Message today from Patricia Levesque, executive director of Jeb Bush's Foundation for Florida's Future. Some excerpts:

As we gather with family and friends this week to give thanksgiving and usher in the 2009 holiday season, let us take a moment to thank the educators who make a difference in the lives of Florida’s children each and every day ...

In 2001, barely half of elementary students could read on grade level, now 72 percent can. The results are just as impressive in mathematics. Eight years ago, just 52 percent could get by in math, now 72 percent of elementary students are demonstrating mathematics skills at or above grade level. Moreover, there are nearly 100,000 more Hispanic students and more than 50,000 more African-American students reading and doing math on grade level than a decade ago.

Our progress in raising student achievement is outpacing national averages across the board. More students are learning, more students are excelling in rigorous coursework and more students are attending college. Most importantly, Florida is one of the only states in the nation to narrow the achievement gap.

Ten years of extraordinary progress in our schools prove teachers change lives.