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Thirty-Four Florida Students Earn National Merit Scholarships

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This week, Commissioner Stewart commended the 34 Florida students who were honored as National Merit Scholarship recipients. The awards, funded by approximately 200 corporations, company foundations and other business organizations, recognize students who have excelled academically and demonstrated a commitment to improving their communities.

“This announcement highlights the fact that hard work truly does pay off, and I applaud these students on this tremendous accomplishment,” said Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart. “In Florida, we are proud to offer students a high-quality education that prepares them to succeed in college, career and throughout their lives. I appreciate the scholarship’s sponsors for recognizing the importance of investing in our students’ futures and making it even more affordable for these students to pursue postsecondary education in Florida.”

Most National Merit corporate-sponsored scholarships are renewable for up to four years of college undergraduate study and provide annual stipends ranging from $500 to $10,000 per year, while some provide a single award amount between $2,500 and $5,000. Recipients can use their award at any regionally accredited U.S. college or university of their choice.

To be considered for a Merit Scholarship Award, students must fulfill several requirements, including a detailed application that incorporates the student’s academic record throughout high school, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities and honors and awards received. The student must also be endorsed and recommended by a high school official, write an essay and earn an SAT score that confirms their earlier high performance on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Students are selected based on exceptional skills, accomplishments and potential for success in rigorous college studies.

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation is a not-for-profit organization established in 1955 to conduct the National Merit Scholarship Program. The scholarships honor the nation’s scholastic champions and encourage the pursuit of academic excellence.

The list of Florida’s National Merit Scholarship semifinalists can be found HERE.

For more information about the program, visit National Merit Scholarship Program.

For more information about the Florida Department of Education, visit fldoe.org.

First Lady Ann Scott to visit Clay County schools

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MEDIA ADVISORY

Tomorrow, March 21, First Lady Ann Scott will read to students and share her passion for reading and literacy at elementary schools in Clay County.

WHAT: First Lady Ann Scott School Visits

WHEN: March 21, 2018
8:45 am

WHERE: Charles E. Bennett Elementary School
1 South Oakridge Avenue
Green Cove Springs, FL 32043

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WHEN: 10:25 am

WHERE: Doctors Inlet Elementary School
2634 County Road 220
Middleburg, FL 32068

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WHEN: 1:15 pm

WHERE: Grove Park Elementary School
1643 Miller Street
Orange Park, FL 32073

For more information about the Florida Department of Education, visit fldoe.org.

Department of Education Celebrates Career and Technical Education Month

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This month, the Florida Department of Education, students and educators are celebrating Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month with the 2018 theme, “Celebrate Today and Own Tomorrow.” 

“We are proud to offer Floridians a public education system that was designed to help students of all ages and backgrounds reach their academic and career goals,” said Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart. “Many students have gained the professional skills necessary to succeed through the Career and Technical Education programs available in all of our state’s school districts and colleges. Career and Technical Education Month is a great time to highlight the tremendous opportunities available to help students get a head-start on their careers.”  

More than half a million Florida students are enrolled in secondary and postsecondary career and technical education. Programs around the state will hold activities during February to promote awareness about these educational opportunities.

“CTE programs have evolved from the ‘vocational’ programs of the past that prepared students for a single job with limited skills to today’s programs where students are prepared for a career,” said Career and Adult Education Chancellor Rod Duckworth. “Students who are enrolled in Florida’s CTE courses and programs are developing the skills to be successful in today’s workplace and those necessary for the jobs of the future.” 

In honor of CTE Month, the department recognized two students who are benefiting greatly from CTE programs.

Kaitlyn Bowman is a high school junior in the engineering magnet program at Lyman High School in Seminole County. She has been studying engineering since middle school and plans to continue after graduation. Through this program, Kaitlyn has taken coursework in engineering, digital electronics and robotics and participated in SkillsUSA, which enables CTE students to strengthen their leadership skills and compete in their chosen field. Following graduation, Kaitlyn will work toward a degree in mechanical engineering.

Nicolas Velasco graduated in 2017 from Atlantic Technical High School in Broward County, where he studied machining to build the foundation he will need to pursue a degree in mechanical and aeronautical engineering. He was selected for the prestigious Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange Vocational Scholarship Program, and he is currently representing Florida in Germany, where he has begun a series of CTE internships.

