JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A new education initiative is drawing both praise and criticism. Florida is now the first state to adopt the ‘Phoenix Declaration,' a set of educational standards introduced by a conservative-leaning foundation.

Critics of the Phoenix Declaration tell First Coast News it has a politically motivated agenda that doesn’t benefit students, while supporters tell us it is necessary to refocus education on the values and skills essential for the future of the country.

On Nov. 13, after a unanimous vote, the Florida Department of Education announced it would “ratify and adopt” the Phoenix Declaration as guiding principles for the state’s education system.

The declaration was created by the Heritage Foundation, a conservative-led organization, that wants every child to have

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