Higher Standards and Merit-based Pay for Teachers Passes Committee

The Florida Senate Pre K-12 Education Committee advanced two bold education reform measures today. SB 4 and SB 6.

SB 4, sponsored by Committee Chairwoman Sen. Nancy Detert, R-Venice, focuses on increasing standards for hight school students, particularly in Math and Science. Detert says they're hoping these reforms will prevent dropouts and provide and educated workforce that will bring employers to the Sunshine State.

"With this legislation today, Florida students will be prepared for the competitive workforce of the 21st Century economy," she said.

SB 6, sponsored by Sen. John Thrasher, R-St. Augustine, offers teacher reforms in the areas of teacher evaluation, meirit-based compensation, and teacher tenure. This bill basically determines the teacher's compensation based on the performance of their students. Supporters of the bill say it'll help improve the quality of education by incentivizing teachers to teach more effectively.

"Fundamentally, SB 6 is not about teachers, it's about Florida's Students," stated Thrasher. "We want to reward the teachers who are working hard and increasing student performance."

Next stop--Ways & Means Committee.