[summer]

But I'd never seen so many people worried about whether poor black children could read and write until Jeb Bush took office.

I agree, Mike! :)

Also see: Schools across Florida celebrate as grades soar - The Orlando Sentinel, June 19, 2003 Here's an excerpt:

While principals across Florida celebrated their scores, critics suggested that the improvements were more a reflection of teachers better preparing their students for the test.

"It doesn't mean that students are learning more," said Robert Schaeffer, spokesman for the National Center for Fair and Open testing, an advocacy group that questions use of testing programs such as the FCAT....

This guy and other critics of Gov Bush should be ashamed for not being big enough to thank Gov Bush for all he has done in this state, in his constant effort to help students of all colors.


Joy Taylor, principal of Mollie Ray Elementary in Orlando, reacts with glee as her school's improved FCAT grades are released Wednesday.


Bonnie Gyarfas (left), principal of Bonner Elementary School in Daytona Beach, gets a hug from special-education teacher Craig Miller after they heard the news that their school grade improved.

[summer]

FYI. :)

[E=MC²]

(Amazingly, liberal mike thomas has had some nice things to say about Jeb in the past.) This improvement in schools just seems to be one more case of "progressive" liberals whining about something but never improving it (graham and chiles) and stabilizing conservatives not whining but actually changing things for the better. Liberals remind me of a shrew wife...never happy unless they are unhappy.

[Arkinsaw]

I love those pictures. Its amazing how excited people can become over a REAL accomplishment. They will most likely spread their excitement to the kids and thus the kids will realize they actually accomplished something and start looking forward to the next step.

Love those pictures.

[livius]

Yes!!! Our worst school here in Gainesville went from an F to an A! They busted their tails, and it all worked, and the kids absolutely soared! Go Jeb!

[TwoStep]

**Bump**

[Cordova Belle]

Inspiring and encouraging!

Kind of like a 2003 version of "Lean on Me."

This is great news.

[iconoclast]

Jeb may well be saving public education in Florida.

That's about on a par with saving tooth decay.

[windchime]

"Saving schools may be Jeb's 'devious plan'"

I'm glad Thomas used the term 'devious plan' in a more positive way than Governor Bush's opposition did in the election! He really seems to be a 'fair and balanced' reporter.

The pictures illustrate the celebration of a job well done. These are people who CARE!

Thanks for posting.

[Arthur McGowan]

Jeb is to be commended for caring (unlike liberals) whether little black children can read or write. It is tragic, though, that his better policies may end up saving government schooling.

[BigWaveBetty]

Thanks so much for this post summer! I can't believe Mike Thomas wrote this story.

I'm excited about the results my son achieved too! He received a Certificate of Achievement in recognition for; Writing - Notable Performance and Science - Outstanding Performance.

On the Science portion of the test (not to brag too much, cough, cough) he achieved 431 out of 500. The state average looks to be about 295.

In the Writing portion he achieved a 5.5 out of 6.0!

I'm just so proud of him!! As soon as my e-mail is fixed I'm going to write to Jeb and thank him for the FCAT. :-)

[sistergoldenhair]

Haven't spoken for awhile, just saying "Hi" bump.

[agincourt1415]

And this is coming from MIKE THOMAS a HUGE LIBERAL if there ever was one.

JEB is on a roll!

[TontoKowalski]

Summer, my feelings are hurt! You didn't ping me to this wonderful news! Don't you love me anymore?

Sniff, sniff. I'll bump your thread anyway.

[Cacique]

ping

[JoeSixPack1]

Major Gigantic weadin', witin', & withmatic BUMP!!! :-)