May 18, 2012

“For decades, Florida has been at the forefront of modern education reform that will help ensure our students are well prepared for successful careers and fulfill our state’s need to create a highly-trained, highly-skilled future workforce. Accountability and high standards are the cornerstone of Florida’s nationally recognized reforms, and we must continue to raise the bar if we are to be economically competitive with other states, as well as countries across the globe.

As the leading voice of employers across the state, Associated Industries of Florida commends the State Board of Education and Education Commissioner Robinson for today’s decision to reaffirm the higher writing standards for students established last year while allowing for a brief period of transition as we implement these standards. Reform is never final and it remains an evolutionary process.

The decision made today to help parents, students and educators better understand and prepare for the changes in our state’s writing assessments is another step up in the ascent toward higher academic standards and greater student achievement.”