Education News

Florida House Representatives will vote on three highly-publicized education bills today. The first, Senate Bill Six would eliminate tenured teachers. Instead, if passed, it would tie together a teacher's salary with the performance of his or her students. University of South Florida Political Science Professor MacManus says this bill is very controversial. MacManus says those in favor of Senate Bill six want to improve Florida's education system. Governor Crist's reaction to this bill and whether to veto it or not is also an important factor of Senate Bill six. Another education bill currently in the House would ask the voters to approve changes to the Florida Constitution. MacManus says this class-size amendment would increase the maximum number of students allowed in each classroom. If this bill is passed kindergarten through fourth grade classrooms would increase from 18 to 21 students, fifth grade through eighth grade would increase from 21 to 27 and high school classrooms would increase the student cap per classroom from 25 to 30. The final bill would increase the standards required for students to graduate. Political scientist MacManus says these three public education bills all share one commonality. Public expectations are high with educational issues, but money is not there. The three education bills have already been passed by the Senate. The House Representatives are voting on the bills this afternoon.

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