NOTE: This is a legislative update from Emergent Design and Development, a Tallahassee consulting firm that advises clients about education matters.

From Bob and Mary Bedford

The session is progressing with the release of the Senate Budget – and the House budget is expected to be released this week.  In somewhat of a surprise, both Houses have included the stimulus money for Education.  The budgets will not be identical and most educators will probably favor the Senate Position.

COMMISSIONER NOTES

After having an opportunity to hear Education Commissioner Eric Smith make several presentations last week, I believe that the following bullets represent actions that we can expect as a result of this Session.

•        Florida will be granted a waiver and receive stimulus money.  (Possibly as early as next week.)
•        Stimulus dollars will come with strict accountability guidelines, including fiscal audits and educational audits to assure that the money will result in improved student outcomes.
•        The Florida Legislature will pass legislation increasing graduation requirements. Read the rest of this entry »