Teacher layoffs in Central Florida (Orlando, Seminole: high school, education, teachers)

[WithDisp]

I've noticed that FLVS (HQed in Orlando but serves the state) laid off over 800 employees this month and OCPS continues to hire at a stagnant pace after losing many teachers during the financial crisis 6 years back.

Our are kids just being taught in larger classes now?
I'm not sure what is prompting all these cuts- but it seems like ed. funding is a real low point.

[OrlFlaUsa]

Originally Posted by WithDisp

I've noticed that FLVS (HQed in Orlando but serves the state) laid off over 800 employees this month and OCPS continues to hire at a stagnant pace after losing many teachers during the financial crisis 6 years back.

Our are kids just being taught in larger classes now?
I'm not sure what is prompting all these cuts- but it seems like ed. funding is a real low point.

No they are not, as Florida has enacted class size legislation years back that cap core classes at 25 in the high school level. Speaking as someone who's partner is a Seminole County teacher, there are a handful of jobs available in her department each year and not always enough qualified candidates (topic for another thread).

As for Florida Virtual School, it is a new concept and I guess they are still trying to figure it out. Personally I'm not a fan and can see why many students may be going back to traditional enrollment in order to gain the benefits of human interaction. However, I can see how it could benefit a small number of students and I hope it continues as an option for those who need/prefer it.

[boy3365]

Here are the class size requirements:

K-3: 18
4-8: 22
9-12: 25

However, on the high school level, some (or maybe all?) AP classes are not considered "core," so they are exempt. They may have larger class sizes.

The Florida Virtual School issue may be the result of a rejection of online education in general or may be just a shift away from that company to another. High school students must take one online course to graduate, so it's not going anyone. If you look up employee reviews of FLVS, you'll see that many employees hate it.