The Florida Board of Education has released grades for Florida public schools and community members are thrilled with the impressive results.
The state jumped 17 spots in one year in the national ranking from 31st best public school system last year to 14th this year. The percentage of schools graded an "F" dropped from last year and the percentage of schools graded an "A" increased from last year.
The Florida Board of Education was lauded for achievement in a number of areas including participation in advanced placement (AP) classes, closing the acheivement gap and the quality of teachers.
Almost 2,000 schools will receive a bonus of $85 per student for getting an "A" grade or for improving a letter grade from last year.
For these achievements, Florida will receive an $18 million federal GEAR UP grant. GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) seeks to help low-income students prepare for undergraduate studies following high school.
Sources: http://www.huliq.com/63717/florida-school-grades-show-state-nation039s-top-15, http://www.orlandosentinel.com/orl-bk-2008-florida-school-grades-070808,0,3235444.story