As Bush spins his capitulation to the Senate in the malpractice caps debate, don't overlook this blockbuster: "Nearly 90 percent of Florida's public schools failed to meet reading and math standards this year . . . a stinging rebuke to a system that Gov. Jeb Bush's A+ Plan for Education has painted as steadily improving."
90% Of Florida Schools Fail To Meet Reading And Math Standards - "Nearly 90 percent of Florida's public schools failed to meet reading and math standards this year under the new federal No Child Left Behind law, The Herald learned Thursday.There are no direct consequences to the failures, but they are a stinging rebuke to a system that Gov. Jeb Bush's A+ Plan for Education has painted as steadily improving." See "State schools fail to meet new federal test standards".
Also On The Enviromental Front - "The Sierra Club will mobilize its 30,000 Florida members to support a proposed constitutional amendment that would require voter approval of changes to local growth plans." See "Plan Would Put Growth To A Vote". See also "New land policy urged". This will be a hot issue.
Please Do - Mike Thomas thinks "Former Orange County Chairman Mel Martinez s[and HUD Secretary] hould run for U.S. Senate." See "Mel would be swell in contest with Graham". Run Mel, Run . . . we love seeing millionaire GOP trial lawyers explain their views on capping jury awards. This poster boy for political correctness needs to run to save us from the endless speculation about his political "future"
Higher Education Crunched - "The Board of Governors for the state's 11 public universities recommended a budget Thursday that could limit the number of additional students admitted next year." See "University budget could cap growth".
However, "[t]he board that oversees Florida universities said Thursday it will not allow enrollment caps next year, promising instead to seek funding for at least 9,700 new students. But that is considerably fewer students than the state's 11 universities are expecting in 2004. And there is no guarantee the Board of Governors recommendation will carry weight with Florida lawmakers, who dole out higher education money. Even if it's approved, universities would still have to cap enrollment in some programs, said Education Commissioner Jim Horne, who said the state has to make 'some tough choices.'" See "Board deals blow to enrollment caps". See also "Board says enrollment caps will be its decision".