11.8.2024
Recent Developments in Florida's Education Landscape
The Florida Department of Education (FDOE) and its Commission for Independent Education (CIE) have been at the forefront of significant educational reforms and policy implementations. These developments have profound implications for higher education institutions, particularly independent colleges and universities operating within the state.
Commission for Independent Education Updates
The CIE holds statutory responsibilities concerning nonpublic, postsecondary educational institutions in Florida. Its functions encompass consumer protection, program improvement, institutional policies, administration, data management, and the licensure of independent schools, colleges, and universities.
In recent years, the CIE has undergone notable changes in its composition and operations:
- Appointments to the Commission: On June 29, 2022, Governor Ron DeSantis appointed seven new members to the CIE, including educational leaders such as Dr. Mildred Coyne of Broward College and Jeff Cross of Herzing University. These appointments aim to enhance the commission's oversight and regulatory functions.
- Licensure Processes: The CIE has streamlined its licensure application process for new institutions, emphasizing a comprehensive review to ensure quality and compliance. The process typically spans 4 to 6 months and involves submitting a completed application package, fees, and subsequent reviews by the commission.
Policy Initiatives and Legislative Actions
The FDOE has been proactive in implementing policies that align with the state's educational objectives:
- Curriculum Reforms: In May 2024, the Florida Board of Education maintained its controversial standards for teaching Black history, despite criticism. The updated guidelines include new mandatory lessons on the Sept. 11 attacks, the history of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, and the influences of ancient Jewish traditions on the founding of the United States.
- Sex Education Policies: In October 2024, under pressure from state officials, some Florida school districts began eliminating comprehensive sex education approaches in favor of abstinence-focused lessons. This shift reflects a broader trend in conservative states to restrict sex education, raising concerns among advocates about the potential lack of crucial information for youth.
Implications of the 2024 Presidential Election on Education
The re-election of Donald Trump in November 2024 signals potential shifts in federal education policies that could impact Florida's educational landscape.
Trump's Education Policy Proposals
President Trump's education agenda emphasizes reducing federal oversight and promoting school choice:
- Abolishing the Department of Education: Trump has reiterated his intention to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, aiming to transfer educational control back to states and local entities. This proposal, however, faces significant legislative and practical challenges.
- Expanding School Choice: The administration plans to advocate for universal school choice, including support for tax-credit scholarships and vouchers, enabling parents to select preferred educational institutions for their children.
Republican Party and Governor DeSantis's Educational Stance
Governor Ron DeSantis has been a proponent of educational reforms that align with conservative values:
- Curriculum Content: The DeSantis administration has supported initiatives to revise school curricula, emphasizing patriotic education and limiting discussions on topics deemed controversial, such as certain aspects of race and gender.
- School Choice Expansion: Florida has expanded its school choice programs, including vouchers and charter schools, under DeSantis's leadership, promoting competition and alternatives to traditional public schooling.
Future Outlook for Higher Education Institutions
The evolving educational policies at both federal and state levels present challenges and opportunities for higher education institutions in Florida:
- Regulatory Adjustments: Institutions may need to adapt to changes in accreditation processes, funding mechanisms, and compliance requirements resulting from policy shifts.
- Curriculum Development: There may be increased scrutiny on curriculum content, necessitating careful alignment with state standards and expectations.
- Funding Opportunities: With a focus on school choice and potential federal funding reallocations, institutions might explore new funding avenues, including partnerships and alternative financial models.
Conclusion
The dynamic educational environment in Florida, influenced by recent policy developments and the outcomes of the 2024 presidential election, requires higher education institutions to remain vigilant and adaptable. Engaging with educational consultants, such as COR4edu (Center of Resources for Education), can provide valuable guidance in navigating these complexities, ensuring compliance, and leveraging opportunities for growth and excellence in education.
References
Florida Department of Education. (n.d.). Commission for Independent Education. Retrieved from https://www.fldoe.org/policy/cie/ ; https://www.fldoe.org/policy/cie/commission-members.stml
Governor Ron DeSantis Appoints Seven to the Commission for Independent Education. (2022, June 29). Retrieved from https://www.flgov.com/2022/06/29/governor-ron-desantis-appoints-seven-to-the-commission-for-independent-education/
Florida Department of Education. (n.d.). New Institution Application. Retrieved from https://www.fldoe.org/policy/cie/new-institution-application.stml
Florida sticks by social studies standard teaching 'benefit' of slavery. (2024, May 29). Politico. Retrieved from https://www.politico.com/news/2024/05/29
6.22.2024 News
Northern District Court of Texas – Fort Worth Division Issues Preliminary Injunction on 150% Rule (“Bare Minimum Rule”)
Current Regulations to Remain in Place Pending Final Resolution
Overview
Last night, United States District Court Judge Mark T. Pittman issued a Memorandum Opinion & Order in the case of 360 Degrees Education, LLC et al. v. U.S. Department of Education (Case No. 4:24-cv-00508-P), granting a preliminary injunction.
In the "CONCLUSION" section of the 15-page ruling, Judge Pittman states:
“For the above reasons, the Schools carry their burden in establishing the requisite grounds for a preliminary injunction. Accordingly, the Court GRANTS the Schools’ Motion (ECF No. 5) with respect to its request for preliminary injunctive relief, but the Court DENIES the Motion with respect to all other equitable remedies.Thus, the Court ORDERS that enforcement and implementation of the Bare Minimum Rule, as described herein and contained in the Department of Education’s October 31, 2023 Final Regulations, is hereby ENJOINED pending resolution of this lawsuit.SO ORDERED on this 21st day of June 2024.”
