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Hi Jennifer, Thanks for your informative post here. I had read that article, but I'm so glad you took the time to post it for others to read.

And, yes, I agree with you: Gov Bush is exposing a lot of problems -- and, thus, some people are upset. But, I'm not, and I think he is doing the right thing, especially in making reading the #1 goal in this state for students.

I also appreciate what this guy said here:

state Education Commissioner Jim Horne said. "Clearly we'll be a lot less forgiving than we were in the past."

But, he added, "it's not just about retentions. It's about getting students prepared so we don't have to retain them."

Because when students are prepared on each grade level, it is then much better for the teacher on each grade level. In education colleges, they keep telling would-be teachers that they have to always find reading material on the student's grade level, and while that is true, it is ALSO true that 8th grade science books are NOT written on 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th grade levels, in addition to the 8th grade level. So, at some point - kids have to be able to comprehend information at their grade level, and 3rd grade is a good time to assess that.

Collier County, BTW, has consistently scored BELOW the median FCAT grades in this state, despite paying its teachers one of the highest salaries in the state, and being one of the wealthiest counties in the state.

Collier County, BTW, has consistently scored BELOW the median FCAT grades in this state, despite paying its teachers one of the highest salaries in the state, and being one of the wealthiest counties in the state.

I know, sad.. isn't it? I am hoping for my husband to get a transfer so we can move. We're looking at Orlando! :) I remember when I started college, at our local 2 yr community college (this was in New Jersey). So many freshman had to take remedial classes before they could start with English 101. It is all cumulative, certain standards should be met before a student is promoted. We are in the right track in Florida now though.