Bill Which Would Penalize Underperforming Schools Passes In Senate
TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami/AP) – In a unanimous vote of 40-0, the Florida Senate passed a bill which, among other things, cuts funding to schools which score below the state average on select end of year tests.
That's just one provision in the wide-ranging education bill (HB 870), but it drew the most discussion Wednesday before it was passed. It applies to tests in algebra and biology; it will not go into effect for three years.
The bill also calls for more advanced courses and early high school graduation.
Some senators were worried schools will be punished despite making good faith efforts to bring their test scores up. Sen. Don Gaetz, a Niceville Republican who is in line to become Senate president in November, promised to take steps to help those schools.
The bill now goes to Gov. Rick Scott's desk for final approval.
(TM and © Copyright 2012 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
