It was authored by the National Commission on Excellence in Education created in August 1981 by then Secretary of Education T. H. Bell. Our once unchallenged preeminence in commerce, industry, science and technological innovation is being overtaken by competitors throughout the world. This report is concerned with only one of the many causes and dimensions of the problem, but it is the one that undergirds American prosperity, security and civility. We report to the American people that while we can take justifiable pride in what our schools and colleges have historically accomplished and contributed to the United States and the well being of its people, the educational foundations of our society are presently being eroded by a rising tide of mediocrity that threatens our very future as a Nation and a people. Today, the need for changes is an often-heard refrain.
Educational reform is the top issue presidential candidates are bringing to their platforms.
Still a long way to go In 1999, State University System Chancellor Adam Herbert said he wanted to increase the SAT scores needed for Florida's Bright Futures scholarships. Unfortunately, education is not one of them. Graded individually, Charlotte County schools received two As, nine Bs and three Cs. In South Sarasota County, the schools had one A for the gifted students facility, seven Bs and three Cs. DeSoto had three Cs and two Ds.