August 2018
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Dual Enrollment at College is a Winning Strategy for Many High School Students

Message from Chancellor Madeline Pumariega
Dual enrollment programs are a powerful way to bring the rigor of college courses to high school students. Not only are students able to advance in their high school classes while earning college credit, but they do so knowing that tuition and fee costs they would otherwise be required to pay as enrolled students are waived - leading to significant cost savings for students and their families. Dual enrollment is one of various acceleration programs that allow eligible high school students to simulataneously earn credit toward high school completion and a postsecondary credential such as a certificate, associate or baccalaureate degree. By accumulating credits during high school, students are equipped with resources to accelerate their degree completion whether they continue on to the Florida College System (FCS) or enroll in a four-year institution.
 
According to the Community College Research Center, high school students enrolling in dual enrollment courses increase the likelihood of attaining a college credential. These findings are particularly true in Florida. Notably, Florida exceeds the national average in the percent of former dual enrollment students who start at a community college after high school and earn a college credential within five years - 64 percent in Florida compared to the national average of 46 percent. Likewise, 75 percent of Florida former dual enrollment students who start at a four-year college, compared to the national average of 64 percent.
 
Approximately 64,000 students enrolled in some form of dual enrollment during the 2016-17 academic year in the FCS. The majority of FCS dual enrollment was in general education coursework used to fulfill the requirements of the associate in arts degree. The courses with highest enrollments were ENC1101, Honors Freshman English I, ENC1102, Honors Freshman English II, MAC1105, College Algebra, PSY2012, Introduction to Psychology, AMH 2010 and AMH 2020, U.S. History. In addition, students enrolled in career and technical education courses creditable toward the associate in science degree and enrollments in career certificate clock hour courses.
 
Participating students come from a variety of educational backgrounds including public school, private school and home education. A majority of students who participate in dual enrollment at FCS institutions thrive academically. For the 2016-17 academic year, students passed more than 90 percent of all courses with a "C" or better. The number of students participating in dual enrollment has continued to increase, as has the number of students who excel in their courses.

The Tallahassee Democrat recently released an article highlighting dual enrollment as a winning strategy and its impact on Florida's families. Summer Roberts, a rising junior at Madison County High, is on track to complete her associate in arts degree from North Florida Community College before she receives her high school diploma. 

"I find the collegiate level courses more challenging and fun," Roberts said. "It helps you feel confident to be able to correctly answer questions in the classroom setting, even surrounded by older students."  
 
Dual enrollment in the FCS is a point of pride for the state of Florida. Through dual enrollment programs, Florida's students of all academic experiences are provided opportunities to participate in dual enrollment. This access point is a continuous commitment to ensure that our students have the opportunity to earn college credit while in high school, making college both accessible and affordable. I am proud that our colleges are setting students up for success in college and in career.

With great appreciation,


Madeline Pumariega 
Chancellor

High School Students Simulataneously Earn College Credit 
The Collegiate High School (CHS) at Northwest Florida State College (NWF State College), established in 2000, is an innovative public charter school that consistently ranks among the top high schools in Florida. College-credit classes, college and high school textbooks, provision for transportation, use of a personal laptop computer, tutoring, and more are provided to students at no cost. In 2016, 90 percent of high school graduates simultaneously earned both their high school diploma and associate in arts degree from NWF State College, guaranteeing admission and a seamless transfer of college credits to a Florida university.     
                       
Since opening in the fall of 2000, CHS has consistently ranked in the top one percent of Florida public schools. In 2006, CHS was named a National Blue Ribbon School. Each year since then, the school, accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, has consistently placed among the top five high schools in the state in the Florida Accountability Program. The five-year graduation rates of high school diplomas issued from 2011 to present has consistently been at 100 percent.  
 
"What is great about this school is that all the faculty want to help you," said CHS student Phoenix Price. "At other schools I felt like I was not being challenged enough, but here you have teachers that teach you well and teach you what is going to be applied in the future."
 
CHS provides students with a small school atmosphere with personal attention, free tutoring, various student activities, and instruction by college faculty who hold doctorate or other advanced degrees in their fields of expertise. Instruction styles include a technology-across-the-curriculum approach, student-led conferences, an integrated academic seminar series at each grade level, and a senior graduation requirement capstone project. Students also have access to all of NWF State College's facilities, programs and organizations. CHS uses a Student Educational Planning System (STEPS) to develop an individualized educational plan for each student. It ensures that each semester, all students meet regularly with their advisors who continually monitor their progress.
 
Students at CHS continue to earn among the top scores in Florida on standardized tests. Graduates successfully transfer to top colleges and universities nationwide, receiving a list of scholarships.  

