Monthly Archives: August 2010

Hillsborough looking out of state for math and science teachers

Posted on August 31, 2010 by Paul Cottle

Fox 13 News in Tampa is reporting that the Hillsborough County school district is sending recruiters out of state – way out of state – to recruit teachers in critical needs fields, including math and science.  Fox 13 reporter Doug … Continue reading →

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Lesson from Texas: Is an Algebra I EOC meltdown coming in Florida?

Posted on August 30, 2010 by Paul Cottle

Hat tip to Jeff Solochek at Gradebook for this bit of cheer: Texas has had a meltdown in its first crack at an Algebra I end-of-course exam. Is Florida next?  We’ll see in the spring.

Posted in Assessment, High School Graduation Standards | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Biology by Inquiry?

Posted on August 29, 2010 by Paul Cottle

Brandon Haught – a new science teacher and (incidentally) Communications Director and blogger for the Florida Citizens for Science – asked, “By any chance is there a Biology by Inquiry for high school?” I’m not aware of such a curriculum, … Continue reading →

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Showing my cards: Inquiry in my classroom

Posted on August 28, 2010 by Paul Cottle

Since there is a bit of commenting going on about Ellen Granger’s talk, I thought that – in the interest of transparency – I’d show you what I’m up to.  A look at my 72-student classroom will make it pretty … Continue reading →

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Rick Scott on education

Posted on August 27, 2010 by Paul Cottle

Commenter Paul Ruscher got me straightened out on Rick Scott’s education views. Here ya go.

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Inquiry-based science teaching tested in Central Florida district

Posted on August 27, 2010 by Paul Cottle

An FSU researcher yesterday reported on the results of a large scale study of inquiry-based teaching in space science conducted in 4th and 5th grade classes in elementary schools in an unnamed Central Florida school district from 2007 to 2009.  … Continue reading →

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RTTT and STEM in Florida: Will it matter?

Posted on August 26, 2010 by Paul Cottle

Curriculum Matters published a summary of the STEM initiatives in the winning RTTT Round 2 proposals.  CM blogger Erik Robelen pronounced all the winning states’ STEM plans “substantive.”  Here is how he summarized Florida’s initiative: Florida will hire 20 STEM … Continue reading →

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Public education: Does Rick Scott get it?

Posted on August 25, 2010 by Paul Cottle

Honest – I had no intention of posting a snotty anti-Rick Scott message this morning.  I really just wanted to link to his plan for public education. But this is what I found:  Go to Mr. Scott’s “Issues” page here.  … Continue reading →

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Florida wins RTTT Round 2

Posted on August 24, 2010 by Paul Cottle

Florida joins Massachusetts, New York, Hawaii, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, Ohio, Rhode Island and Washington, D.C. as 2nd round winners. Florida’s prize is $700 million. Coverage from the Orlando Sentinel.

Posted in Race to the Top | Tagged | 2 Comments

RTTT Round 2 winners to be announced today – and it’s Florida Election Day!

Posted on August 24, 2010 by Paul Cottle

Two big events today: The Round 2 Race to the Top winners will be announced in a press conference at 1:00 pm. And today is Florida’s Election Day, Round 1.

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