Landmark Education Reform in 2010 Leads to High Marks for Florida Lawmakers

Tallahassee, Florida – The Foundation for Florida’s Future today released Florida’s Education Report Card 2010.  The annual report card grades legislators on their efforts to improve the quality of education in the Sunshine State.  By grading lawmakers on a scale of A – F, just like students, Florida’s Education Report Card gives the public – especially parents – a clear and comprehensive assessment of who is advancing reforms to make education in Florida a model for the nation.

“Floridians should be proud of the courageous lawmakers who advanced bold reforms to raise standards for students and reward teachers for student success,” said Jeb Bush, Chairman of the Foundation for Florida’s Future.  “Thanks to the landmark reforms passed by the Florida Legislature this year, more students will be prepared to succeed in the 21st century economy.”

This year, lawmakers were graded based on their support of bills which raised graduation standards to prepare students for college and careers, created a dynamic workforce of educators, rewarded teachers for student achievement, harnessed the power of technology to customize education and expanded school choice to more of Florida’s students.

Lawmakers earning A+ ratings for their advocacy of critical reforms include Senate President Jeff Atwater and Senators Thad Altman, Nancy Detert, Don Gaetz, Andy Gardiner, Joe Negron, and John Thrasher;  House Speaker Larry Cretul and Representatives Anitere Flores,  Erik Fresen, Tom Grady, Adam Hasner, John Legg, Stephen Precourt, David Rivera, Kelli Stargel, and Will Weatherford.

The Foundation for Florida’s Future advocates for reforms to make education in Florida a model for the nation.  Reforms passed this year build on the success of the Florida Formula for Student Achievement which reversed a generation of decline in public schools.  Under the Sunshine State system of high expectations, data-driven accountability and unprecedented choice, more students are reading on grade level, passing rigorous college preparatory courses and graduating from high school.

Visit www.AFloridaPromise.org to see how your lawmaker fared and learn more about what’s happening in education in Florida.

For media inquiries, please contact Jaryn Emhof, Press Secretary, at jaryn@afloridapromise.org or (850) 528-8629.