Education Accountability Summit Kicks Off in Clearwater

A panel of Florida education leaders led by Interim Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart began a three-day summit to discuss the sustainability and transparency of the state's accountability system "to ensure each student has the opportunity to succeed."

Stewart was asked by Gov. Rick Scott to convene the summit with a focus on four priorities: state standards, state standard assessments, school grades and teacher evaluations.

Floridas education accountability system has become a national model, but we are at a critical point in our history, said Scott. Our students need and deserve a quality education that emphasizes critical thinking and analysis. Our teachers and schools need our support as we continue to compete nationally and globally in preparing students for success in college, career and in life.

State legislators will also be participating in the summit.

Governor Scotts Education Accountability Summit will provide the leaders of our Senate Committees on Education and Education Appropriations the opportunity to collect various perspectives and ideas which will be used in committee meeting discussions scheduled to begin next month, said Senate President Matt Gaetz. The Senate looks forward to working with the governor to build on the gains Floridas public education system has made over more than a decade and we appreciate the opportunity to have a seat at the table for this significant event.

Everyone attending this summit shares the same goal: ensuring that every student in Florida is given the opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in the career of his or her choice, said State Board of Education Chairman Gary Chartrand. This is a great opportunity for educators, business leaders, and policymakers to share strategies that will benefit not only our students but our state as a whole.