Florida TaxWatch: Teacher Preparation Key to Common Core

Florida TaxWatch released a studyon Tuesday which finds teacher preparation and continued training for educators is essential to implementing Common Core and other new standards in the Sunshine State.

"Florida has many high-quality resources already available to teachers, but there must be widespread support for continuing professional development," said Dominic Calabro, the president and CEO of Florida TaxWatch. "The Florida Department of Education is developing additional materials that will give teachers tools they need to help Florida students reach higher achievement levels."

Florida TaxWatch pointed to the state Department of Education's Collaborate, Plan, Align, Learn, Motivate, Share (CPALMS) system, an online portal focusing on teacher development. CPALMS contains lesson plans, exercises and other tools for K-12 teachers and higher ed instructors.

"Appropriate teacher development opportunities will equip Florida teachers with tools to best prepare students to attain higher achievement levels," said Elizabeth Carrouth, the executive director of the Florida TaxWatch Center for Educational Performance and Accountability.