Florida's Education System Jumps to Top Ten in the Nation
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Florida's Education System Jumps to Top Ten in the Nation
- Sunshine State Jumps Five States on Annual Quality Counts report -Tallahassee, Fla., January 10, 2013 - A national report released today ranks Florida sixth in the nation for the quality of its education system. Results of Education Week's 2013 Quality Counts: Code of Conduct report give Florida a B-, surpassing the national grade of C+ and, resulting in an impressive move up from eleventh place last year. Florida earned an A in the Transitions and Alignment category, ranking fourth in the nation.
Governor Rick Scott said, "For Florida to be a global leader in job creation and economic growth, we have to provide our students with a quality education. Today's news that Florida has moved into the top ten in the nation for overall quality of education reinforces that we're taking the steps needed to ensure our students succeed. We've made education a priority by investing $1 billion in K-12 education - and for the upcoming session, we'll continue working with the legislature to enhance Florida's education system so every Florida family can live the American Dream."
Florida's rise into the top ten is based on a solid showing in the Transitions and Alignment category, which tracks state policy efforts to coordinate K-12 education with early learning, postsecondary education, and the workforce. Florida earned an A in this category, moving up to fourth from a fourteenth-place B- last year.
Incoming Florida Commissioner of Education Dr. Tony Bennett said, "Florida has always been a national leader in education and I am proud to see the hard work of our students and educators recognized through the Quality Counts ranking. I am committed to working with our educators, parents, and other stakeholders toward continued success for Florida's students."
"Florida is committed to preparing students for success in education, a career, and in life, which is the purpose for moving to the Common Core State Standards," said Interim Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart. "The 2013 Quality Counts report clearly shows our investment in education is paying off and we are moving in the right direction."
As in previous years, the 2013 report grades states based on their policies and performance in six main education areas: Chance for Success; Transitions and Alignment; School Finance Analysis; K-12 Achievement; Standards, Assessments, and Accountability; and the Teaching Profession. State rankings are based on the average score for all six categories. This year's rankings are calculated based on updated data for three of the six areas: Chance for Success; Transitions and Alignment; and School Finance Analysis.
The report comes on the heels of two recent studies showing Florida's students ahead of their peers internationally. The Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) ranked Florida fourth graders second in the world for reading and the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) showed the performance of Florida fourth and eighth graders substantially above their international counterparts.
For more information about Florida's performance, visit 2013 Quality Counts.