Students and educators continue to experience the positive impacts associated with Career and Technical Education and Industry Certifications, as evidenced by the data points below. 

  • More than 420,000 K-12 students are enrolled in career and technical education programs in Florida’s public schools.
  • More than 52,000 students are enrolled in district technical center programs that prepare students for immediate entry into high demand, high skill employment opportunities.
  • More than 164,000 students are enrolled in the Florida College System postsecondary career and technical education programs. 
  • The number of industry certifications earned by K-12 students continues to rise.  In 2015-16, high school students earned a total of 81,970 industry certifications, and in 2016-17, that number jumped to 102,044.
  • More than 489,000 students in grades 6-12 are enrolled in one of over 1,900 registered Career and Professional Education Academies and more than 17,000 registered Career-Themed Courses.

 

To learn more about Career and Technical Education in Florida, visithttp://fldoe.org/academics/career-adult-edu/career-tech-edu.

Department of Education Celebrates Braille Literacy Month at Woodville Elementary School

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In honor of National Braille Literacy Month, DBS Director Robert Doyle read to 40 third grade students at Woodville Elementary School in Tallahassee. Following the reading, staff from the Florida Department of Education’s (FDOE) Division of Blind Services (DBS) led the students in interactive activities that provided them with an understanding of how individuals with varying visual impairments live, work and play. The students were later presented with copies of their names written in braille and the braille alphabet.
“Literacy is the foundation for learning and the gateway to a valuable education, profitable career and a better quality of life,” DBS Director Robert L. Doyle III said. “With these building blocks, individuals with visual disabilities gain access to a plethora of opportunities that lead to independence. Florida remains at the forefront in its efforts to increase accessibility and inclusion for individuals in the blind and visually impaired community.”
Through DBS, blind and visually impaired Floridians have access to many educational, vocational, medical, social and recreational services beginning at birth. Through the efforts of FDOE’s Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services, students with visual disabilities work with ‪‎teachers to learn important skills such as reading ‪braille and how to navigate the classroom using a cane or a guide dog.
DBS is dedicated to ensuring that Floridians who are blind or visually impaired have the tools, support and opportunities to achieve success. Last year, DBS helped 854 individuals achieve successful employment and another 10,614 received assistance to become more successful in school, community and work. Through DBS’ Braille and Talking Book Library, the agency served more than 31,000 active readers with disabilities, with more than 2.4 million items (audio books, braille, large print) available for patrons.
For more information about the Division of Blind Services and their programs, visit dbs.fldoe.org.
For more information about the Florida Department of Education, visit fldoe.org.

Department of Education Celebrates Braille Literacy Month at Tallahassee Elementary School

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MEDIA ADVISORY

Tomorrow, January 26, Division of Blind Services (DBS) Director Robert Doyle will visit Woodville Elementary School and read to students in honor of Braille Literacy Month. Following the reading, the students will participate in hands-on activities to provide them with an understanding of how individuals with varying visual impairments live, work and play.
WHAT: Braille Literacy Month Celebration
WHEN: 9:00 am
Friday, January 26, 2018
WHERE: Woodville Elementary School
9373 Woodville Highway
Tallahassee, Florida 32305
The Division of Blind Services’ mission is to ensure blind and visually-impaired Floridians have the necessary tools, support and opportunity to achieve success. To find out more, visit dbs.fldoe.org.

Florida Prepaid Partners with Florida Department of Education to Honor Outstanding Educators

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Florida Prepaid Signs on as Presenting Sponsor
of the 2018 Florida Teacher of the Year

From left, 2018 Teacher of the Year Tammy Jerkins, State Board Member Tom Grady, State Board Member Ben Gibson, Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart, Florida Prepaid Executive Director Kevin Thompson, Florida Prepaid Director of Marketing and Communications Martha Bullock, Florida Prepaid Spokesperson Shannon Colavecchio, State Board Chair Marva Johnson, State Board Member Andy Tuck and State Board Member Michael Olenick.

