As we approach the five-year anniversary of SB 1720 (F.S. 1008.30), Florida’s landmark developmental education reform law, we reflect on its far-reaching impact on not only students but also developmental education practitioners. Much of who we are and what we do has changed, but what has remained the same is why we do what we do: student success.
Change is inevitable, and while the Florida Developmental Education Association acknowledges that it cannot operate in status quo, its continued mission is to provide premiere professional development and networking opportunities for faculty, staff and administrators. With all of the emerging pedagogical trends and innovative technology occurring across the nation and the state, we can learn much from one another as we all seek to assist our students. Hurricane Irma may have spoiled our conference last fall, but we have regrouped to offer two power-packed one-day regional workshops this spring: Region IV, State College of Florida, Venice, March 2 and Region I, Northwest Florida State College, Niceville, April 13.
In Developmental Education: Readings on Its Past, Present, and Future, Dr. Hunter Boylan and Dr. Barbara Bonham assert that “there are two themes driving education: completion and acceleration. The college completion agenda is based on well-documented workforce and economic needs.” Therefore, our focus will be on student retention, completion and success. There will be sessions on peer mentoring, math pathways, integrating reading and writing, adjunct training, embedding growth mindset, and more! Additionally, we will receive legislative updates from the Florida College System as well as updates from Florida State University’s Center for Postsecondary Success on its study of SB 1720. Online registration and payment are quick and easy by going to www.myfdea.net. There is still time to submit presentation proposals! Contact Tricia Rizza at rizzat@tcc.fl.edu if you would like to be added to our terrific line-up of presenters.
According to a recent article in Inside Higher Ed, “thirteen percent of community college students lack the food and nutrition they need,” so as a service project to benefit out gracious host institutions, we will be collecting non-perishable food items as donations to their on-campus food pantries. We will have a donation box to collect all items at the registration table.
Please join us in March and April!
Also, look for information about our fall state conference soon!
Sharisse Turner, Dean
Transitional Studies Division
President, Florida Developmental Education Association
Tallahassee Community College
444 Appleyard Drive
Tallahassee, Florida 32304
850-201-8582
turners@tcc.fl.edu