Dive Summary:

• Changes to the Florida Board of Education's strategic plan have created controversy due to a set of learning goals based on factors like race and ethnicity, and Gov. Rick Scott is the latest voice to join the criticism.
• Proponents say that over a six-year period, the goals would halve the number of students performing below grade level in reading and math, but critics argue that setting the bar lower for black, Hispanic and economically disadvantaged students sends the wrong message.
• In defense of the goals, Education Commissioner Pam Stewart says that all students would reach grade level in reading and math if the plan continued through 2013.

From the article:

Gov. Rick Scott has joined a chorus of critics calling for changes to the Florida Board of Education’s strategic plan, which has stirred controversy over a set of learning goals based on factors such as race and ethnicity.  The goals are intended to cut in half the number of students performing below grade level in reading and math over a six-year period. ...