Tutoring companies To Be Graded Based on FCAT

Source: Sun-Sentinel

Tutoring companies will be graded based on student success in FCAT

Starting March 1, the state Department of Education will issue grades to tutoring companies that provide extra help to low-income students so they perform better on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test.

Much like schools' grades from the state are based on students' FCAT performance, the state will issue grades to the tutoring companies based on their clients' test scores. The better they score, and the more progress they show, the higher the grade.

Proponents say the grades will help parents choose which state-approved tutoring company could best help their child, and will help school districts evaluate providers. The state Legislature passed the new grade requirements during the 2008 session, and Gov. Charlie Crist signed it into law in June.

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School class-size rules may be relaxed

Source: Sun-Sentinel

Florida's popular class-size law may be put on ice, thanks to a weakening economy and a statewide budget crisis.

Despite strong public support, a broad consensus is forming that the goal of limiting class size is simply too expensive during the current economic crunch.

School superintendents, grappling with budget cuts, would welcome the move. And the Florida Education Association, the state's teachers' union, said it would not object but only if the changes were temporary.


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Of The Year Committee

On Wednesday, October 8 at 2:15 p.m., in the media center, we will hold a very brief meeting to select our Of the Year Committee. 
Following this session, we will hold our Leadership Team Meeting. Please be prompt.

Thank you

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2008-2009 Magnet Application Process

The window of application for Magnet Programs/Schools is October 1, 2008 - January 15, 2009.
The 2008-2009 Magnet Application is now available online at http://choice.dadeschools.net/applications.asp. Questions relative to the Magnet Application process should be directed to Mr. Douglas Phifer, Director, Schools of Choice, at 305-995-1774, or dphifer@dadeschools.net

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Book It!

It's that time of the year to reward our students for reading inside and outside the classroom with a free BOOK IT! coupon for a personal pan pizza. I put the BOOK IT! packet in your mailboxes.  Please utilize as an incentive for reading, remember IT'S SIMPLE AND FREE!!!!!  Kindly return the packet, if you are not participating with the BOOK IT program.     

Thanks
S. Kerr

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