Florida’s Education Report Card Grades Lawmakers on Student-Centered Policies

Tallahassee, Fla –  Today, the Foundation for Florida’s Future released Florida’s 2018 Education Report Card, which grades legislators on their efforts to improve student learning and access to a quality education in the Sunshine State.

“Thanks to the leadership of many legislative champions, countless more Florida students now have access to a quality education that prepares them for success in school and in their careers.

“As other states look to Florida’s success in improving student academic outcomes, I hope they will follow the example of our leaders by championing legislation that promotes greater opportunity, accountability and equity.”

Patricia Levesque, Foundation for Florida’s Future Executive Director

Legislative leaders’ commitment to our state’s strong accountability system has led to significant increases in student outcomes. Results from the National Assessment for Educational Progress (NAEP) show Florida made more academic progress in reading and math than any other state in the nation in 2017.

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.

This year, lawmakers were graded on several education bills, including legislation that gives bullied students the opportunity to attend a safer school, provides support for public school students struggling to read on grade level, expands access to a customized education for students with special needs, removes barriers to dual enrollment courses and expands access to computer science courses.

Along with the Florida Education Report Card, the Foundation for Florida’s Future also announced its Honor Roll, which recognizes the legislative champions who took bold or exceptional action to pass student-centered legislation aimed at improving the lives and educational outcomes of Florida students and their families.

Their work builds upon the state’s nearly two decade-long tradition of continually strengthening policies that promote equity and expand educational opportunities for Florida students.

Earning recognition on the Senate Honor Roll:

 

Earning recognition on the House Honor Roll:

 

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.

For more information and to view all legislator grades, visit www.aFloridaPromise.org.

Solution Areas:

Assessment & Accountability, College & Career Pathways, Early Literacy, Educational Choice & Options, Personalized Learning

Topics:

Charter Schools, Education Funding, Tax Credit Scholarships