to the acade ... More >>

McDonald's in Palm Beach Offering Free Breakfast For Kids Taking FCATs

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. The famed Mayo Clinic says that eating breakfast could promote weight loss by jump-starting an adult's metabolism.Eating breakfast is even more important for children. The Mayo Clinic says that children who eat breakfast are more likely to concentrate ... More >>

Is Jeb Bush's Education Group Helping Write Laws that Benefit Its Corporate Funders?

After he left the governor's office in 2008, Jeb Bush set up an education non-profit group, and last week, The Nation charged that Bush "could be using his education reform crusade for personal gain."The dust-up began when the union-affiliated research group In the Public Interest (IPI) us ... More >>

Mavericks High School Pocketed $160,000 in Extra State Funding, Audits Say

On paper Mavericks High School has all the makings a good charter school. Catchy name? Check. Celebrity endorsements? Hell yes. Political pull? Right into the White House. So what exactly is the problem? Well, there's the whole issue of proper usage of government funding, but does that really matter ... More >>

Rick Scott Is Lying About FCAT, Unemployment Numbers, According to PolitiFact Florida

A few weeks ago, we wrote about Rick Scott's suddenly realizing that the FCAT was bad (mostly because his approval numbers were taking a bit of a tumble). Governor McCreepypants released an ad that said he was listening to parents and teachers and that, as a result of all that listening, they were ... More >>

Three Broward County Charter Schools Close Their Doors

According to the Broward School District, three charter schools will be permanently closing, leaving a whole lot of kids in the lurch. Eagle Charter Academy and SMART Charter School in Lauderdale Lakes say that their governing boards had voted to voluntarily terminate charter contracts with the Sch ... More >>

Rick Scott Is Suddenly Not Too Hot On The Whole FCAT Thing

Governor Rick Scott released a video earlier this week saying that he will work to make changes to Florida's FCAT testing system. "No more teaching to the test," he says in the video with that subtle-creepy demeanor of his. "It's time we get a better measure of our children's progress." He doesn't ... More >>

Education Commissioner Gerard Robinson Second Official to Resign This Week

A note to anyone contemplating taking a state job in Tallahassee: You will probably have to work in Tallahassee.For the second time this week, a Florida official has resigned to be "closer to home" or some such thing: Education Commissioner Gerard Robinson submitted his resignation yesterday, saying ... More >>

Mavericks Charter School Holds Job Fair, Insists Diplomas Are Legit

If you've always wanted to work for a company with a shady academic track record and legal headaches, here's your chance. Mavericks High in Palm Springs, the newest in a chain of for-profit charter schools headed by Vice President Joe Biden's brother, is holding a job fair next Monday. Accordin ... More >>

Mavericks High Has Lowest FCAT Reading Score in Palm Beach; Tied for Second-Worst in Broward

Aside from the kids in the Palm Beach County jail, tenth grade students at Mavericks High in Palm Springs fared worse on the FCAT reading test than any of their peers in the county, according to data released last week by the state Department Education. Only 7 percent of the 54 students who took the ... More >>

You Can Buy "Flunked FCAT?" Shirts Online, and Yes, There Are Punctuation Errors

There's been a lot of talk this week about Florida students' low scores on the FCAT Writing standardized tests. The grading system was changed to incorporate spelling and punctuation, and 73 percent of Florida fourth-graders failed.While the legislators and education people will be the ones to figur ... More >>

Planned Parenthood Opens New Palm Beach County Clinic, Aims to Help Florida Teens Get a Clue

Time to start dusting off those protest signs -- Planned Parenthood opened new digs in Wellington on Monday, and they want to bring your kids -- gasp! -- sexual education.Palm Beach County will have a total of three Planned Parenthood facilities after one in Lake Worth closes this summer, according ... More >>

North Miami Beach Residents Fed Up With Crime Around Mavericks High

​Last month, we brought you news of violence involving Mavericks High charter school students in Homestead. One 17-year-old was arrested for bringing a gun to school, and a 16-year-old student was shot and killed by a police officer. Now the Mavericks High in North Miami Beach is making headlines ... More >>

Unexpected Losers of 2012 Legislative Session: Bankers and Charter Schools

​Once in a blue moon, even the most cynical among us find cause to celebrate. This year's legislative session in Tallahassee provided some unexpected victories for the little guys and defeats for the corporate interests that normally enjoy free rein in Florida. Two of the most shocking losers of 2 ... More >>

Parents Hate "Parent Empowerment" School Bill, So Why Does It Exist?

