[dmccauley]

I have often wondered is it the curriculum that differs from other states to get this reputation?

Just an FYI I am referring to K thru 12.

[beachmouse]

I think a lot of it comes from culture shock- it's a typical Southern state in terms of K-12 public schools, which means schools are a) frequently a step or two behind academically b) still making the transition to the idea that your typical high school population needs to be 75% college bound in this day and age (not necessarily university, but at least some sort of post-secondary vo-tech certificate or two year community college degree) and c) not funded as well as schools up north.

Having said that, I've got a pretty favorable impression of the schools in my area. It goes well beyond FCATs, kids seem well prepared for school, workforce, etc. This year's high school graduating class has 17 kids who were National Merit Scholars or commended students, and the school's science program has had a number of kids go on to big awards at national science fairs and an give presentations at international ecology seminars.

[Liberty911]

Generally, the focus on education in Florida's public schools is on the FCAT, not on education. Teachers take too much time off, the school district are too powerful a governmental entity, and their employees have a sense of entitlement.

[Strel]

It is dangerous to generalize, however. Some areas have excellent schools, others...abysmal.

[TANaples]

I have worked at two different schools (elementary and HS) where I am in Florida. Both these schools are rated A+. I would say in comparison to where I used to live, they would have been B schools. Not just my opinion. Other teachers from various other states have said the same thing.

[dmccauley]

I honestly can't say that my children are suffering at all, but reading thru some of the threads I have run across numerous people advising others their children will not receive the proper education and the schools are terrible. I was just wondering if I was missing something.

[Sheepie2000]

I was worried about the school when I moved down here because I knew that Florida schools had a bad reputation, for as long as I can remember. I have been so pleasantly surprised. All the public schools in Flagler County are rated A by the state. My son's teacher is so innovative and involved. He's only in the 2nd grade, but he has learned so much and not just facts for a test. They have regular field trips to a state park to learn about habitats and his teacher just brought in an incubator and eggs. His reading and math skills have improved tremendously. I don't really like that he has a ton of homework, but c'est la vie. I've been very impressed.

[TANaples]

Look to the people who have taught in Florida and have also taught elsewhere. When they are the ones saying that Florida does not compare, when they are getting PAID to teach in Florida, maybe you need to think twice about it.

[dmccauley]

Originally Posted by TANaples

Look to the people who have taught in Florida and have also taught elsewhere. When they are the ones saying that Florida does not compare, when they are getting PAID to teach in Florida, maybe you need to think twice about it.

I have noticed teachers do make these statements but to be honest have never read the reasons why they feel this way other then their own personal reasons such as underpaid, over crowded. This to me isn't really telling me anything other then that particular teacher is unhappy in his/or job and maybe should not have become one in Florida, because we all know they don't pay anything here. With that said does it mean my child will not receive the proper education because the teachers in Florida don't receive the same salaries as the ones up north?

[psouth]

Florida is not as progressive as other states. The teachers are paid less and the mentality in Florida does not put importance on education. It is more about fun in the sun and worry about what happens down the road. Another problem now is all the Hispanics flooding in and putting a huge burden on the school districts and the teachers. Many of them have a third world mentality, do not speak English, and tend to hold the schools back even further. It is a perfect storm.