MOVING ON: Collier schools plan to implement a new college and career preparation plan even after losing its bid for a Race to the Top-District grant, the Naples Daily News reports.  

MAKE IT WORK: Students at a Lee middle school take advantage of a grant to learn about underwater robotics, the Fort Myers News-Press reports.

ALTERNATE TEST: The Florida Department of Education considers setting a concordant score on the PERT exam for students to replace their Algebra I end-of-course exam, the Orlando Sentinel reports.

SAFETY FIRST: Palm Beach private schools add security in the wake of the recent Connecticut shooting, the Palm Beach Post reports. • The Alachua Sheriff's Office makes plans to maintain deputies patrolling elementary schools after winter break, the Gainesville Sun reports.

COSTLY: Volusia school district leaders add safety expenses to the mix as they discuss how to overcome an expected revenue shortfall in the wake of a failed tax referendum, the Daytona Beach News-Journal reports.

BIG CHANGES: Flagler students face the prospect of merged elementary and middle schools, as well as changing curriculum standards and increased focus on science, the Daytona Beach News-Journal reports.

FREE FOOD: Donors contribute money to create snack food banks inside some Orange County schools with high percentages of students on free and reduced price lunches, the Orlando Sentinel reports.