2011 Education Legislation

This year, we'll again be closely watching education legislation, including SB 736 -- the 2011 version of SB 6 and the legislature's latest attempt at accountability reform. Education funding is under attack again, and we'll keep you posted about that too. As new legislative proposals begin moving through the process, we'll add them here.

Clicking on each bill number will bring you to a page where you can learn all about the legislation, find out exactly where it is in the legislative process, the best action to take right now, and download the bill text and the legislative staff analysis. We strongly encourage you to take action on any or all of these that you are concerned about!

Senate Bill 736/House Bill 7019

This legislation is a modified version of last year's SB6. It would require 50% of teachers' annual evaluations to be based on their students' standardized tests scores, making Florida the first state in the nation to tie teacher pay, retention, and even certification so closely to students' scores on standardized tests. This experiment will lead to our classrooms becoming little more than test-prep centers where our children aren't taught think, just to pass a test.

Like SB 6, this legislation is a misguided effort at reform:

  • It does nothing to increase resources and investment; in fact state leaders are talking about cutting education funding despite Florida's position as 41st in the nation in per-pupil spending.
  • It places all responsibility for student improvement on under-supported classroom teachers, making it increasingly difficult to recruit and retain qualified teachers.
  • And it will lead to increased reliance on instruction methods that researchers have shown do not teach students critical thinking skills or prepare them for success in the workforce. "Teaching to the test," already rampant in Florida schools, will worsen.

Click here for detailed information about the proposal and CIVIC's analysis, and real-time information on how to take action.

Education Funding

Governor Scott proposed a reduction in the education budget of $3 billion. While legislative leaders have said the cuts won't be that deep, they haven't yet offered their detailed budget. As soon as information becomes available, we'll post it here along with information on how best to take action.

Take Action

Sign the Letter Urging State Leaders to Stop SB 736

Join other concerned Floridians in a letter to the governor and legislators. Click here to sign. And after you to sign, use the email, Facebook and Twitter tools to urge others to join you. Last year, CIVIC gathered more than 30,000 signatures against SB 6 -- we'll need even more to get our voices heard this year.

Contact Your Senator and Representative...Right Now!

You can use our easy tool to find your elected officials and email or call them. Refer back to the bill articles for information you can use when you are writing or talking to them. And personalize your message -- they need to know that you're passionate about your position!

Contact the Legislators Responsible for the Bill's Next Stop

Clicking on each bill number above will give you a page with quick links to the actual legislation, staff analysis and current status. We'll keep these updated with the contact information of the committee chair and members responsible for the next stage of the process.

Spread the Word...There is Power in Numbers

There are countless easy ways to make sure your friends, neighbors, colleagues and family are informed about the issue and ready to join you in taking action. Here are a few easy ideas:

  • Sign up for CIVIC's email alerts. We'll send you action alerts that will allow you to contact the right official at the right time. The most effective way to make your voice heard is to know where the legislative process stands so you can contact the right decision-makers. We don't send emails all the time -- only when your action can make a difference.
  • Post a link to this article on your Facebook page. Urge your FB friends to read the article and take action. And while you're at it, suggest that they sign up for our email blasts so that they can get timely, urgent action alerts. (And you're already a fan of CIVIC on Facebook, right? If not, click the button on the right column!)
  • Use the email button at the top of this page to send this article to your contacts. And in your email, encourage them to sign up at CIVIC, get informed and join you in taking action.
  • Write a letter to your local newspaper.We have an online tool that makes it simple to submit your letter to all your local news outlets. Remember to be concise and explain your position.

Read More

Jacksonville Times Union: Jacksonville rally galvanizes opposition to education funding cuts

"About 300 parents, educators and students told Gov. Rick Scott and anyone else proposing cuts to public education that Florida's children should come first....Melissa Kicklighter, president of the Duval County Council of PTAs, told the crowd to contact officials multiple times. 'It will be the most important thing [you've done] for your child in helping to invest in their education,' she said." More