Steven Walker
@swalker.bsky.social
covering education @OrlandoSentinel | basketball enjoyer and pokemon enjoyer | he/him
BREAKING: The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has revoked visas from 15 international students at UCF
This comes as the Trump Administration cracks down on immigration and alleged antisemitism on college campuses.
My latest for @orlandosentinel.com:
This comes as the Trump Administration cracks down on immigration and alleged antisemitism on college campuses.
My latest for @orlandosentinel.com:
U.S. revokes visas from 15 international students at UCF, detains one
The visa revocations come as the Trump administration cracks down on immigration.
www.orlandosentinel.com
April 24, 2025 at 2:45 PM
BREAKING: The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has revoked visas from 15 international students at UCF
This comes as the Trump Administration cracks down on immigration and alleged antisemitism on college campuses.
My latest for @orlandosentinel.com:
This comes as the Trump Administration cracks down on immigration and alleged antisemitism on college campuses.
My latest for @orlandosentinel.com:
Reposted by Steven Walker
#Florida's short-sighted lawmakers want to slash in half funding for Advanced Placement, dual enrollment and other college-level high school classes, a move that would cost Florida’s public schools millions of dollars. www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/04/01/f... via @swalker.bsky.social
Florida’s proposed cuts to AP, other classes leave schools ‘deeply concerned’
Lawmakers have suggested cutting in half the extra funding schools can earn for AP, IB, AICE, dual enrollment and career-education classes.
www.orlandosentinel.com
April 1, 2025 at 9:04 PM
#Florida's short-sighted lawmakers want to slash in half funding for Advanced Placement, dual enrollment and other college-level high school classes, a move that would cost Florida’s public schools millions of dollars. www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/04/01/f... via @swalker.bsky.social
Reposted by Steven Walker
A federal lawsuit by 17 states has alarmed disability advocates who fear it could end so-called 504 plans for students with disabilities. Texas, Fl and other GOP-led states filed the lawsuit. From @swalker.bsky.social www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/02/24/f...
Federal lawsuit by Florida, 16 other states raises fears about student disability protections
The lawsuit asked a court to rule part of a 52-year-old law unconstitutional, a move that could end so-called 504 plans for children with learning disabilities and other impairments requiring accom…
www.orlandosentinel.com
February 24, 2025 at 5:16 PM
A federal lawsuit by 17 states has alarmed disability advocates who fear it could end so-called 504 plans for students with disabilities. Texas, Fl and other GOP-led states filed the lawsuit. From @swalker.bsky.social www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/02/24/f...
Reposted by Steven Walker
Fourth grade reading scores dropped compared to two years ago.
This isn’t only a COVID slide, this is the result of thousands of K-5 classroom libraries permanently closing during the 22/23 SY.
Florida policies have made libraries and reading controversial.
This isn’t only a COVID slide, this is the result of thousands of K-5 classroom libraries permanently closing during the 22/23 SY.
Florida policies have made libraries and reading controversial.
BREAKING: Florida reading, math scores fall to lowest mark in more than 20 years on nation's report card.
The achievement gap and the % of 8th graders reading below a “basic” level was the lowest in the test’s history.
My latest for the Orlando Sentinel:
The achievement gap and the % of 8th graders reading below a “basic” level was the lowest in the test’s history.
My latest for the Orlando Sentinel:
Florida reading, math scores fall to lowest mark in more than 20 years on nation’s report card
The state’s 8th-grade reading score was below the national average for the first time since 2015, and its 8th-grade math score was the lowest in 20 years.
www.orlandosentinel.com
January 29, 2025 at 12:26 PM
Fourth grade reading scores dropped compared to two years ago.
This isn’t only a COVID slide, this is the result of thousands of K-5 classroom libraries permanently closing during the 22/23 SY.
Florida policies have made libraries and reading controversial.
This isn’t only a COVID slide, this is the result of thousands of K-5 classroom libraries permanently closing during the 22/23 SY.
Florida policies have made libraries and reading controversial.
BREAKING: Florida reading, math scores fall to lowest mark in more than 20 years on nation's report card.