This decision stops the planned rule change that would have reduced the minimum threshold to 100%. For now, the rule remains at the 150% level for each state.
11.2023
News
Overview of the New Gainful Employment Regulations -
The amendments introduce two principal components:
- Financial Value Transparency (FVT) Provisions: Aimed at enhancing both the amount and quality of information available to students prior to enrollment. This includes the introduction of new debt-to-earnings (D/E) performance metrics and an earnings premium test to compare the earnings of program graduates with those of average high school graduates.
- Accountability for GE Programs: Targets programs offering training for gainful employment in recognized occupations or professions, ensuring they remain eligible for federal student aid. The crux of this component is to prevent programs from requiring students to complete more hours than the state's minimum licensure requirement.
These FVT rules are applicable across all programs eligible for financial aid from the Education Department, with program performance data to be publicly accessible on the ED's website. Conversely, the GE accountability measures specifically concern GE programs, including most degree offerings at for-profit institutions and certain non-degree programs at public and nonprofit entities.
Clarification and Modification of the “150% Rule”
Historically, the 150% Rule permitted educational programs based on clock hours, such as those in esthetics, to offer up to 50% more education than state minimum requirements and still qualify for federal financial aid. This meant a program in a state requiring a minimum of 600 hours could extend up to 900 hours (150% of the minimum) and remain eligible for federal aid.
With the policy update taking effect on July 1, 2024, for a program in esthetics to retain its Title IV eligibility, its length must strictly adhere to state minimum hour requirements. This modification essentially shifts the 150% Rule to what is now effectively a 100% Rule, disallowing any deviation from state-mandated minimums under threat of losing Title IV funding eligibility.
The motivation behind this change is rooted in a desire to economize U.S. taxpayer funds. The Education Department posits that states set minimum required education hours based on a reasoned assessment of the training necessary for workforce readiness in a profession. Consequently, funding education beyond these state-determined hours is viewed as an undue financial strain on taxpayers. This adjustment also seeks to safeguard students from graduating under the burden of unrealistic student loan repayment expectations by ensuring educational institutions conform to minimum state requirements, thereby controlling costs.
Implications for Clock-Hour Programs
No grandfathering clause exists with this rule change—meaning all esthetics and cosmetology schools offering a skin care program that benefits from Title IV funding must align their instructional hours with state minimums by July 1, 2024. A significant portion of these programs currently exceed these minimums and will likely be most affected by the new regulation. This adjustment applies to students beginning their programs on or after the set date, with a transition period for students already enrolled in programs exceeding state requirements.
Options for Affected Schools
Schools facing these changes have several paths to consider:
- Revising Program Offerings: Schools could scale back their hours to match state requirements by removing elective courses and instead offering them as supplemental post-graduation continuing education.
- Advocating for Increased State Minimums: A collaborative effort could be made to lobby for heightened state requirements, thus allowing programs to maintain comprehensive curricula legally.
The ASCP plans to continue advocating at the federal level for a reconsideration of these rule changes, working alongside partners and leaders to devise solutions beneficial for educational institutions and their students.
General News
AI Predictions & Higher Education
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a hot topic in education, especially in higher education. As we step into 2024, AI's impact on colleges and universities continues to grow. Yet, this impact has sparked mixed reactions among educators. Some see AI as a tool that can improve teaching and learning, while others are concerned about issues like academic dishonesty. Here's a look at how experts are predicting AI's role in higher education for 2024 and beyond.
Higher Ed AI Predictions for 2024 Anant Agarwal, founder of edX and chief platform officer at 2U, believes that in 2024, AI will continue to transform higher education. He predicts that AI will move from simple automation to offering personalized support for students. This shift means educators can use AI to give more individualized attention to learners, adapting teaching methods to meet each student's unique needs. Tools like ChatGPT are no longer futuristic concepts—they are part of the everyday educational environment.
Delia DeCourcy, worldwide education portfolio manager at Lenovo, expects AI to affect various aspects of university life in 2024. She points out that AI will be used not only in classrooms but also in faculty research, campus management, and even sports. This broad application could help students access more resources and free up faculty time for teaching. However, to make the most of AI, universities need to create a solid plan, ensuring they have the right technology and people to use it effectively.
How AI Helps Students with Disabilities AI has the potential to make higher education more accessible to students with disabilities. Dr. Sam Chandrashekar, global accessibility lead at D2L, suggests that AI-powered systems can adapt to individual learning styles, providing personalized content. AI can also help identify at-risk students early, allowing institutions to offer timely support. Virtual assistants and chatbots can help students with administrative tasks, while automated grading systems can create more inclusive assessments.
However, Dr. Chandrashekar warns that for AI to benefit students with disabilities, the systems must include input from those with disabilities. Accessibility must be a priority when designing AI interfaces to ensure everyone has an equal opportunity to learn.
The Rise of AI Career Advising Jared Chung, founder and executive director of CareerVillage, forecasts a surge in AI-based career advising in 2024. AI can help students prepare for job interviews by offering mock sessions and skill-building activities. As a result, students will enter the job market with more confidence and polished resumes. However, Chung raises concerns about AI accessibility, questioning whether those with the most resources will continue to have the best access to AI. This potential gap in accessibility could widen existing inequalities.
Conclusion AI in higher education is set to play a significant role in 2024, offering new opportunities and challenges. From personalized learning to career advising, AI's influence is expanding. But to make the most of AI, colleges and universities must plan carefully, focusing on accessibility, ethics, and fairness. With the right approach, AI can be a valuable tool in enhancing education and supporting student success.
