Utah, Florida receive education honors

Utah and Florida recently received the Frank Newman Award for State Innovation in education policy, the Education Commission of the States announced.

Utah was cited for maintaining one of the nation's most affordable higher education systems; being a "top performer" in preparing students for college; and providing educational opportunities through the Utah College of Applied Technology and EdNET distance learning network, among other efforts.

Florida was noted for efforts including its universal preschool program and school choice options, including the McKay Scholarship voucher program for students with disabilities, which served as a model for Utah's Carson Smith Special Needs Scholarships.