Florida Board of Education Faces Criticism Over Changes
Board Meets in Miami, Controversy Ensues
For the first time in seven years, Florida’s Board of Education held a meeting in Miami at Miami Dade College’s Wolfson Campus. As expected, controversy surrounded the meeting, with the board ordering the Florida High School Athletic Association to use the word "sex" instead of "gender" in a move criticized by some as discriminatory.
Complimenting Education System, but Critics Disagree
Commissioner of Education, Manny Diaz, began the meeting by boasting about Florida’s top ranking in overall education outcomes, including K-12 and university levels, according to U.S. News. However, this positive assessment was met with skepticism by some who gathered for a news conference before the meeting.
Teacher Shortage and Low Salaries
Andrew Spar, of the Florida Education Association, a statewide teachers union, spoke out against the board, citing the state’s low teacher salaries and the resulting teacher shortage. "Florida now ranks an embarrassingly low 50th in the nation," Spar said, blaming the board, the governor, and the state legislature for creating the problem.
Magnet Programs and Choice
Diaz praised Miami-Dade County Public Schools for providing a range of choice and magnet programs, saying the district is an example for others to follow. Lisette Fernandez, a parent with two children in MDCPS schools, attended the meeting to express her concerns about the board’s focus on divisive culture war issues.
Social Studies Standards and Criticism
The board approved a change to the social studies standards, inserting "ancient Jewish" civilization as a source for teaching the origins of the rule of law. This move was met with criticism from teachers and experts, who argued that it brings up constitutional issues and promotes a narrow view of what children should be learning.
Book Removals and Censorship
Katie Blankenship of PEN America spoke out against another policy change approved by the board, which she believes will make book removals from schools more likely.
Conclusion
The meeting was marked by controversy and disagreement, with some praising the board’s efforts while others criticized the changes. As the board continues to face scrutiny, it remains to be seen how these decisions will impact the education system in Florida.
FAQs
Q: What is the Florida High School Athletic Association’s new policy regarding gender?
A: The board ordered the Florida High School Athletic Association to use the word "sex" instead of "gender" in a move that has been met with criticism from some.
Q: Why did the board order the change in the Florida High School Athletic Association’s policy?
A: The board made the change in an effort to comply with the federal government’s guidelines on gender identity, but some have criticized the decision as discriminatory.
Q: What is the Florida Education Association’s stance on the teacher shortage?
A: The Florida Education Association blames the board, the governor, and the state legislature for creating the teacher shortage, citing low teacher salaries and poor working conditions.
Q: What is PEN America’s stance on the book removals and censorship policy?
A: PEN America opposes the policy change, which they believe will lead to book removals and censorship in schools.
