Dive Summary:

• In a 4-3 vote Tuesday, the Florida Board of Education approved a recommendation by state Education Commissioner Tony Bennett that will grant the state's schools a "safety net" while higher academic standards are put in place.
• The proposal came after a number of superintendents complained that students' performance wouldn't be accurately reflected by low grades expected this year—262 schools were originally projected to earn an F grade for the year, but now only 108 will receive that grade.
• The decision marks the second straight year that the board padded school grades, preventing them from dropping more than one letter in a single year, and board members debated whether the grading system was still relevant after 14 years.

From the article:

... Bennett said he considered the safety net a reasonable compromise that would cushion the state's transition to its next accountability system. He said he would not recommend it continue beyond that point. ...