TALLAHASSEE — Backed by Gov. Charlie Crist and former Gov. Jeb Bush, powerful business groups called Thursday for major changes in Florida’s education system — including tougher high school graduation standards and a revamped class-size law.

The Florida Council of 100 and the Florida Chamber of Commerce released the 69-page report during a news conference in the governor’s office, saying that improving the education system is critical for economic development and attracting businesses. Read more at Daytona Beach News Journal Online.

Note: You can watch replays of the press conference on the Florida Channel.

January 13 message from SUS Chancellor Frank Brogan to BOG, BOTs, SUS Presidents

Dear Board of Governors, Board of Trustees Chairs and University Presidents:

On the morning of Thursday, January 14, the Governor will host a press conference at the capitol with participants from the Florida Council of 100, Florida Chamber of Commerce, Workforce Florida, Florida Department of Education and the Board of Governors, which will be represented by Governor McDevitt and me.

At the event, Governor Crist will offer his support for the “Closing the Talent Gap” report, which the Council of 100 is formally releasing that day. This report outlines recommendations for pre-k through 12 education, higher education and workforce development to ensure the state’s talent supply chain is responsive to future needs.

This is important for the State University System since the report includes a recommendation to launch the “New Florida” initiative, which positions the State University System as the key driver for building Florida’s knowledge economy by increasing degree production, research capacity, technology commercialization and more. The initiative calls for doubling state support for the SUS by 2015.

We are gratified that Florida’s business and government leaders have recognized the pivotal role our universities have in transforming the state’s economy into one that is globally competitive in the 21st century.   We will keep you informed as opportunities arise to advance this initiative in the coming weeks.

NOTE:  Attached is a copy of the report, which is embargoed until 9:30 a.m. tomorrow. Further details have also been embargoed by the event organizers, so specifics will not be available until after the press conference.

Sincerely,

Frank T. Brogan

Chancellor

See related posts:

FEA Legislative Update, Week of January 11

Florida Council of 100 CEOs Behind Brogan’s Push for “Market-Driven” Education

“Closing the Talent Gap 2010” Florida Council of 100