Hundreds of Collier County school teachers rallied Friday against Governor Scott’s proposed cuts to education funding and other measures the legislature is expected to take up in the session beginning Tuesday. WGCU’s John Davis was there and has this report.

Florida’s public schools get a yearly grade based on standardized student test scores – the FCAT or Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test. WGCU’s Valerie Alker recently visited two elementary schools. Both serve students where the majority qualify for free lunch and learn English as a second language. But based on FCAT scores one is an “A” school and the other a “D” school. As part of our quarterly Your Voice series this week on education, she has more in this report.

More Florida counties are cutting the D.A.R.E. program from classrooms. In 2001, 84% of the states’ school districts participated in the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program for elementary schools. Today, less than half of them teach the D.A.R.E. curriculum. They often blame cost and scheduling issues. But instead of leaving the students without a drug prevention program, more districts are replacing it with one of their own. WGCU’s Amy Tardif reports.

Students at 9 elementary schools in Collier County are enjoying fresh fruit and vegetable snacks this year. They’re benefiting from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Fresh and Vegetable Program. WGCU’s Valerie Alker has more.

If you’re a parent and you’ve looked over a school supply list this year then you know the expenses can add up. Backpack drives and donations have helped many children in Sarasota County begin the year with the supplies they needed, but now three weeks in, even the basics are already running low. 47 percent of the students in the district are on the free or reduced lunch programs so teachers know that parents are having trouble keeping up. Mia McCormick heads into the classroom to find out just how teachers are coping with the problem.

The Collier County School Board held an information meeting and public comment session Thursday night on the class size amendment - and amendment eight – both of which will be put to voters on the November ballot. But as WGCU’s John Davis report, the school board’s presentation was delivered to a largely empty audience.

The Money Bus Tour, brainchild of Fort Myers resident Todd Macke, is making its only Florida stop in Fort Myers this week. WGCU’s Luis Hernandez reports on one man’s mission to teach financial literacy to the masses.

Governor Charlie Crist says he wants more money for K-through-12 public education.  He’s proposing a 500-million dollar budget increase.  But, that may depend on lawmakers agreeing to the Seminole gambling pact, and the state winning a federal grant.  WGCU’s Luis Hernandez reports.

Researchers at Florida Gulf Coast University are exploring how babies born prematurely learn language, as compared to full term infants. The three year study is funded by the March of Dimes. WGCU’s Mike Kiniry has more.

Former Governor Jeb Bush, his wife Columba and his parents, former President George H.W. and First Lady Barbara  Bush – along with a host of well known authors – will be in Southwest Florida next Friday to celebrate reading. The annual event is a fundraiser for local family literacy programs and includes a VIP mix and mingle reception for supporters.   Jeb Bush told WGCU’s Valerie Alker the love of reading begins at home.