The education reporters at the Orlando Sentinel are on the ball. They already have a reaction to Thomas B. Fordham Institute’s review of our state science standards, which gave the standards a D grade.
The Florida Department of Education called the grade â€disappointing†but said it â€will take a very critical look at this report and take immediate steps to improve in areas that need improvement.â€
The statement by Cynthia Sucher, a department spokesman, noted that Florida had devised the standards with help from outside experts, including some recommended by the Fordham group. She also said that Florida is pushing a “strong emphasis on science,†including new high school requirements that all students take biology and, starting in 2013, that all students also take either chemistry or physics.
“Prior to this requirement Florida will take action to adopt and implement strong standards in both these areas to ensure our students are competitive with top states and nations,†she wrote in an email.
FSU physics professor Paul Cottle has been suggesting Florida should join the national “common core” standards effort. Currently, the state hasn’t shown any interest. Will this low grade change any minds?
