Florida Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas wants the state to begin developing its own textbooks, following the model established by Texas’ Bluebonnet Learning. However, to do that, he needs state lawmakers to repeal a long-standing prohibition barring his agency from getting into the publishing game.
Background on the Proposal
The measure would make Florida the latest state in the country to produce its own instructional materials for a core subject area designed to compete against private sector products. Florida lawmakers have already provided $3 million for the department to create its first set of learning resources: an English language arts curriculum targeted for early grades.
Florida considers developing its own instructional materials, following Texas' lead. What does this mean for education companies and the market? #education #policy
Challenges and Controversies
Following bipartisan backlash, the state Senate’s top K-12 lawmaker gutted provisions from a broader education package that would have authorized the Florida Department of Education to create instructional materials for district use. The proposal’s future is now uncertain, with some lawmakers expressing concerns about the costs and effectiveness of such a program.
The fact that Texas approved similar legislation, and we’re still weighing the need for a policy like this in its current state, indicates that there’s still a lot to be desired as we move forward.
Laura Lurns · Learning Success expert
Implications for Education Companies
If the plan for state-created curriculum were to move forward, it could be a major disruptor for education companies. Florida producing its own instructional materials in core subjects would reshape one of the largest K-12 markets in the country, much like the ongoing transformation in Texas’ similarly huge market.
Key takeaways
- Florida's education department: Seeks to develop its own instructional materials, following Texas' Bluebonnet Learning model.Legislative challenges: The proposal faces bipartisan pushback and uncertainty about its future.Potential impact: State-developed curriculum could disrupt the education market and affect private sector companies.
Looking Ahead
While the proposal’s advancement this session is unlikely, the idea of state-developed curriculum is not dead. With about a month left in the legislative session, the proposal could still be resurrected. However, the future of the initiative remains uncertain, especially given the governor’s term ending in January and the potential for a new administration to prioritize different education policies.
As the legislative session progresses, it remains to be seen whether Florida will join Texas in developing its own instructional materials. One thing is certain, however: the future of education in Florida will be shaped by the decisions made in the coming weeks. Learn more about how Learning Success can support your child’s educational journey.
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References
- Inside Florida's Push to Replicate Texas' Bluebonnet Curriculum, And Why It's On 'Life Support'
