About CEPA

Florida TaxWatch´s Center for Educational Performance and Accountability (CEPA) was formed in acknowledgement of two key realities: the growing portion of education funding in the state budget, currently at 33.7% and climbing, and of the profound fiscal and economic impact that quality PreK-20 education has on Florida´s competitiveness, both nationally and internationally. CEPA conducts research, issues publications, and engages in meaningful actions to promote exemplary student achievement within a cost effective environment. CEPA analyzes and makes recommendations about educational policies, practices, and expenditures as regards their contributions to improved financial and student performance in Florida´s schools. CEPA also identifies specific educational issues that affect the efficiency, effectiveness, and accountability of state government, local school districts, and postsecondary institutions. Finally, CEPA brings together partnerships and collaborations in a concentrated effort to effect positive and dynamic change in Florida´s system of PreK-20 education.

• Chartrand    Foundation
• Darden Restaurants    Foundation
• IBM
• Progress Energy
• Publix Super Markets    Charities
• State Farm    Companies
• SunTrust Banks of FL    Foundation
• Verizon Foundation
• Washington Mutual    Foundation
• Wachovia    Foundation

Florida TaxWatch research has shown that the absence of a high quality early learning program has cost Florida and its taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars a year for many years. National statistics indicate that 30% of children are significantly behind before they ever formally start school. In Florida, this would translate to nearly 60,000 students per years.

Is it any wonder, then, that Florida must annually spend hundreds of millions of dollars on academic assistance and remediation programs, on juvenile justice education, and on social services? These back-end costs increase taxpayer burden, affect the quality of Florida's workforce, and impede business growth and development.

Florida is especially fortunate to be among a handful of states that have a statewide educational program for 4-year-olds. It′s only a beginning, so there is much to be done to strengthen its effectiveness.

On October 14, 2005, the Florida TaxWatch Center for Educational Performance and Accountability convened a group of business leaders from across the state and state and national experts for a summit designed to educate, engage, and enlist the support of the business community in further strengthening Florida′s newly launched program.