At a meeting of the State Board of Education, Commissioner Stewart today recognized Florida Prepaid as the presenting sponsor of the Florida Teacher of the Year Program. The annual Florida Teacher of the Year Program celebrates one of the most important professions in the world: teaching.
“We are grateful for Florida Prepaid’s commitment to Florida’s future, and we look forward to working together toward our goal of Florida being the best place in the world to receive a great education,” said Education Commissioner Pam Stewart. “The Teacher of the Year Program is a wonderful opportunity for teachers from every school district to be recognized for their hard work and to access valuable professional development to enhance their leadership skills.”
As the presenting sponsor, Florida Prepaid will support statewide teacher leadership programs and expand the influence of Florida’s most accomplished teachers; elevate teaching as a rewarding and honored career choice and help solve the teacher shortage; and celebrate excellence in one of the most impactful professions.
“We are honored to be a part of this important program for Florida educators, whose professional mission aligns so closely with ours,” said Florida Prepaid Executive Director Kevin Thompson. “Teachers prepare Florida students academically for the rigors of a K-12 and postsecondary education, and at Florida Prepaid we are helping the families of Florida students to prepare financially for college. The result is a stronger Florida.”
Proceeds from the program support professional growth programs for teachers and strategies to enhance the impact of Florida’s best educators. That effort begins with the Teacher Roundtable, a three-day series of teacher leadership training held each year in July. Following this initial orientation to the purposeful activities of being a school-wide leader, this distinguished group has the opportunity to participate in the Florida’s Teacher Lead Network, a growing collaborative of Florida’s best teachers committed to impacting positively our state’s schools and districts.
Florida Prepaid, as well as additional sponsors, also make possible the gala, including the much-anticipated Teacher of the Year announcement. The gala is the backbone of an intentional strategy to infuse every school in Florida with exceptional teachers who are prepared to lead other educators, impacting instructional quality throughout the state. The 2018 gala is scheduled for July 13 in Orlando.
About the Florida Prepaid College Board
The Florida Prepaid College Board manages the Stanley G. Tate Florida Prepaid College Program and the Florida 529 Savings Plan. Both are tax-favored 529 college savings plans authorized by Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code. In 1987 the Florida Prepaid College Program was created by the Florida Legislature and the commitment and dedication of Mr. Stanley G. Tate to provide Florida families with an affordable means to save for their children’s future college education. The first Florida Prepaid College Plans were sold in 1988, and were augmented with the addition of the Florida 529 Savings Plan in 2002. Florida Prepaid is the largest, longest running and most successful prepaid plan in the nation with more than 1.8 million Florida Prepaid College Plans purchased and more than $6.7 billion invested in Prepaid Plans by Florida families. The 529 Savings Plan has more than 60,000 active accounts with a market value of more than $525 million. To learn more about Florida Prepaid, visit myfloridaprepaid.com.
About the Florida Education Foundation
The Florida Education Foundation serves as the direct support organization for the Florida Department of Education. As a valued partner to public education, the Foundation’s mission is to invest in high achievement for every student to contribute to Florida’s globally competitive workforce. More information about the Foundation can be found at Florida Education Foundation.
To find out more information about Florida’s Teacher of the Year Program, click here.
For more information about the Florida Department of Education, visit fldoe.org.

Commissioner Stewart Announces Principal and Assistant Principal of the Year Finalists

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Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart today announced the finalists for Florida’s 2018 Principal Achievement Award for Outstanding Leadership (Principal of the Year) and the Outstanding Assistant Principal Achievement Award (Assistant Principal of the Year). The winners will be named during the Commissioner’s Summit for Principals on February 9 in Orlando.
“It is a great honor to recognize these principals and assistant principals whose hard work and commitment to Florida’s students sets them apart, and I look forward to celebrating them next month at the Commissioner’s Summit for Principals,” said Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart.
The 2018 Principal of the Year will receive a cash prize of $5,000, and the remaining Principal of the Year finalists will receive $1,500. The 2018 Assistant Principal of the Year will receive a cash prize of $3,500, and the remaining Assistant Principal of the Year finalists will receive $1,061.
The three Principal of the Year finalists are:

