Florida education chief OK's merit pay teacher evaluation model

Associated Press

The Answer Sheet: Reviewing education reform in the 2010-11 school year

Oh, what a year it was.

The 2010-11 school year might not have looked much different from the one that preceded it to all the kids who woke up early, slogged to school, took test after standardized test and went home to study some more.

But to the adults in public education, there was incredible tumult.

When classes began in August, Maryland and the District joined several states as winners of a federal competition called Race to the Top that led many states to revamp education rules and laws to win cash. That contest, plus a controversial film about charter schools called "Waiting for 'Superman,' " propelled a reform movement that stresses choice and incentives rather than equity and funding.

There was also deep instability in many schools as financial troubles destroyed education budgets. More than 100 districts in at least 16 states operated four-day school weeks and gutted after-school activities. Platoons of teachers got pink slips.

Read more of this Washington Post article  here.  

Applauding Gov. Rick Scott and most Republican legislators, former Gov. Jeb Bush said Monday that Florida's "culture of reform" ensures future educational gains in the state.

Bush's Foundation for Florida's Future issued grades for lawmakers based on their support for school choice, competition and accountability measures at the 2011 Legislature.

"Reforms enacted this year reorganize schools around the success of every student in the Sunshine State," Bush said in unveiling this year's report card.

"For the first time in our history, teachers and principals will be evaluated and rewarded based on the success of their students. More Florida families will have the financial freedom to choose the education that gives their child the best opportunity for success in school and beyond. More students will be able to tap into technology to learn in their own style, at their own pace, ensuring they master the knowledge and skills to succeed in college and careers," said Bush, who launched Florida's ed-reform efforts during his eight-year tenure as governor.

Bush cited passage of five bills this year:

Senate Bill 736: The so-called "Son of SB 6" bill that ended teacher tenure and links student performance to instructor compensation.

Senate Bill 7197: Expands online learning programs.

Senate Bill 1546: Rewards and facilitates more charter schools.

House Bill 1331: Expands Opportunity Scholarships for parents to remove students from failing public schools.

House Bill 1329: Expands McKay Scholarship program for students with disabilities to exercise greater school choice.

Read more of this sunshine state news article

here.