Education Week's Quality Counts 2008 Report
The 2008 Education Week's Quality Counts Report showcases Florida's Education System shortcomings. Below are are few of the more egregious examples which can be seen in greater detail by viewing the full report through the link at the bottom of the page.
Florida ranks 45th in the nation in high school graduation rates – on average only 60.5% of high school students graduate with a diploma, versus 70% nationally.
As a state, Florida spends only 3% of its resources on education, 42nd in the country.
Florida’s pupil/teacher ratio of 16.4 is higher than the national average of 15.5.
Since 2000, the Florida Legislature has reduced its share of spending on K-12 public education and shifted more costs to local governments. State support for K-12 schools has grown at an average rate of only 3% a year since 2000, while local funding for K-12 education has grown at an average of more than 9% a year.