CHS at NWF State College is just one example of various Collegiate High Schools offered by Florida College System institutions. Collaborating with high schools throughout the state is a focus of FCS institutions to provide high school students interested in pursuing college-level study with innovative schools designed to provide enhanced learning environments. 
Increasing Educational Attainment in Florida 
Postsecondary education is key to creating a robust economy and building stronger communities throughout the state. Florida's Department of Economic Opportunity estimates Florida will add six million more residents by 2030 and will need to create two million net, new jobs. Currently, 47 percent of Floridians have a degree or a high-quality certificate. In recognizing the need for a college-educated workforce, the Florida Higher Education Coordinating Council (HECC) established a postsecondary attainment goal that at least 55 percent of working-age Floridians will have a degree or high-quality credential by 2025. To reach this goal, one in 12 adults must earn at least an associate degree or certificate by 2025. With strong connections to business and industry, colleges and universities are equipped to provide the workforce pipeline of tomorrow.

Educational attainment not only benefits the state, communities and individuals, but also contributes to economic prosperity and social factors, including increased civic engagement. Adults with an associate degree earn 18 percent more than those with a high school diploma, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Adults with a bachelor's degree earn 50 percent more and adults with a master's degree earn nearly two-times more. College-educated citizens are significantly more engaged in their communities than those with a high school diploma, as reported by the Florida Joint Center for Citizenship and the National Conference on Citizenship. Higher education attainment also increases employment opportunities.

Florida College System (FCS) Chancellor and HECC member Madeline Pumariega spearheaded the RISE (Resourcing Industry for a Stronger Economy) to 55 initiative focused on increasing Florida's attainment level from 47 percent to 55 percent by 2025 by adopting four strategies to conduct this work: 1) research, 2) statewide convenings, 3) regional convenings, and 4) communications and outreach. FCS institutions contribute to degree production - in 2016-17, FCS institutions awarded 72,829 associate degrees, 7,914 bachelor's degrees, and 32,742 vocational and college credit certificates.

To reach 55 percent attainment by 2025, stakeholders must ensure that students pursue programs that align to industry demands. The path to increasing educational attainment at the regional level includes forging industry partnerships, supporting the talent pipeline and engaging with Local College Access Networks. Lumina Foundation, Helios Education Foundation, CareerSource Florida, Florida College Access Network, and the Florida Chamber of Commerce partnered alongside the HECC as champions of higher education attainment in Florida.

                                     

To continue building Florida's talent pipeline, a RISE to 55 toolkit  has been developed to assist leaders - representing areas such as K-12, higher education, nonprofit, philanthropy, local government and business - in launching, strengthening and deepening local, regional and statewide attainment efforts. The toolkit features materials created and used by the HECC and partners through Attainment Completion Grants funded by Lumina Foundation and Helios Education Foundation. The toolkit is also supplemented by relevant resources from the Florida College Access Network and other organizations, where appropriate.

Achieve Escambia is an example of a local community business partner and educator focused on increasing educational attainment and aligning community resources so everyone is empowered to achieve success, cradle to career. Just recently, Chancellor Pumariega took part in Achieve Escambia's second annual cradle to career community report launch event to join the conversation on improving education and workforce readiness outcomes in Escambia County. 

Looking to join the RISE to 55 initiative and champion educational attainment in your community? Visit RISE to 55 toolkit to identify steps you can take to help reach Florida's goal. 
Polk State College Partners with Polk County Public Schools to Create Teacher Pipeline
In an effort to address a teacher shortage, Polk State College and Polk County Public Schools have partnered to launch ELITE (Establishing Leaders in Teacher Education), which will allow aspiring educators to complete associate degrees in high school, seamlessly transition into Polk State's education baccalaureate program and obtain employment with Polk County Public Schools upon graduation. Polk State College President Dr. Angela Falconetti and Polk County Public Schools Superintendent Jacqueline Byrd were recently interviewed by CBS This Morning to discuss the innovative ELITE program that not only helps address the teacher shortage in Polk, but can also create a model that could help address this issue nationwide.

"Polk State College is thrilled to partner with Polk County Public Schools to develop a clear pathway for students to pursue careers in education," Falconetti exclaimed. "ELITE will put students on an expedited, affordable path to becoming future leaders of Polk County's classrooms, and this partnership will allow us to address the local need for teachers and ensure that highly-skilled educators are available for our children and our ever-growing community."

Through the ELITE program, students at Ridge Community, Haines City and Bartow high schools will have the opportunity to dual enroll and earn associate degrees at no cost to them, putting them on a fast track to earning affordable bachelor's degrees from Polk State upon graduating high school. Students in the ELITE program are required to maintain an unweighted GPA of 3.0.

"It's simple: today's high schoolers will become tomorrow's leaders in education," Byrd said. "As a former classroom teacher, I know the tremendous commitment that is necessary to tackle all of the requirements, training and hard work for entering this noble calling. If we can guide our youth to the fastest path, we reap the benefits of getting highly qualified educators in our classroom who can inspire the next generation."

To fill the local need for educators, Polk State, in partnership with Polk County Public Schools, launched its Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education and Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education in August 2016. Today, Polk State is the only public post-secondary institution in Polk County offering state-approved teacher education preparation programs providing access to residents and aspiring teachers looking to obtain affordable degrees close to home.
   
