Abstract
This paper examines Florida's standards-driven performance assessment, emphasizing teacher preparation, and touching on K-12 accountability. Florida's educational reform and accountability efforts are driven by the Florida System of School Improvement and Accountability document. The system is derived from state goals similar to the national Goals 2000. The system served as the foundation for the development of three sets of standards (for K-12 students, for teacher practice, and for teacher subject matter content). Accountability for teacher preparation programs is enforced through the Teacher Education Continued Program Approval Standards. The standards emphasize accomplished practice, teacher competencies, teaching skills, and increased diversity. Florida's system of accountability for performance in teacher preparation units includes both statewide and locally developed performance measures. Florida has a comprehensive system related to accountability for teacher performance, but the system is in varying stages of development. There are several challenges to this type of change, including: accepting the paradigm shift to performance; assessing what is currently in existence; sorting and selecting; modifying internship evaluations; developing bigger and better assessments; and the management system for decision-making. Florida is currently faced with two critical issues: the management system for decision-making and assessment of competence in the content area. (SM)