The achievement gap and the % of 8th graders reading below a “basic” level was the lowest in the test’s history.
My latest for the Orlando Sentinel:
The achievement gap and the % of 8th graders reading below a “basic” level was the lowest in the test’s history.
My latest for the Orlando Sentinel:
Florida reading, math scores fall to lowest mark in more than 20 years on nation’s report card
The state’s 8th-grade reading score was below the national average for the first time since 2015, and its 8th-grade math score was the lowest in 20 years.
www.orlandosentinel.com
January 29, 2025 at 11:08 AM
BREAKING: Florida reading, math scores fall to lowest mark in more than 20 years on nation's report card.
The achievement gap and the % of 8th graders reading below a “basic” level was the lowest in the test’s history.
My latest for the Orlando Sentinel:
The achievement gap and the % of 8th graders reading below a “basic” level was the lowest in the test’s history.
My latest for the Orlando Sentinel:
What happens if ICE comes to an Orange school? OCPS says it will follow law as Trump pushes mass deportations
“Schools are no longer safe for immigrants,” said one Orlando immigrant rights org director.
My latest, an important story for the Orlando Sentinel: www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/01/24/w...
“Schools are no longer safe for immigrants,” said one Orlando immigrant rights org director.
My latest, an important story for the Orlando Sentinel: www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/01/24/w...
What happens if ICE comes to an Orange school? OCPS will follow law as Trump pushes deportations
OCPS will follow a new Trump administration directive and allow immigration officers to interview students on campus, but it does not ask about students’ immigration status and will not turn …
www.orlandosentinel.com
January 24, 2025 at 10:50 AM
What happens if ICE comes to an Orange school? OCPS says it will follow law as Trump pushes mass deportations
“Schools are no longer safe for immigrants,” said one Orlando immigrant rights org director.
My latest, an important story for the Orlando Sentinel: www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/01/24/w...
“Schools are no longer safe for immigrants,” said one Orlando immigrant rights org director.
My latest, an important story for the Orlando Sentinel: www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/01/24/w...
NEW: Florida graduation rate hits record-high, rebounds from post-pandemic dip, state says
My latest for the Orlando Sentinel:
My latest for the Orlando Sentinel:
Florida graduation rate hits record-high, rebounds from post-pandemic dip, state says
The graduation rate for the class of 2024 was the highest ever, not counting the two pandemic-impacted year when students did not have to pass state tests to earn a diploma.
www.orlandosentinel.com
January 10, 2025 at 6:33 PM
NEW: Florida graduation rate hits record-high, rebounds from post-pandemic dip, state says
My latest for the Orlando Sentinel:
My latest for the Orlando Sentinel:
Carver Middle School to become fifth Orange County community partner school
My latest for the Orlando Sentinel:
My latest for the Orlando Sentinel:
Carver Middle School to become fifth Orange County community partner school
The “community school” model works to address educational barriers such as poverty, food insecurity and access to healthcare by integrating services directly into the school ecosystem. …
www.orlandosentinel.com
December 19, 2024 at 6:26 PM
Carver Middle School to become fifth Orange County community partner school
My latest for the Orlando Sentinel:
My latest for the Orlando Sentinel:
DEVELOPING: Orange County school district, police clash over school resource officer pay
Apopka PD, negotiating for all five agencies involved, accused OCPS of “exploiting” the shooting in Wisconsin in a memo to parents.
My latest for the Orlando Sentinel:
Apopka PD, negotiating for all five agencies involved, accused OCPS of “exploiting” the shooting in Wisconsin in a memo to parents.
My latest for the Orlando Sentinel:
Orange County school district, police clash over school resource officer pay
The district and the police agencies plan to resume contract negotiations in January. But the ongoing conflict ramped up this week via a district memo that the Apopka Police Department said was exp…
www.orlandosentinel.com
December 18, 2024 at 9:28 PM
DEVELOPING: Orange County school district, police clash over school resource officer pay
Apopka PD, negotiating for all five agencies involved, accused OCPS of “exploiting” the shooting in Wisconsin in a memo to parents.
