Governor Rick Scott has signed a comprehensive education bill that’s drawing the ire of many public school officials. The measure- HB 7069- creates the “Schools of Hope” program, offering financial incentives to charter school operators who agree to take students attending chronically failing public schools, many from poor areas and urban neighborhoods. Additionally, up to 25 failing public schools may receive up to $2,000 per student for additional student services. Bowing to criticism about Florida’s testing regimen, the measure also eliminates the Algebra 2 end-of-course exam and shifts the dates for the state’s main standardized test closer to the end of the school year. It also allows lower grades to use paper versions instead of requiring students to take the test online.
