This paper outlines Florida's efforts toward improving its present educational system through increased emphasis on essential learning outcomes. After an introductory section, which notes some of the legislative steps and planning activities undertaken in support of this goal, the paper outlines six conditions that Florida's postsecondary institutions are demanding from their faculty, staff, and students. These conditions stress improved preparation and abilities from college-bound students, stricter entrance standards for colleges and universities and for community college transfer programs, increased demands for higher levels of performance, a revision of the financial support process to promote higher academic standards, and the identification of a core curriculum by community colleges and four-year colleges, which emphasizes communication, mathematics, and logical inquiry. After reviewing some of the actions taken by Florida's postsecondary institutions to satisfy these conditions, the paper summarizes the nine recommendations of the Postsecondary Education Planning Commission for implementing State Board of Education Rule 6A-10.30, which calls for student completion of a prescribed amount of course work in reading, writing, and communication skills. These recommendations specify the basic skills expected of students and pedagogical methods for teaching these skills. The paper concludes by underscoring the individual institution's responsibilities for implementing these recommendations. (HB)