My latest for the Orlando Sentinel:
Apopka PD, negotiating for all five agencies involved, accused OCPS of “exploiting” the shooting in Wisconsin in a memo to parents.
My latest for the Orlando Sentinel:
After learning he was a finalist for a Grammy, Bernie Hendricks started his Friday like any other: first-period freshman band class.
“We don’t sign up to be recognized... We just do it because we really love what we do”
My latest for the Orlando Sentinel:
“We don’t sign up to be recognized... We just do it because we really love what we do”
My latest for the Orlando Sentinel:
Ocoee High School band director named finalist for Grammy award
Bernie Hendricks is one of 10 finalists for national award, which comes with a $10,000 prize. Hendricks and Michael Antmann, the band director at Freedom High School, were one of 25 semifinalists f…
www.orlandosentinel.com
December 14, 2024 at 2:28 PM
After learning he was a finalist for a Grammy, Bernie Hendricks started his Friday like any other: first-period freshman band class.
“We don’t sign up to be recognized... We just do it because we really love what we do”
My latest for the Orlando Sentinel:
“We don’t sign up to be recognized... We just do it because we really love what we do”
My latest for the Orlando Sentinel:
so proud of this orlando magic team
let’s get our guys back soon and go on a run
let’s get our guys back soon and go on a run
December 11, 2024 at 2:58 AM
so proud of this orlando magic team
let’s get our guys back soon and go on a run
let’s get our guys back soon and go on a run
Reposted by Steven Walker
UCF's president gets raise, bonus and one-year contract extension, pay could top $1.2 million. From @swalker.bsky.social www.orlandosentinel.com/2024/12/06/u...
UCF approves $270,000 bonus, up to $1.2 million in pay for President Cartwright
The board of trustees said Cartwright had “exceeded expectations” and deserved the performance-based bonus.
www.orlandosentinel.com
December 6, 2024 at 3:09 PM
UCF's president gets raise, bonus and one-year contract extension, pay could top $1.2 million. From @swalker.bsky.social www.orlandosentinel.com/2024/12/06/u...
UCF approves $270,000 bonus, up to $1.2 million in pay for President Cartwright
My latest for @orlandosentinel.com:
My latest for @orlandosentinel.com:
UCF approves $270,000 bonus, up to $1.2 million in pay for President Cartwright
The board of trustees said Cartwright had “exceeded expectations” and deserved the performance-based bonus.
www.orlandosentinel.com
December 6, 2024 at 2:49 PM
UCF approves $270,000 bonus, up to $1.2 million in pay for President Cartwright
My latest for @orlandosentinel.com:
My latest for @orlandosentinel.com:
Orange schools mulling proposal in Hungerford case to end fight over Eatonville land
An important read, and my latest for @orlandosentinel.com: www.orlandosentinel.com/2024/11/26/o...
An important read, and my latest for @orlandosentinel.com: www.orlandosentinel.com/2024/11/26/o...
Orange schools mulling proposal in Hungerford case to end fight over Eatonville land
The settlement offer would involve a lease-purchase plan that for a small fee would give the 100-acre property to a community trust and resolve the legal dispute between the town, community activis…
www.orlandosentinel.com
November 26, 2024 at 12:32 PM
Orange schools mulling proposal in Hungerford case to end fight over Eatonville land
An important read, and my latest for @orlandosentinel.com: www.orlandosentinel.com/2024/11/26/o...
An important read, and my latest for @orlandosentinel.com: www.orlandosentinel.com/2024/11/26/o...
Reposted by Steven Walker
Thanks for joining the Orlando Sentinel on Bluesky. Here's a starter pack of some of our journalists - we'll keep adding to this list as more join Bluesky.
November 20, 2024 at 1:41 AM
Thanks for joining the Orlando Sentinel on Bluesky. Here's a starter pack of some of our journalists - we'll keep adding to this list as more join Bluesky.
Florida says districts removed more than 700 books after objections. But hundreds more were pulled from shelves out of fear, and not reported.
