Florida Schools Improving!

Florida schools rank 14th nationally despite low spending level

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) – Jan. 10, 2008 – Florida’s schools ranked 14th nationally with a grade of C-plus on a report card issued Wednesday by Education Week magazine, although the state placed only 38th in public education spending.

Much of the credit for Florida’s overall finish – up from 31st last year – among the 50 states and District of Columbia goes to high marks for its teaching profession and system of standards, assessment and accountability. Those are two of six categories measured in the annual Quality Counts report.

“Given the financial resources of the state and the complexities of the state of Florida we are certainly on the right track,” said Florida Education Commissioner Eric Smith.