Faced with the challenge of educating students in a cost-effective manner, public dissatisfaction with the performance of school systems, and taxpayer unwillingness to raise local taxes for education, in 1997 the Florida Legislature directed OPPAGA to develop an assessment system to improve school districts' management and use of resources. What resulted was the nation's first system for assessing school districts based on a comprehensive set of best practices covering a broad range of school district educational and operational programs and services.
Districts that use these best financial management practices could realize significant cost savings by increasing their efficiency and effectiveness. In addition, districts that OPPAGA and the Auditor General determine to be using best financial management practices can receive a seal from the State Board of Education.

Progress Report: K-12 Accountability System and Student Achievement Improved, But Challenges Remain
Report 04-41 June 2004
Kindergarten Through Twelfth Grade Public Education Program
Report 01-22 April 2001

Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.