This Ideas in Action piece features opinion-editorials published by the Tallahassee Democrat in October 2013. They are republished here with permission from the authors.
Florida Boys and Girls Clubs (FBGC) participants demonstrate significant differences in educational and juvenile justice outcomes versus similar peers who do not take advantage of the FBGC programs, according to this Special Report.
Within Florida's new educational standards, students will be expected to understand and apply rigorous English language arts and mathematics content at a much deeper level, to reflect on what they are learning, to defend or depart from conclusions, and to collaborate with other students in their learning process. For students to be successful, teachers must be afforded time with their colleagues to develop the same skills for their instructional practices.
The first in a developing series about Florida's implementation of the Common Core State Standards, this Briefing gives background on the CCSS, and makes the case that in order for Florida to be an educational leader and provide the workforce talent to strengthen and transform our economy, Floridians from every sector must commit to support our students and teachers in unprecedented changes in teaching and learning.
The 2013 Florida Legislature, with support from the Governor, passed landmark legislation that established the criteria by which the state can declare preeminent institutions of higher education within Florida's State University System. Achieving the benchmarks required for preeminence will ensure that Florida public universities rank among the highest in the nation.
This Session Spotlight focuses on legislation that adds structure and accountability to the states early learning programs and the Department of Education.
This Session Spotlight looks at the three pathways being debated in the proposed legislation, and how each track can help students achieve their goals through targeted coursework. The Spotlight also points out that both bills could be strengthened through increased attention to more rigorous English Language Arts assessments and professional training for teachers.
To address the steps that Florida has taken and should continue to take to match our graduates to the industries that need a workforce with skill-specific education, this Briefing looks at two aspects of the issue: how the right degree can make a difference in lifetime earning potential, and how Florida's Supply and Demand Portal can help students and employers achieve their goals.
Continuing a legacy that has resulted in the savings of at least $3.5 billion in Floridians' hard-earned tax dollars over the last four years alone, Florida TaxWatch added more than $1 billion in cost-saving options for lawmakers this year, with the release of this Report. This year's Report is the fifth in as many years from Florida TaxWatch, the independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit taxpayer research institute and government watchdog headquartered in Tallahassee.
Florida must continue to embrace and refine its system of accountability in public education in order to maintain the significant gains that have been made for all students, according to “Accountability is Essential,â€ù a new Briefing from the Florida TaxWatch Center for Educational Performance & Accountability (CEPA).
"This Research Report looks at the disparities in funding levels between charter and traditional public schools, and offers suggestions on how to let the money follow the student."
"From Gatorade to the chemotherapy drug Taxol, some of the nation's most recognizable inventions are from Florida's University system. This report shows how the process works and which universities account for the most inventions. "
"This report, written independently of Florida TaxWatch, defines the necessity of improving the state's voluntary pre-K program. Weaknesses in the current programs are scrutinized and solutions are proposed. "
This report shows how Florida's system of funding the capital outlays of educational facilities is complex and subject to fluctuation by circumstances unrelated to need.
"Written independently of Florida TaxWatch, this report explains why high schools must put a premium on teaching science, technology, engineering and mathematics"
Implementing the class Size reduction amendment has proven to be very expensive. This report details how it could get more expensive and explains measures that could lower the cost.
The Florida TaxWatch Center for Educational Performance and Accountability (CEPA) stresses the need for reform in education through the legislative process.
"This report, written independently of Florida TaxWatch, explains how the Florida must make dramatic improvements in math and science education if it is to establish a solid foundation of innovation. "
"This report, written independently of Florida TaxWatch, defines this scholarship, enumerates its benefits, and explains how it relates to both high-poverty and low-poverty schools."
"This report, written independently of Florida TaxWatch, provides case studies of how selected universities responded innovatively to a recession-induced fiscal crisis. "