GOVERNOR CRIST SIGNS LEGISLATION INCREASING ASSISTANCE TO STATE’S MOST STRUGGLING SCHOOLS, EXPANDS CHARTER SCHOOL OPPORTUNITIES
June 12, 2009
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Governor Crist Signs Legislation Increasing Assistance to State’s Most Struggling Schools, Expands Charter School Opportunities
~ Bridges federal and state accountability requirements to promote the achievement of all students ~
NORTH LAUDERDALE – Governor Charlie Crist today visited North Broward Academy of Excellence in North Lauderdale to sign legislation expanding Florida’s school improvement program to include all public schools in the state and ensure increased school assistance for students. House Bill 991, relating to Florida’s Differentiated Accountability program, builds on a pilot project to provide a system of support for the state’s most struggling schools. Proven methods of assistance will be used to help raise the academic performance of students at these schools, including creating greater access to charter schools. Later today, Governor Crist will visit Lee Charter Academy in Fort Myers for a ceremonial signing of House Bill 991.
“All of Florida’s children, no matter their location, should have equal access to a quality education,” said Governor Crist. “The expansion of this program ensures that all schools receive the support they need, and I commend our Legislature for continuing to make the success of our students a priority.”
Under the Differentiated Accountability program, schools are placed into six categories based on their state-assigned letter grade, percentage of federal proficiency requirements met, and the number of years they have failed to meet those requirements. Support services provided to these schools will vary, depending on the amount of improvement needed. Schools in need of improvement will receive assistance with school-wide planning, leadership development, teacher training, curriculum and tutoring.
“The Governor’s and Legislature’s support of this program has been a critical part of our efforts to provide a quality learning environment for every student,” said Education Commissioner Dr. Eric J. Smith. “We have already seen tremendous results taking place in the schools that have been a part of this program since its inception, and I’m excited to be able to offer this level of support to every school that needs it.”
A key aspect of the Differentiated Accountability program involves increased state assistance for Florida’s lowest performing schools. Five state-led Regional Executive Directors work collaboratively with school staff and district leadership in their respective regions to provide hands-on support and monitoring. These individuals are established improvement experts with experience in turning around struggling schools.
With a school district’s permission, House Bill 991 will also enable the School Grade Improvement Commission to establish, develop and support charter schools as an alternative to a repeatedly low-performing school. In addition to evaluating the academic and financial performance of a remedial charter school, the School Grade Improvement Commission will also investigate the reasons for poor performance at a public school and determine what variables allow a successful remedial charter school to be effective.
Governor Crist signed the legislation during a visit to North Broward Academy of Excellence, a charter school located in Broward County. Also attending the bill-signing ceremony were State Board of Education member, Bob Martinez, as well as the school’s principal, David McKnight and Representative Tom Grady. In Fort Myers, Governor Crist will be joined by Representative Tom Grady, Representative Gary Aubuchon, Representative Ken Roberson and Principal Dr. Shirley Chapman for a tour and ceremonial bill signing.
Governor Crist praised the charter schools’ recent student learning gains as examples of the great strides Florida’s public schools are making. In January 2009, Quality Counts, the annual Education Week report, ranked Florida’s K-12 schools 10th in nation, up from 14th in 2008 and 31st in 2007. The report, issued annually by Education Week, tracks state policies and performance across key areas of education and assigns each state with an overall letter grade to signify their education standing in the nation.
For more information about Florida’s Differentiated Accountability program visit, http://www.flbsi.org/DA/index.htm.