Florida Schools Back In Education Week's Top 10
TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami/AP) – After falling out of their "Top 10" last year, Education Week reports Florida's public schools have regained their place at the top.
In their publication's 2013 "Quality Counts: Code of Conduct", Florida ranked sixth with an overall grade of B- which surpassed the national grade of C+ .
Last year, the state came in 11th place due in part to spending cuts and student performance.
Education Week gave Florida an A for the category of 'transitions and alignment' which tracks the state's policy efforts to coordinate kindergarten through 12th grade education with early learning, post-secondary education and the workforce. Florida also received an A for standards, assessments and accountability.
Florida received a B for its teaching profession, a C for students' chances of success and a C-minus for student achievement.
"Today's news that Florida has moved into the top ten in the nation for overall quality of education reinforces that we're taking the steps needed to ensure our students succeed," said Gov. Rick Scott in statement. "We've made education a priority by investing $1 billion in K-12 education – and for the upcoming session, we'll continue working with the legislature to enhance Florida's education system so every Florida family can live the American Dream."
The state again received a low mark of D-plus for school finance, one of six grading categories.
(TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
