[summer]

WOW! This is FANTASTIC news coming out of FL today!!! And, kindly note: the biggest news is right here --

"Those schools that improved their performance by one or more letter grades or maintained a grade of ‘A’ will receive School Recognition Funds. Of the schools graded this year, 60 percent will receive School Recognition Funds.

More than 40 percent of the schools that will receive School Recognition Funds this year have student poverty levels of 51 percent or higher."

As most of you know, I am a FL public school teacher, and, in the FL public school where I teach, we earned an "A" grade from the state -- and, more than half of our student population is minority and in poverty. (BTW, less than a handful of our students failed the FCAT.)

In short, the big story in FL continues to be this piece of great news: The academic gains are happening in many types of schools, including those schools where the students are black or Hispanic or other minority, and poor -- and such students were never expected to achieve as much in the past.

Gov Bush's tough stance and refusal to back down has made a very positive difference in this state -- which is exactly what I have been telling you folks on FR for several years now! :)

PS To find your FL public school's grade (and, BTW, "learning gains" were again measured this year, as part of the school's grade), scroll down to the middle of this page HERE.

[summer]

I know -- I could have skipped a few commas up there; however, I was so excited to see our school did so well!!!! :)

[Husker24]

You wont be hearing this in the news any time soon.

[MattAMiller]

More than 40 percent of the schools that will receive School Recognition Funds this year have student poverty levels of 51 percent or higher."

That's incredible. Well done Florida.

[windchime]

Congratulations, Summer! Your post indicates the level of enthusiasm and dedication it took for your school and Governor Bush's program to succeed.

[Lightnin]

Well done Jeb and the FL schools. Too bad the good news won't be carried by the St. Pete Times and its liberal cohorts throughout the state.

[Lizavetta]

If there had been a 600% increase in the number of 'A' schools here in California, it would only have meant that the standards for being an 'A' school had taken a nosedive.

I hope Florida's improvements are actually honest ones.

[cake_crumb]

“This year’s school grades demonstrate that when we set high standards and work hard, all children can learn”

No truer words. How will the NEA spin this against Gov. Bush? We will know soon enough.

[darkwing104]

Sierra Hotel Jeb!

[Truth Addict]

Congratulations to Jeb and all of Florida's teachers who worked hard to produce these encouraging results!

Our Governor has consistently proven that his ideas, when implemented, produce the kinds of results that liberals can only promise, but never deliver.

Florida's schools still have room for improvement, but this news proves that significant gains are being made, and there is no reason why this trend should not continue.

[annyokie]

Thanks for the ping! I'm glad your PS are doing so well!

[I still care]

The editors at the St. Petersberg Times are going to be up all night tonight trying to figure out a way to spin this so Bush looks bad.

[rep-always]

Summer, thank you for all you do regarding this web site and for teaching in Florida which brings about the great achievements of students and also of our great Governor Bush. It is truly appreciated.

[TwoStep]

**Bump**

[JulieRNR21]

Excellent!

JEB BUMP

[ExSoldier]

Alas, my inner city high school, just up the road from DOUBLE "F" rated Edison...is still a "D" school for the fourth year in a row. ~SIGH~ I can virtually guarantee that it's not the teachers in this case. I know it's politically incorrect to say this but....the students in the D and F rated schools are as dumb as a box of rocks. Not all of them of course...some are quite brilliant. But the ones who are really dumb don't care that they are and have no interest in improving their lot believing that they'll be cared for by Uncle Sugar.

I have always maintained that the European model is for once...the best one going. They realize that not all kids are entitled to a college education. So they begin to track kids from the third grade to either a college curriculum that is heavy on pure academics OR to the vocational track. Every couple of years the kid is tested and is able to switch from one track to another going both ways.

I've been at a "D" rated school for six years and it's about to kill my soul. Yesterday, I was interviewed by an "A" rated school who really want me to take over some of their Advanced Placement (college credit) courses and of course I'll say YES.

[patricia]

BRAVO!!! What wonderful news.
EXPECTING outstanding results and showing the kiddos the way ... is the basis of the issue ... and it appears to be working VERY well in Fla.
I taught kindergarten for several years ... back in the dark ages ... most of my classes had 40-45 students ... and we NEVER had a problem. They knew I loved them and that I meant what I said.

[Dianna]

Gov Bush's tough stance and refusal to back down has made a very positive difference in this state -- which is exactly what I have been telling you folks on FR for several years now! :)

That is wonderful! I so hope other Governors will take notice of this.