Most people are concerned about standards, but many are just barely acquainted with the nuts and bolts of the process of writing standards and their application to a K-12 classroom. Dr. Lawrence Gray joins the podcast. He, along with others, wrote the Math K-12 standards in Minnesota beginning in 2007. He noticed a gap in education taking place in High Schools and what students needed by the time they entered college. He was able to develop standards that helped to close the gap and realize student potential. What's it like to write and implement them, and what results we can expect from high-quality standards? Could these same standards be implemented in Florida? Can these standards get away from the issues regarding textbooks in our schools? Learn about and read more from Dr. Gray's work and what he used to model all their standards on today's episode.

“Lessons learned in creating quality Math Standards”

“Frequently Asked Questions about MN Standards”

We hear about standards in education all the time but what do they really mean? What is the difference between skill standards and content standards? Sandra Stotsky joins the podcast! She is a nationally known advocate of standards-based reform and strong academic standards and assessments for students and teachers. Her research ranges from the quality of state standards, teacher preparation programs, and teacher licensure tests to the strength of English curricula. Together, they talk about the "Massachusetts Miracle" that had major positive results in the state. What are "good" standards and why are they so important? How can these standards help to bring major change to the state of Florida? Find out on today's episode! 

Learn more about Sandra Stotsky

Florida Citizens Alliance

It's graduation season and Rick and Keith talk about the many things there are to celebrate! They start with a student in Hillsborough County who scored the highest GPA the district has ever seen! A great accomplishment indeed! Keith talks about the latest on the Common Core Replacement Initiative. There have been some positive moves that are exciting for our parents and students! Plus, the latest on charter schools and oversight, fantastic news on the "Spring Challenge" fundraising objective and an Alligator looking for an education? Find out more on today's episode of The Florida Citizens Alliance Podcast!

Learn more about the FLCA

Rick and Keith talk about some of the great that's being done in the state. But how are things going in specific districts with regards to textbooks? Ed Wilson has been working with FLCA in Marion County and he joins the podcast. Ed talks about how he uses the FLCA's Florida Curriculum Assessment each year to get legislators to pay attention to what's happening in the state. Questionable material in lesson plans and textbooks have shown up in many districts across the state. Recently, he had a chance to present his findings to the Marion County School Board. He talks about the board pushed back on the assessment and how it's a fight that's not uncommon. Legislators and board members need to be aware of state laws so as not to be in violation of it. How can you help in your community? Find out on today's episode.

Learn More About FLCA

Our kids are using textbooks each day Do you know everything that's in it? Would it surprise you to find out that some have highly objectionable material including pornography? Rick and Keith have a conversation with Ham Boone. He has been very active with many of the goals of the FLCA and has done an assessment of school textbooks. He talks about some of the shocking details in our books in the state and the reaction of his school board when it was brought to their attention. The answer may surprise you! How prevalent is this in the state of Florida? What do you if you find questionable material in your child's textbooks? Find out the details on today's episode of the Florida Citizens Alliance Podcast!

Learn More About FLCA

On today's podcast, Rick gives us his thoughts on the end of the legislative session in Tallahassee. How did we do in securing wins for students, parents and teachers through policies that will change the educational landscape? Plus, Domine Clemons joins Rick on the show! She is an FLCA intern and a student at Hillsdale College. She had a chance to intern in Washington for the Department of Education and Secretary Betsy DeVos. What did her time in D.C. tell her about what is happening at the federal level with education? Did the politics change her thoughts about what is possible to create real change? Find out on today's episode of The Florida Citizens Alliance Podcast!

Major new research on school safety

Corcoran Applauds DeSantis On Historic Year

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT FLCA

Rick welcomes Keith back to the show! While away in Finland, Norway and Sweden, he had a chance to see first hand some the things that are beginning to creep into our country. His experience there will shock and surprise! Next, they talk about the latest bills they are following in the Florida Legislature. Particularly, Senate Bill 7070 and The Tax Credit Scholarship. It's critical that we bring competition into education to allow for students and families to have the best choices available. The other bill they are supporting is the School Safety Bill. It has passed the Senate and in final read in the House. Will the Governor sign? The commission that worked on school safety did an incredible job. Plus, Rick talks about a great opinion piece by Ron Mattis from Step up for Students. It talks about some of the myths about School Choice.

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Take The Common Core Survey

Florida Citizens Alliance is all about success and solutions, helping kids be the best they can be. Pastor Rick talks about 3 stories in particular that you need to hear. First, Rick talks about a Florida teenager, Jacob Harrison, that scored a perfect 1600 on his SAT! Wait till you hear what percentage of all students that is! Next, Rick talks about Common Core and an interesting article about the latest outcomes. Unfortunately, they are not good. Then he talks about an inspirational visit by Governor DeSantis to a Charter School in Tampa. It shows how the FTCS (Florida Tax Credit Scholarship) is truly working in the state and making a big impact in our communities. Get ready to be inspired by today's edition of The Florida Citizens Alliance Podcast!

Take The Common Core Survey 

Learn More About FLCA

There is a lot of movement on school choice in Florida. One of the topics that often get overlooked is the issue of parental choice. Rick speaks with Ryan Kennedy on the issue. He is an intern with FLCA and is currently writing a paper on the topic at FGCU. Some of the numbers that Ryan has discovered are astounding. He answers many of the questions that people have been asking about. Are parents engaged when it comes to educating their children? Do they know enough to make the right choice for their kids? What about in our poorest neighborhoods? Parents need the opportunity to choose the school that suits their child best so their child has the best opportunity to learn. Get ready for an enlightening conversation on today's episode of The Florida Citizens Alliance Podcast!

Learn More About Florida Citizens Alliance

Back in January of 2019, Florida Citizens Alliance hosted an event with 4 experts in education. The event was called " A More Perfect Union: Liberty And Learning". These experts gave their perspective on K-12 education today. The guests included Lary Arnn, President of Hillsdale College, Erika Donalds from School Choice Movement, Neal McCluskey of The Cato Institute and Bob McClure from The James Madison Institute. Together, they discussed the critical steps needed to ensure quality education. Why is Florida considered to be the single most important state in the country when it comes to public policy and politics? It places a heavy burden on the state to craft education reform that can be an example to other states in the nation. What does that type of reform look like? Find out on today's podcast!

Learn More About Hillsdale College

https://www.hillsdale.edu/

Learn More About School Choice Movement

https://schoolchoicemovement.org/

Learn More About Cato

https://www.cato.org/

Learn More About James Madison Institute

https://www.jamesmadison.org/