DeSantis Announces $289M in Funding for Florida Schools

Dubbed the "Education State," Florida has made critical alterations to the statewide education system, most recently slashing statewide testing and tackling Critical Race Theory  Now, Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) has announced $289 million in additional funding to enhance civics, certificate programs, and STEM education.

“I am proud to announce an additional $289 million for programs that will improve student achievement and close learning gaps,” said DeSantis. “This announcement builds on our accomplishments over the past three years to make Florida a national leader on education, with our focus on civics, early literacy and STEM programs. I look forward to more announcements in the coming weeks as we continue investing in education for Florida students.”

Florida Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran (R-FL) praised the governor for the additional funding, claiming DeSantis, "continues to make the right call when it comes to working to provide a world-class education to our students,"  adding, "Florida continues to emphasize and command focus on the key pillars of learning, especially for early grades and students represented in achievement gaps, with wrap-around supports for literacy, mathematics and the civic literacy skills necessary to elevate our students into lifelong learners and great citizens."

The new money will mainly focus on increasing opportunities to close the achievement gap in the education system, but in particular, the almost 300 million dollars will be allocated as shown below:

• $105 million for after-school and summer learning camps that help struggling students catch up;
• $47 million for primary materials aligned to Florida’s new standards for English Language Arts (ELA), math, civics and Holocaust education;
• $50 million to support reading intervention and professional development for reading coaches;
• $44 million to support STEM and hands-on learning programs;
• $22.5 million for resources to help parents be more involved in their children’s education; and
• $5 million to establish Regional Mental Health Resiliency Teams

Yesterday the governor shook up the news by eliminating the FSA testing.  The standardized test has long been criticized by Florida families and teachers for the long days it takes to administer and the lack of personalization of the test.  Now, Florida will be the first in the country to adopt, "progress monitoring."