From a guest column by Florida Education Commissioner Eric J. Smith that will be in Wednesday's St. Petersburg Times:

"Linking student academic growth to the evaluation of our teachers and principals is the essential next step for our education system and the children it serves. Research continues to show us that dedicated, effective teachers have the power to change students' lives for the better, no matter the individual challenges those children may have. Building this new evaluation system will help us put even more of these gifted educators in our classrooms and will mean increased support and professional development for teachers who have the talent and desire but need a little extra help to reach their true potential." Full column here.

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