Over a six-year period, annual dual enrollment participation at Florida College System (FCS) institutions increased approximately 35 percent from 52,457 students in 2012-13 to 70,642 students in 2017-18 - an increase of over 18,185 students. Dual enrollment is an acceleration program that allows eligible high school students to simultaneously earn credit toward high school completion and a postsecondary credential such as a certificate, associate, or baccalaureate degree. Dual enrollment is available to individuals who are students at a Florida public or nonpublic secondary school (grades 6-12) or in home school. In Florida, dual enrollment courses are a cost-free way for high school students to engage in college-level coursework, accelerate college completion and save money on college tuition and fees.

Albert D. Hernandez - Miami Dade College

After graduating high school in Colombia at the age of 16, Albert D. Hernandez continued his studies at the National University of Colombia as a civil engineering student. There, Hernandez developed a research project that sought to improve the public transportation for people with disabilities. The project's success, as well as the public's interest in the topic, gained attention from local newspapers, and multiple outlets wrote articles about it. Hernandez, alongside his team, earned multiple recognitions for the project. Continuing to strive for success, Hernandez decided to challenge himself a little further. In April 2016, he moved to the United States to pursue a better education and is currently a student at Miami Dade College (MDC) pursuing a degree in civil engineering.

Hernandez has shown leadership not only through his academics, but also through community service and school organizations. When Hernandez was in high school, he joined the basketball team and soon after became captain going on to win four championships. At MDC, Hernandez expanded his leadership capabilities by becoming president of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and director of membership in Phi Beta Lambda (PBL), a national organization devoted to developing competent leaders. All while completing more than 100 hours of service learning and attending the Salzburg Global Seminar on Anti-Globalization in March 2018, Hernandez maintained an impressive 3.96 GPA. He also earned first place in the June PBL National Competitions of Financial Analysis and Decision Making. In addition to the time he has dedicated to serving his community and his drive for academic success, Hernandez serves as an ambassador for human rights. In recognition of his commitment to his community, Hernandez won the President's Volunteer Service Award and received a certificate and congratulatory letter from the president of the United States.
Faculty and Administrators: Nominate a Student to be the Chancellor's Clark Maxwell Scholar Student of the Month
In honor of the late Chancellor Clark Maxwell Jr., each month a student is selected to represent the Florida College System. Nominations for the Student of the Month are accepted on a rolling basis. If you know a student who demonstrates exemplary leadership skills, academic success, and/or commitment to community service through their involvement in the Florida College System, nominate them today!
Elevating Student Success through Collegiate High Schools
Collegiate High Schools expose high school students to the dynamics and resources available on a college campus while also elevating expectations for student success. Collegiate High Schools not only can fast track the time it takes to earn a degree, but also provides high school students an opportunity to develop a strong work ethic, develop time management skills, improve their writing skills and advance their critical thinking while experiencing a college campus environment. Indian River State College (IRSC), in partnership with Martin County School District, offers high school students the opportunity to earn college credits at no cost for tuition or books through its Clark Advanced Learning Center (Clark), which is fully accredited and has received the highest ratings possible by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). 

Recently, U.S. News and World Report nationally recognized Clark among the Best United States High Schools list for its performance on state assessments and how well they prepare students for college. Clark also obtained the highest School Grade for high schools on the Treasure Coast in Florida's Accountability Reporting System. Attaining an "A" rating for the 10th year in a row, Clark earned 86 percent of available points, placing Clark in the top 20 of  high schools throughout the state. Points are acquired for student achievement on the Florida Standards Assessment Tests, Learning Gains in reading and mathematics, student graduation rate, and for participation and performance in accelerated courses. In 2017-18, the Florida Department of Education designated Clark as a School of Excellence.

Each Clark student receives a laptop computer to support integration of technology throughout the curriculum. Located on the Chastain Campus of IRSC in Stuart, FL, Clark serves high school sophomores, juniors and seniors in a small school setting and provides students with all the convenience and benefits of a college campus. Students participate in realistic, career-oriented projects and internships throughout their time at Clark.

Of the 2018 graduating class, 67 percent of students earned associate degrees. During the 2017-18 school year, Clark seniors completed approximately 5,500 hours in the local community through internships with 80 local business partners. College readiness rates for the class of 2018 demonstrated 100 percent college readiness in reading, 100 percent college readiness in English and 88 percent college readiness in math. Clark seniors earned more than $160,000 in local college scholarships, as well as more than $489,000 in Bright Futures Scholarships.

As a result of their academic success throughout the program, Clark students received local, state and national honors and recognition. Five Clark seniors were recognized by IRSC as 2017-18 Distinguished Scholars. One Clark senior was recognized as a Phi Theta Kappa 2018 All-Florida Academic Team member. Fifteen Clark seniors were recognized for academic achievement with induction into the college-level Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society.