LEARNING WITH PURPOSE: Health career academy students at Pasco's Marchman education center say their program helps them prepare for a world after high school. (Times photo, Brendan Fitterer)

SLOW GROWING: Enrollment is on the rise in Florida's voluntary pre-k program, but space still remains for more 4-year-olds, the Bradenton Herald reports.

COMMITTED TO SCIENCE: Florida education commissioner Eric J. Smith writes a column in the Tallahassee Democrat explaining the state's dedication to improving science instruction.

SAFE LUNCH: Lee cafeterias have not turned up the food bacteria that were found in other schools nationally, the Fort Myers News-Press reports.

END THE ELECTIONS: Martin schools should have an appointed superintendent, Stuart News columnist Eve Samples writes.

FCAT PREP: Sarasota and Manatee teachers are identifying and helping students they see as most at risk of failing the FCAT earlier than before, the Herald-Tribune reports.

CRIMINAL INTENT? Monroe officials are investigating connections to a technology firm whose paid invoices far exceed the spending limit in its contract, the Keynoter reports.

SPANISH STRUGGLE: Students who speak Spanish as their first language have trouble making it through school, the Orlando Sentinel reports.