​A bizarre showdown is unfolding in Tallahassee this week. Advocates for parents -- including the Florida PTA and Parents Across America --  are lobbying vehemently against a bill that's supposed to "empower them."The proposed legislation would let parents vote to turn a failing public school ... More >>

Palm Beach School Officials Recommend Denying Three New Mavericks Schools (Updated)

UPDATE: Read about the School Board's vote after the jump.A New Times story prompted officials to ask questions.​Mavericks in Education Florida should not be allowed to open three more charter high schools in Palm Beach County, school district officials say, because the for-profit company's claims ... More >>

Tell Mavericks High What You Think: Public Meeting Tomorrow

Facebook.comFrank Biden is president of Mavericks in Education Florida.​For three months, we've been telling you about Mavericks in Education Florida, a local charter school chain headed by the vice president's brother, Frank Biden. Tomorrow evening is your chance to see a Mavericks campus for you ... More >>

Broward County Has Three of Florida's Eight Lowest-Scoring Middle Schools

​The Sun Sentinel had a cheerful story today about the state's new education rankings -- "Broward Schools land at top of state rankings," read the online headline of the story, which notes that the county has three high schools in the top 20.But what that story omits is that the county is also hom ... More >>

Mavericks High Assistant Principal Was Investigated for Misconduct in Kissimmee

​Here's the leadership team at Mavericks High School in Palm Springs: Principal Thomas Lockett is not certified to teach in Florida and has a background in pharmaceutical sales. Assistant Principal Tisa Brandon came to Palm Springs from the Osceola County School District, where she was investigate ... More >>

Leon County School Board Approves New Mavericks High School

​Perhaps the people in Tallahassee don't read much on the interwebs. Or maybe they don't mind entrusting their kids' education to a team of real estate developers. Whatever the reason, the Leon County School Board has decided to approve a new Mavericks High charter school.Mavericks in Education Fl ... More >>

Mavericks High Charter Schools Make News in New Orleans

maverickshigh.comMavericks makes news in the Big Easy.​Florida has a habit of exporting its public policies to other states, where they spread like cold sores on a drunken Himmarshee night. Grading schools and teachers based on test scores, expanding vouchers and charters schools -- the nation has ... More >>

The Charter Schools Agenda in Tallahassee

​Last year, the extensive ties between charter school advocates and Florida state politicians proved fruitful. New laws expanded "high-performing" charter schools and created virtual charter schools. Gov. Rick Scott named charter advocates to his education transition team and gave speeches at vari ... More >>

Mavericks High Schools Hope to Profit From Education – But at What Cost?

Federal "Race to the Top" Funds Used to Build More Florida Charter Schools in Poor Areas

​This week's cover story about Mavericks in Education Florida explores the pitfalls of a for-profit charter school company that promises to help at-risk kids. Florida has been especially friendly to charter schools, allowing private companies to continue opening them using taxpayer dollars, e ... More >>

New Times Behind the Scenes: How We Made This Week's Cover

This week's cover story dove into the pitfalls of Mavericks High Schools -- a for-profit charter school company that hands out promises of aiding at-risk kids. Check out our behind-the-scenes look at how illustrator extraordinaire Peter Ryan made this week's cover.

SoFla Charter School Connections to Tallahassee

​The booming business of charter schools in South Florida is no accident. Local charter-school operators such as Mavericks in Education Florida and Charter Schools USA have ties to powerful politicians in South Florida and Tallahassee. For instance: 1. Ed Pozzuoli, former chairman of the Broward R ... More >>

Miami Sen. Bullard Proposes Bill to Make Charter Schools More Transparent

flsenate.govBullard wants charter schools to divulge fees.​If you can't stop the for-profit charter school bonanza in Florida, at least let the public see how much dough private education companies are making. That's the basic message behind the bill Miami state Sen. Larcenia Bullard filed yesterd ... More >>

Mavericks Charges Charter Schools $350K in Rent, Plus Fees

Facebook.comBiden at a recent Mavericks graduation in Fort Lauderdale.​When a private company aims to profit from a taxpayer-funded public school, the extra dough must come from somewhere. For Mavericks in Education Florida, the charter school chain headquartered in West Palm Beach, leasing agreem ... More >>

A Mavericks High Success Story

maverickshigh.comSomething is different in Kissimmee.​For weeks, the Pulp has brought you news of the academic struggles at Mavericks in Education Florida, a local for-profit charter school chain headed by Frank Biden. But among the eight Mavericks high schools in the state, one stands out in star ... More >>

Palm Beach School Officials "Concerned" About Mavericks Charter Schools Track Record

maverickshigh.comMavericks in Homestead graduated very few seniors.​Palm Beach County school officials are taking a closer look at the academic track record of Mavericks in Education Florida, the local for-profit charter school chain headed by Frank Biden. They have not been thrilled with their fi ... More >>

Frank Biden Now Listed on State Docs as Charter School President

pr.comBiden is president of the for-profit company.​It's official. Frank Biden, brother of the man second in line for the White House, is listed on state documents as president of the for-profit Mavericks in Education Florida charter school chain based in Fort Lauderdale.Last month, when New Times ... More >>

Mavericks Schools Founded by Former Head of Controversial Ohio Charter Schools

maverickshigh.comMavericks High in Homestead​Mavericks in Education Florida, the Fort Lauderdale-based charter school chain promoted by Frank Biden, has ties to another for-profit charter school company that has been highly controversial in Ohio.Mark Thimmig, the founding CEO of Mavericks, is the ... More >>

Mavericks High Charter Schools Not Accredited

​Records show that the Mavericks in Education Florida charter schools, which have a high-profile lobbyist and cheerleader in Frank Biden, are not accredited high schools. This means their graduates may have trouble playing college sports or receiving federally funded grants or scholarships to coll ... More >>

UPDATED: Joe Biden's Brother Is President and "P.T. Barnum" for SoFla Charter School Chain

UPDATE: The Palm Beach County School Board's vote on three new Mavericks schools has been postponed. Read more after the jump.When owners of a for-profit charter school chain go before the Palm Beach County School Board tomorrow night seeking approval for three new high schools, they'll have a celeb ... More >>

Nan Rich: Florida Republicans Only Take Federal Funds if it Promotes "Extreme Agenda"

thoughttheater.comThis nice chastity belt is apparently a better investment than preventing child abuse​Florida's Senate Democratic Leader Nan Rich isn't too happy today about the state's Republican leadership rejecting $50 million in federal funds to protect people like at-risk kids and senior ci ... More >>

Broward and Palm Beach Schools Identified in Possible FCAT Cheating

caribeexams.org​Schools in the Broward and Palm Beach school districts have been asked to determine whether cheating occurred on Florida's Comprehensive Assessment Test in their schools, according to the Florida Department of Education.Deborah Higgins, an information specialist for the Florida Dep ... More >>

Third-Graders Who Bombed The FCAT Still Going On To Fourth Grade

hepburnpage.comWelcome to fourth grade!​According to state education rules, around 3,350 third-graders in Broward County and 2,400 in Palm Beach County are supposed to be repeating the grade due to their FCAT reading scores -- which they won't, thanks to a few "loopholes."By state standards, t ... More >>

Pembroke Pines Graduates are First to Spend Entire Lives in Charter Schools

Florida Trend Pembroke Pines Charter High School​Here in the land of educational neglect, of failing test scores and pet projects, where school districts sell advertising and diploma mills cheat the cheaters, there's a wind of change a-comin'. It's the unmistakable force of privatization.Lobbying ... More >>

FCAT Results: A Bunch of Broward and Palm Beach Third-Graders Still Can't Read

hepburnpage.comProbably how the kids are reading these days.​Chances are, 17 percent of third-graders in Broward County and 18 percent in Palm Beach County couldn't read that headline, according to the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test results released today.Only around 80 percent of the young ... More >>

Tax Money Siphoned Off To Religious Schools That Champion Theocracy

Jesus is big in Florida.​At the moment, the only proper school voucher program in Florida is the McKay Scholarship Program, which caters to special needs kids. (A proposal for a more general voucher program was struck down in the legislature six years ago.) But if you've got a non-special child, n ... More >>

2,026 Broward Seniors Fail Last Chance At FCAT

​I can't find any stats on how many high school seniors attend school in Broward County, but since the school district counts 257,000 students in all thirteen grades, figure it's less than 20,000. With that number of seniors, it might be okay that over 2,000 seniors failed to pass the FCAT -- the ... More >>

Rick Scott's Education Adviser Caught Up in Cheating Scandal

​Despite the rising contempt for Gov. Rick Scott, this one kind of flew under the radar. With the exception of the Florida Center For Investigative Reporting, our local media outlets seem determined not to notice that the credibility of Gov. Scott's education adviser has been grossly undermined by ... More >>

Hello, SB 736. Goodbye, Teacher Tenure

Well, I hope Wendy Portillo is pleased with herself.Three years ago, the WPB teacher got on the bad side of one bad mutha named Melissa Barton, when she abused Mrs. Barton's autistic child in the classroom. After a year of paid leave, Portillo compounded the offense by returning to work and allegedl ... More >>

Educating Maria

On L.A.'s Skid Row, a generational war over how to teach the American children of illegal immigrants

Let's Talk About Sex Education

Let’s Talk About Sex (Education)

Planned Parenthood Opens Two New Clinics in Broward to Meet Growing Demand

Photo by Judith Selzer Planned Parenthood CEO Lillian Tamayo makes it official in Pembroke Pines​Douglas Marshall, director of business development for Planned Parenthood of South Florida and the Treasure Coast, has no shortage of distressing accounts of patients he has helped. After the ri ... More >>

Hollywood's Got the Bends

ArtsPark Village puts the city at the mercy of developers

DeGroot Answers Critics, Offers Story Idea

Goy Gevalt

In Her Shoes is pretty but useless, a Prada with a broken heel