Florida official says students benefit from A-F grading of schools

Florida blazed a trail for the A-F grading system in 1999 and discovered that an A grade is a powerful motivator. Since everyone knows the difference between an A and an F, the education system became more transparent. Schools worked hard to earn an A or a B. Those that succeeded worked even harder to keep their good grades.

Under the A-F system, A-rated schools become a source of pride for communities. Not only do they provide bragging rights for students, educators and parents, but they're a coveted amenity for real estate agents selling homes in those districts. Everyone becomes a stakeholder in education.

Schools that earn a D or an F are given the assistance they desperately need. And, ultimately, students learn more with the same investment of taxpayer dollars — at a time when states can scarcely afford to waste dwindling revenues.

There was concern in Florida that failing grades would demoralize students and faculty. Instead, the schools rallied and worked harder and smarter. Many soon celebrated the A grades that came as a result.

In the end, students are the true winners. The biggest winners in Florida have been low-income, minority students. Schools that had long failed these students were exposed. Parents were given options to move their children to other schools. And when that happened, poorly performing schools could no longer be ignored or tolerated.