Fla. school chief says no delay in new standards

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Florida Education Commissioner Tony Bennett says the state shouldn't delay new academic standards being shared with 44 other states or a related test despite looming obstacles.

Bennett talked about implementing Common Core State Standards at an education summit with business interests Wednesday in Orlando.

He told the State Board of Education last week that he's developing a "Plan B" in case the test isn't ready when the new standards are set to be fully implemented in the 2014-15 school year.

Florida Education Association President Andy Ford said the statewide teachers union supports the new standards but is worried they're being implemented too quickly.

State Sen. Bill Montford, who's also CEO of the Florida Association of District School Superintendents, said many districts lack the technology to meet the deadline.