TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, the Foundation for Florida’s Future (@aFloridaPromise) released Florida’s 2016 Education Report Card. On this annual evaluation, Florida lawmakers earn grades for their actions to improve the quality of education in the Sunshine State through support for student-centered policies.
During the 2016 Florida Legislative Session, lawmakers demonstrated their commitment to improving education and expanding opportunities for Sunshine State students. They furthered a tradition in which each new generation of leaders adds to a reform effort that has changed the face of American education.
“What more can we do for students? That was the attitude our state leaders took going into this year’s Legislative Session in addressing public education,” said Patricia Levesque, Executive Director of aFloridaPromise. “Because of their actions the parents of students with disabilities now have more options in preparing their children for success, all students will have greater access to our wealth of excellent public schools, and the groundwork is laid for a future in which every child can receive a personalized education. It was an honor to work with so many relentless advocates for children and parents this year, and we are grateful for their bold leadership.”
In conjunction with the Education Report Card, the Foundation also announced its Honor Roll list of lawmakers advancing student-centered policies this year.
Earning recognition on the Senate Honor Roll:
Earning spots on the House Honor Roll:
“This session was truly about advocacy in action,” added Levesque. “It showed that every voice matters – every story matters. And with the help of passionate legislative champions like those highlighted in the Report Card, we can continue to improve education for every Florida child.”
By grading lawmakers on a scale of A-F, just like students and schools, Florida’s Education Report Card gives the public a clear and comprehensive assessment of who is keeping the promise of a quality education in the Sunshine State. It measures reforms based on seven core principles: Data-Driven Accountability, Digital Learning, Effective Teachers and Leaders, Outcome-Based Funding, Rigorous Academic Standards, School Choice and Measuring of what Matters. Grades are based on legislators’ voting records and demonstrations of leadership. House and Senate voting records are calculated in a ratio of favorable votes cast for student-centered policies out of the total opportunities to vote on those policies.
Floridians can view the complete Education Report Card online.
