For decades, Florida faced criticism for judging the quality of its pre-K program on a “readiness” test given to young students after they started kindergarten. It was a system, critics argued, that penalized preschools serving the kids who struggle the most — often those from low-income families.
Now, the state is debuting a new rating system that gives more credit for the progress these fledgling students make over the course of their time in preschool. Advocates and educators say the changes should boost preschools that serve challenging populations, leading to better pre-K education across the board.
“I’m excited that they’re putting more weight on what the teacher’s doing in the classroom, because that’s what’s important,” said Timothy Davis, owner of Park Avenue Child Care and Learning Center in Apopka…