Florida’s Education Success: A Model for the Nation

Florida Leads the Way in Education Reform, Making Significant Gains in Student Achievement

Last week, the Nation’s Report Card revealed stagnant results in reading and math scores for fourth- and eighth-graders across the country. However, one state stood out for its remarkable progress: Florida.

Thanks to the dedication of Governor Rick Scott, education reform champions in the Legislature, educators, and parents, Florida saw improvement in all four NAEP assessments and significant gains in three of the four tests. In fact, Florida made more progress in 2017 than any other state in the nation.

The success in Florida can be attributed to a student-centered approach that prioritizes the needs of students above all else. Nearly two decades ago, Florida introduced the Florida A+ Plan for Education, a set of reforms that empowered families with more options, introduced accountability measures, and focused on early reading initiatives.

Since then, Florida has continued to innovate with bold policies that have yielded positive results. More than 1.7 million students in Florida now have the opportunity to attend a school or program that best meets their needs, whether it be public magnet programs, charter schools, or private school scholarships.

The state has also seen a significant increase in the number of students graduating with job-ready industry certifications and has made strides in improving literacy rates among fourth- and eighth-graders.

Despite these achievements, there is still work to be done in Florida’s education system. Lawmakers recently approved House Bill 7055, a comprehensive set of reforms aimed at addressing current needs and preparing for the future. This includes expanding opportunities for students with special needs and providing support for struggling readers through Reading Scholarship Accounts.

Florida’s success serves as a model for other states looking to improve their education systems. The latest Nation’s Report Card should serve as a wake-up call for leaders across the country to prioritize education reform and ensure that every child has the opportunity to succeed in school and beyond.