With the noble and lofty goal of improving education in America, a group of educators and leaders in the education reform movement came together to develop a national set of standards in the hope that our educational system in the various states would meet a common standard and impart a common base of knowledge for all children in America.

As you know, last year we passed a fiscally responsible budget that did not raise taxes and protected Floridas bond rating. And, it wasnt easy.

Over the last two weeks since the tragic events in Tucson there has been a great deal of commentary at the national level on the scope and nature of our public discourse.