State of Florida Education 10410

Over the past decade, the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test has garnered statewide acclaim for its great contributions to improvement in our public schools and the quality of Floridas future. However, in relying so heavily on a standardized test in an attempt to achieve a level of academic excellence comparable to that of other states, our legislators and commissioners have overlooked some of the most important dimensions of a successful educational system. Howard E. Gardners theories of multiple intelligences demonstrate that the FCAT is inherently insufficient, since it only measures Linguistic and Logical-mathematical intelligence. By doing this, it ignores the importance of Musical, Bodily-kinesthetic, Spatial, and Interpersonal Intelligence. Therefore, subjects like Art, Music, Social Studies, Science and Physical Education have gone unnoticed in budget appropriations and grading schools performance.

This neglect by our representatives has in fact diminished the quality of public education in the state of Florida and the intense emphasis on test preparation has resulted in undue stress and anxiety in students constantly struggling to pass this examination.

Unfortunately, physical education is not a requirement to Middle or High School students in every school year. The National Association of State Boards of Education published a study in 2004 that reminds us of the importance of an active lifestyle in our school system. These preventive measures contribute to the prevention of childhood obesity and a healthy lifestyle.

With the Teachers Union protesting constantly and budget cuts looming, it is undoubtedly the appropriate time to reconsider our current educational infrastructure. The proposed State of Florida Educational Petition 10410 will intend to address all educational stakeholders concerns. Consequently, this proposal would ensure that:

The FCAT would be administered only on the fifth, eighth and tenth grades. This test would be administered at the end of the school year in substitution to final exams. It would be an achievement exam that tests core knowledge of the curriculum covered throughout the academic year.
o At the high school level, this revamped version should be modeled on the SAT and ACT. These tests are a part of the entrance requirements for any accredited, respectable college or university and as such are designed to test the skills necessary for success in the arena of higher education. These standardized test access more than just two types of intelligence and are administered at a national level. This plan would save approximately $32 million dollars in testing expenses annually, which could be allocated to other areas of need in our educational system.

Partial proceeds saved from examination would go towards the enhancement of educational programs like the State of Florida Education Petition 10410. Teachers salaries would be increased and their benefits would cover healthcare coverage for themselves and coverage for immediate family members. This would serve as an incentive for college students to pursue a career in the field of education while decreasing the amount of current educators leaving the profession

English teachers would be required to teach grammar classes on every academic school year

High School Seniors would receive intensive training on research papers in proper MLA and APA citation standards, as well as plagiarism awareness through their English class.

Every school principal would be required to teach one period everyday to keep in contact with the teacher-student relationship.

Geography will be mandatory in tenth grade

Teachers will have a meeting once a week to discuss students problems and the best ways to resolve them

Physical Education classes will be mandatory on every academic year

Hire education professionals from Texas, Finland, Japan, England, and Sweden, to guide us on their effective instructional techniques, since they currently boast the worlds highest literacy rates.