State Board of Education Approves New Florida Standards

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

DOE Press Office 850-245-0413

State Board of Education Approves New Florida Standards

Tallahassee, Fla., February 18, 2014 - At today's State Board of Education meeting in Orlando, board members voted unanimously to adopt new student performance standards in English/Language Arts and Mathematics. Their votes also updated course requirements for K-12, Adult Secondary and Exceptional Student Education.

"I am very pleased the State Board voted to adopt standards that Florida can truly call its own," said Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart. "The vote reaffirms the Board's deep commitment to higher student achievement and as Florida moves forward, these more rigorous standards will better prepare students for success in college, career and in life."

"I applaud the State Board for taking action that will ensure our students are more successful," said State Board Chairman Gary Chartrand. "Their bold action today sends the message that Florida students are our highest priority and we want them to be ready for a successful future."

More than 19,000 comments and suggestions to the standards were received during an unprecedented public review during three public workshops, online and by email. In response to constituent concerns about English/Language Arts, there were 13 clarifications and the addition of cursive writing to 4th and 5th grade. For mathematics, there are 24 clarifications, two deleted standards in kindergarten and first grade, and the addition of 60 new standards that includes 53 for calculus at the high school level.

Also during the meeting, Commissioner Stewart provided an overview of the proposed school accountability system designed to provide stability and clarity as the state transitions to a new assessment beginning in 2014-15. The proposal would ensure the accountability system is fair, transparent and promotes improvements in student achievement.

In other Board action today, members approved a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Health Sciences at Eastern Florida State College.