Reforming Underperforming Schools In Florida

One of the legislative movers in Florida’s state session this week is a bill that would ramp up accountability for Florida’s underperforming schools. Under Florida's existing law, schools that rank as a D or an F, according to the Florida Department of Education’s annual scores, must have two consecutive years of D or F ratings before any action is forced by the state. Even then, the schools have two years to come into compliance. That means a school can operate in deficiency for up to four years prior to the state stepping in to force change. It illustrates the disconnect between the real world, where it’s implausible to run a failing enterprise for four consecutive years without severe consequences, like bankruptcy, and government in which our tax dollars will pay for the schools as long as they’re operating. 

As part of the new BEST curriculum, an overhaul to school accountability is also being taken up. The proposal which is currently being considered defines a deficient and failing school as a school that earns a grade of “D” or “F” and needs intervention and support. It will allow for a school district to request to change a school turnaround option after the first year of implementation if specific conditions are met. Modifying the options that are available for school districts if the turnaround school does not improve to at least a grade of “C” or higher. Lastly, it authorizes the State Board of Education to revoke a turnaround plan when a district has failed to meet the requirements of the plan.

This bill would effectively halve the response time underperforming schools would have to regain compliance from four to two years. As is also noted in the bill, it’s revenue-neutral to the state. This would seem to make complete sense to me. 

Photo by: Getty Images


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