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  • Summer Reading List Encourages Kids to Keep Learning
    Summer break is just a month away and the Florida Department of Education (FDOE) is encouraging kids to keep learning while they are outside of the classroom. More than 150 books have the department’s official seal of approval as good picks to entertain young readers and prevent summer learning loss.
     
    Years of research confirm students lose vital reading and math skills, with some researchers estimating at least a month of learning loss, during each summer break. Prolonged breaks deteriorate student learning gains and widen the achievement gap among low-income students. The more students practice reading, math and critical-thinking skills during the summer months, the better prepared they will be to graduate high school ready for college and careers.
     
    “Empowering a child with the ability to read has a transformational effect on their future success in life,” said Commissioner of Education Dr. Tony Bennett. “The new Common Core State Standards underscore the importance of reading and literacy, and we must do more to ensure kids don’t fall behind while they’re out of the classroom. If we can help kids love to read, we’ll ensure they are lifelong learners.”
     
    The FDOE is also encouraging parents to get involved in their children’s reading activities this summer. Some tips to help children get excited about reading are to read aloud to young children, take children of all ages to the library and allow them to choose their own books, or to create light-hearted sibling rivalry by encouraging a competition to see who can read the most books over the summer months. 
     
    Examples of great books to enjoy from the 2013 summer reading list include
     
    ·         Grades K-3:   Charlotte’s Web, E.B. White
    ·         Grades 4-5:   The Black Stallion, Walter Farley
    ·         Grades 6-8:   Old Yeller, Fred Gipson 
    ·         Grades 9-12: The Old Man and the Sea, Ernest Hemingway
     
    Visit the department’s Summer Reading List or Just Read, Florida! website at www.justreadflorida.com for more information.
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    Education Works -- Information & Updates from FDOE 
     
    Teachers, Schools See Financial Boost From Legislative Session
    More than $1 billion in additional education funding is coming to schools near you, resulting in an increase of more than $400 per student. One of the major funding initiatives during this year’s legislative session was to increase teacher salaries. With the backing of Governor Scott, the House and Senate designated more than $480 million in funding to give every teacher a $2,000 salary increase. Find out what other state and local leaders are saying here.
     
    Support Teacher Appreciation Week with “Apple Icon” and Social Media Hashtag
    Students, parents and schools across Florida are kicking off National Teacher Appreciation Week with fun events honoring teachers and the sacrifices they make to help students succeed. Even if you haven’t been in a classroom in a while, you can use the department’s social media platforms to thank your favorite teacher. Log on to the department’s Facebook page, and use the designated “apple icons” to show your support. If you Facebook or tweet about your favorite teacher, just remember to use the hashtag “#thankateacher.”
     
    One Columnist’s Take on Common Core and Its Critics
    Orlando Sentinel Columnist Beth Kassab’s recent article, Common Core backlash is rooted in fiction, highlighted her own experience talking with fellow parents about Florida’s new Common Core State Standards (CCSS). In the article, she refutes arguments used by CCSS opponents and states these standards were “hatched years ago as a bipartisan plan to raise school standards.” Watch thisCommon Core State Standards video for a quick overview.
     
    Governor Scott Honors Six District Teachers of the Year with Prestigious SHINE Award
    Governor Rick Scott presented the Governor's Shine Award to six 2013 - 2014 District Teachers of the Year, honoring their commitment to improving Florida’s education system. The award recipients included Susan Rigby, Escambia County; Nicole Roddenberry, Jefferson County; Heather Erickson-Vaughn, Okaloosa County; Elizabeth “Ann” Thompson, Santa Rosa County; Meredith Upshaw, Taylor County; and Melissa DiCesare, Walton County. Check out our District Teacher of the Year photo album on the Florida Department of Education’s Facebook page.
     
    Public-Private Partnership Helps Homeless Students
    From new bicycles to washers and dryers, homeless students will now have more tools to accomplish their learning goals thanks to a partnership among the Florida Education Foundation, Wells Fargo and the Florida Department of Education.  Lake, Leon, Manatee, Nassau, Palm Beach, Santa Rosa and St. John's are among the counties that will receive grants to implement a number of innovative projects, including taking homeless students on college campus visits.
     
    Department Revs Up Literacy with Summer Reading List
    Did you know students lose vital reading and math skills during each summer break? But, the more students practice reading, math and critical-thinking skills during the summer months, the better prepared they will be to graduate high school ready for college and careers. Check out the department’s Summer Reading List, containing more than 150 books that have the department's official seal of approval as good picks to entertain young readers and prevent summer learning loss.
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