Education is the key to creating long-term economic growth in Florida and to helping our students compete in the global economy.

Florida graduation rates are among the worst in the nation

Unfortunately, Florida’s students consistently rank near the bottom in test scores and graduation rates. This is no surprise given the fact that we also rank 35th in per-student funding, coming in behind states like South Carolina and Louisiana.

This situation must change if we are to give our students the opportunity to compete in a global economy and lure high-wage, high-tech jobs to Florida.

Of course money alone won’t solve all of our problems. True reform will require higher standards, more parental involvement and better discipline in the classroom.

Solving our educational challenges won’t be easy, but it is a task we can no longer afford to ignore.

Meeting with Lawton "Bud" Chiles during his walk across Florida to promote education

Colleges in China and India already graduate more engineering students than the United States and if we are to maintain our position of leadership in the world, we must ensure that all of our children receive a world-class education and the opportunity to attend college or learn a trade.

Some Republican legislators in Tallahassee see cutting education funding as a way of balancing the budget. But that view is short-sighted. The surest way to slow our economic recovery is to skimp on the investments that will give us a competitive edge.

If elected, I will do everything in my power to properly fund our schools, ensure that our classrooms are places of learning and see that our children are getting the best education available anywhere in the world.

If you are a teacher, student or education advocate, please join my Facebook group, Teachers for Steve Barnes and share your views on how to improve our educational system.