JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Finally, some good news for Duval County schools.
The district is the only one it the state to increase the number of "A" schools, and decrease the number of "F" schools, after the Florida Department of Education released the scores on Wednesday.
But just as the district begins to make progress, big changes are on the way for schools across the country.
Action News has learned that starting in 2014, every school district in every state will follow the same set of standards.
"They require a higher level thinking, a lot more critical thinking, creativity, and it's going to be extremely challenging," Duval County Superintendant Ed Pratt Dannals told Action News.
He says it will take some effort, but teachers will be ready to meet the heightened requirements.
"A lot is professional development and we already have plans in place. We have a very strong partnership with three national groups that have come together...It's not something that you do in a week or two. Its going to be a multi-year process."
In the meantime, four Duval County Schools will work to improve the "F" score they were given this year. Those schools are Northwestern Middle, Eugene Butler Middle, Ramona Boulevard Elementary and the School of Success Academy Charter School.
Education advocates say the new nationwide standards will help the economy and provide students with the skills that future businesses are looking for.
