A new study of statewide education reforms created by Florida Gov. Jeb Bush may add extra muscle to a similar national plan proposed by his brother, President Bush, who has called for more freedom and accountability along with consequences for failure. It does inspire them to improve and they do perform better than other schools around the state.
Education reform remains a central issue for the president and for the nation.
Rep. John A. Boehner, Ohio Republican and chairman of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, says Mr. Greene's report will have a significant impact as the new Congress works to improve education. The centerpiece of President Bush's education proposal is accountability. In both the president's plan and the Florida A-Plus system, schools that improve are rewarded for their efforts. The tests measure student performance annually in reading, math and writing. Students at schools that receive two failing grades in four years become eligible for vouchers that they can use to attend private or higher-performing public schools.