The Legislature and the Department of Education have generally addressed our 1997 recommendations for improving student performance in high-poverty schools. Recent legislation and department actions established a stronger foundation for assuring that all students perform to the best of their abilities.
The state's school grading system has a component that addresses the achievement of low-performing students, and student performance must now be considered in annual performance evaluations of teachers and principals. Further, the need for parental involvement in their children's education is now addressed in teacher certification. However, the state has not yet established measurable performance standards for parental involvement. The department's Office of Family Involvement should work with the school districts to develop district indicators that measure parental involvement in the schools.

The Department of Education Has Taken Initial Steps to Improve Student Progression Data
Report 08-42 June 2008
High School Completion Rate Increased Slightly After FCAT Graduation Policy Implemented
Report 07-27 April 2007
Third Grade Retention Policy Leading to Better Student Performance Statewide
Report 06-66 October 2006
Progress Report: K-12 Accountability System and Student Achievement Improved, But Challenges Remain
Report 04-41 June 2004

Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.