For the last few months there has been a debate over whether tougher standards for schools or expanded school choice are the way for market-friendly folks to work to expand education.
As the case of Florida shows, however, you don't necessarily have to chose between the two. Here's a letter from the Foundation for Florida's Future, which describes that both measures will be pursued in the state:
Three major education reform policies are destined for the Governor’s desk in the coming weeks, thanks to the leadership of the Florida Legislature under House Speaker Marco Rubio and Senate President Ken Pruitt. The laws raise academic standards, strengthen accountability and expand school choice.
Legislation sponsored by Senator Don Gaetz and Representative Trey Traviesa will grow the Corporate Tax Credit Scholarship program, giving more parents more choices for educating their children. The successful, cost saving school choice program will provide scholarships to an additional seven thousand students in low-come families. For the first time ever, the program will provide this opportunity to Florida ’s foster kids, an expansion strongly advocated by the Foundation.
In groundbreaking reform proposed by Senator Gaetz, Florida high schools will be graded on a more comprehensive set of criteria. The legislation adds graduation rates, participation and performance of students in accelerated learning programs (such as Advanced Placement courses), college readiness and end-of-course exams to the school grading formula which is currently based on student performance and progress on the FCAT. Adding these meaningful and objective measures will more accurately reflect the progress made in Florida high schools, especially by our 11th and 12th grade students. Continuing to raise the bar is the key to improving student performance.
In the culmination of a two-year effort by Speaker Rubio and Representative Anitere Flores, the Legislature passed a bold initiative to raise academic standards in our classrooms. The legislation will build on Florida ’s progress by implementing a more rigorous and relevant curriculum for our students.
This year, the Foundation for Florida ’s Future is launching Florida’s Education Report Card to annually measure how well our state legislators are keeping the promise of a quality education. Senators and representatives will be graded on their support or opposition of education policies in key areas, and exemplary policymakers who champion reforms advocated by the Foundation will be recognized as members of the Honor Roll. The Foundation looks forward to releasing the 2008 grades this summer in advance of the coming fall election.
