[summer]

In 1998 and 1999, Hamilton's students were among the worst readers in the state. Three-quarters of its fourth-graders couldn't read at their grade level.

But last month, the Sanford school posted its best-ever scores on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test, continuing a steady -- and remarkable -- climb that began four years ago.

When I talk to Dem teachers who do not like the GOP on the whole, these teachers admit that no governor in this state has turned a spotlight on education, and put a focus on education, like this current governor. Since the day he took office, Gov. Bush has kept education on the front burner, and by doing so, continuously changed the educational culture in this state. No, not every school that was a "D" is now an "A" -- but the improvement is happening, school by school, classroom by classroom, student by student. I'm glad The Orlando Sentinel took the time to notice.

[summer]

For index.

[WIMom]

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[dalebert]

Jeb knows what is important to the future of this country. Its our youth. IF they fail we all fail. Reading is the key to knowledge. Jeb wants all kids to have the key.

[LarryLied]

I wonder how many people learn to read in school and how many learn on their own.

[DennisR]

Hope this gets the Dems jumping off buildings in desperation. :)

[MeekOneGOP]

bumpers!

[patriciaruth]

Bump!

[Izzy Dunne]

Thanks for the ping, summer.

The scores for the school's black students, who typically fared the worst, have improved, too. In 1998, 79 percent scored at level 1, compared to 47 percent last year. This year's scores broken down by race aren't yet available.

(Level 1 being the worst, not the best as you might think.)
This is remarkable, bordering on unbelievable. My first reaction is that they've cooked the books - it's a different test, or different school, or they've only tested three students.
If truly representative, then it should be held up as a model of what can be done.
Has someone informed the NEA?
I'm not holding my breath until they admit it's working...

[Izzy Dunne]

The program hasn't worked everywhere.
The Miami-Dade County school district put the program in about 35 schools, but all but eight dropped it after test scores failed to increase significantly. In Orange County, 13 schools once used the program, but, after uneven results, just four will keep it next year. Hamilton teachers who didn't like the program left. Parker asked others to leave because she said they weren't good with poor students.

Gee, one might get the impression that the quality of a child's education depends on the quality and attitude of the child's teachers!
The NEA will never stand for this...

[Tijeras_Slim]

A co-worker returned from a FL vacation yesterday, and being somewhat liberal they made some crack about the "other Bush Boy". I was able to make the case for Jeb quite nicely thanks to your posts. Since they have school age kids in the Albuquerque system (a predictable disaster), they were very interested about the Gov's reforms.

[summer]

This is the kind of success that is driving the Dem Leaders bonkers here in FL...

[stainlessbanner]

Good post. Sanford/Seminole County, as you know is still under the consent decree - that means the Feds are screwing around with the schools trying to get the right mix of black/white races.

Regardless, this is a great achievement!