One estimate has the actual number of books removed closer to 4,600.
My latest for the Orlando Sentinel:
One estimate has the actual number of books removed closer to 4,600.
My latest for the Orlando Sentinel:
Florida schools removed more than 700 books after objections, report says. But many more pulled from shelves out of fear.
The new state report shows books removed by school districts because parents or other residents objected to them during the 2023-24 school year. Public schools removed hundreds of other books for f…
www.orlandosentinel.com
November 15, 2024 at 3:33 PM
Florida says districts removed more than 700 books after objections. But hundreds more were pulled from shelves out of fear, and not reported.
One estimate has the actual number of books removed closer to 4,600.
My latest for the Orlando Sentinel:
One estimate has the actual number of books removed closer to 4,600.
My latest for the Orlando Sentinel:
Orange elections chief @GlenGilzean removes name from scholarship amid controversy, county investigation into elections office spending
My latest for @OrlandoSentinel:
My latest for @OrlandoSentinel:
Orange elections chief Gilzean removes name from scholarship amid controversy, county inquiry
The scholarships are to benefit Evans and Jones high school students, but some county officials say they are not an appropriate use of money meant to help run local elections.
www.orlandosentinel.com
November 13, 2024 at 7:57 PM
Orange elections chief @GlenGilzean removes name from scholarship amid controversy, county investigation into elections office spending
My latest for @OrlandoSentinel:
My latest for @OrlandoSentinel:
wait so we’re back here now? 🧐 might have to post more
November 13, 2024 at 7:33 PM
wait so we’re back here now? 🧐 might have to post more
jalen williams playing for OKC is kinda a cheat code lol, could you imagine if paolo played for the magic’s summer league team this year? #nba
July 4, 2023 at 3:39 AM
jalen williams playing for OKC is kinda a cheat code lol, could you imagine if paolo played for the magic’s summer league team this year? #nba
what is houston doing?? shoot at this point give me 4 years 30 mil, i’ll suit up 🫡 #NBA
July 1, 2023 at 10:22 PM
what is houston doing?? shoot at this point give me 4 years 30 mil, i’ll suit up 🫡 #NBA
#nba bluesky peeps hmu 🧐
July 1, 2023 at 8:08 PM
#nba bluesky peeps hmu 🧐
i feel like i’m on one of the lifeboats from the titanic rn
July 1, 2023 at 7:42 PM
i feel like i’m on one of the lifeboats from the titanic rn
every day i’m blown away at how much elon musk can ruin everything he touches.
like… you know a good way to drive people to your app elon? it’s definitely not by restricting the amount of posts they can read per day
like… you know a good way to drive people to your app elon? it’s definitely not by restricting the amount of posts they can read per day
July 1, 2023 at 5:40 PM
every day i’m blown away at how much elon musk can ruin everything he touches.
like… you know a good way to drive people to your app elon? it’s definitely not by restricting the amount of posts they can read per day
like… you know a good way to drive people to your app elon? it’s definitely not by restricting the amount of posts they can read per day
Since 1953, the Sarasota Classic Car Museum has been a staple of the city’s fabric.
Now, New College is evicting the museum with 1-month’s notice. A move would realistically take more than a year and could cost millions.
My latest for the @usatoday.com network:
Now, New College is evicting the museum with 1-month’s notice. A move would realistically take more than a year and could cost millions.
My latest for the @usatoday.com network:
'Logistical nightmare:' Sarasota Classic Car Museum faces hasty eviction by New College
Seated across from The Ringling art museum on Tamiami Trail, the museum must vacate by the end of June, which could cost more than seven figures.
www.heraldtribune.com
June 24, 2023 at 5:46 AM
Since 1953, the Sarasota Classic Car Museum has been a staple of the city’s fabric.
Now, New College is evicting the museum with 1-month’s notice. A move would realistically take more than a year and could cost millions.
My latest for the @usatoday.com network:
Now, New College is evicting the museum with 1-month’s notice. A move would realistically take more than a year and could cost millions.
My latest for the @usatoday.com network: