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Last fall the Governor announced, with much fanfare, the end of the Florida Standards Assessment and stated it would reduce testing in our schools by 70%. This week, lawmakers will debate a bill that adds more state tests in spite of promises to reduce time students spend testing. It is urgent that legislators hear from you. Tell them students need less testing and more learning.

Last week, legislators continued to advance bills that would eliminate vital mental health programs for students, restrict school libraries, and expand access to Bright Futures. It is so important to tell our elected officials what we want for children, teachers, and public schools.

Read the update below and visit the Advocacy Dashboard to quickly take action for students. We make it easy to contact your legislators via email and/or social media. Together, we can advocate for policies that invest in children and support their future.

2022 Legislative Session Important Issues

Demand less testing for students

Before session began, state leaders and the governor promised an end to the FSA and a reduction in state testing overall. The bills moving through the Florida Senate and House actually add more testing throughout the year- including computer based testing for pre-K children. It is important that lawmakers hear from you.

Now is our opportunity to advocate to end the excessive amount of time children spend testing not learning.

TAKE ACTION

Mental health programs at risk

The House and Senate are debating legislation that eliminates vital, mental health programs and accurate, high-quality teaching for our children. Children have suffered tremendous impacts from disruptions caused by the pandemic. They need these important programs now more than ever.

We must demand that schools have the resources to meet every child’s needs with social-emotional programs and a high-quality curriculum to create a better future for us all.

2022 Budget: We must invest in kids

Good news! For the first time in a long time, both chambers of the Legislature proposed budgets that make a significant investments in public schools. By increasing the Base Student Allocation, these proposals provide the flexibility needed for districts to make spending decisions based on local needs and priorities. It's important that lawmakers hear from you as they work on the final budget. Tell your legislators that Florida's students and teachers deserve our investment.

TAKE ACTION

Speak up to expand Bright Futures

More good news! A proposal to change requirements for Bright Futures scholarships is quickly moving through the House and Senate. These bills would expand access to scholarships for students who need or want to have valuable, paid work experience instead of volunteer service in order to qualify.

Tell your representative and senator to expand access to scholarships for deserving students.