Eric Fleming, West Shore Junior/Senior High School, Brevard County
For more than 23 years, Eric Fleming has served the Brevard County School District in various teaching and administrative roles. To enhance team camaraderie, Fleming instituted a “Wildcat Winner” program at faculty meetings where teachers acknowledge each other’s hard work and dedication. He is often sought upon for his leadership expertise, and he serves on various committees that are focused on improving education. He is praised for leading by example and serving as a role model for his students, staff and community.
Kenneth Savage, James Stephens International Academy, Lee County
After serving successfully as principal at Veterans Park Academy for the Arts K-8, Kenneth Savage was appointed as a turnaround principal for James Stephens International Academy. In one year, Savage helped his school improve from an F to a B (based on 2016-17 school grades). He is commended for being a self-starter and critical thinker, and he is known as a diligent data user who always focuses on the ultimate goal – student achievement. He is a member of Principal Leads in Lee County and mentors other administrators.
Traci Wilke, Lawnwood Elementary School, St. Lucie County
With more than 20 years of experience in St. Lucie Public Schools, Traci Wilke is in her second year as Lawnwood Elementary School’s principal. Prior to joining the faculty at Lawnwood Elementary, Wilke was the principal at Samuel S. Gaines Academy where she contributed to a significant improvement in the school grade. Under Wilke’s leadership, Lawnwood Elementary’s school grade improved from a D to a C (based on 2016-17 school grades). She is known by her colleagues for going above and beyond for her school community and for her consistent track record of growth.
The three Assistant Principal of the Year finalists are:

Trisha Elliott, Crystal Lake Elementary School, Martin County
With more than 20 years of experience in K-12 education, Trisha Elliott joined Martin County School District in 2008 and held various roles before becoming the assistant principal at Crystal Lake Elementary School in 2013. Her focus on data, research, collaboration, and feedback has contributed to the upward trend in her school’s data. Last year, Crystal Lake Elementary School improved its school grade from a C to an A (based on 2016-17 school grades). Elliott believes that all students can achieve at high levels and succeed when authentic relationships are in place. She is committed to fostering relationships with and among staff members, students, families and community members.
Jackie Ramsey, Carver Middle School, Orange County
As the assistant principal for instruction at Carver Middle School, Jackie Ramsey is known as a dynamic leader who provides exceptional support and motivation to teachers at several Orange County schools. Ramsey believes that all students will learn when they receive quality instruction. At Carver Middle School, students’ reading proficiency is up by three percentage points, and the bottom quartile learning gains are up by four percentage points. Under her leadership, Carver Middle School has improved its school grade from an F to a C (based on 2016-17 school grades).
Tiffany Cantwell, The Webster School, St. Johns County
Tiffany Cantwell has served as an assistant principal within the St. Johns County School District since 2013. She was recently appointed as principal of Ocean Palms Elementary School. While serving at The Webster School, she had the opportunity to interact with a diverse student population with varying needs. Because of her dedication to student and teacher success, she was instrumental in helping Webster raise its school grade from a D to a B (based on 2016-17 school grades). Her colleagues praised her for having a can-do attitude, extraordinary organizational skills and for being a tremendous educational leader.
Candidates for these awards were nominated by the superintendent from their respective school districts. Complete lists of candidates from each district for both categories are available online: 2017-18 Principal Achievement Award for Outstanding Leadership District Winners and 2017-18 Outstanding Assistant Principal Achievement Award District Winners.
For more information about Florida’s educator recognition and recruitment programs, click here.
For more information about the Florida Department of Education, visit fldoe.org.

State Board of Education to Meet in Tallahassee

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MEDIA ADVISORY

The State Board of Education will meet next week in Tallahassee.
The agenda is available at State Board Meeting.
WHAT: State Board of Education Meeting
WHEN: 9:00 am
Wednesday, January 17, 2018
WHERE: The Capitol, Room LL03
400 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee, Florida
For more information about the Florida Department of Education, visit fldoe.org.

Florida Department of Education Celebrates Rise in Industry Certifications

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Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart today announced that industry certification completions are on the rise. In 2015-16, high school students earned a total of 81,970 industry certifications, and in 2016-17, that number jumped to 102,044.
Governor Rick Scott said, “Today’s great news shows that more of our students are getting prepared for future success. Over the past seven years, we have worked to provide our students with the resources they need to enter the workforce and begin great careers in Florida, and we will continue to do all we can to increase learning and job opportunities for students across our state.”
Education Commissioner Pam Stewart said, “Tomorrow’s work force is sitting in our classrooms today, and it is critical that Florida students are prepared for a successful future. Industry certifications offer Florida students lifelong learning opportunities that will open the door to high-skill, high-demand career opportunities.”
Career and Technical Education (CTE) opportunities provide students with a school-to-career connection. More than 400,000 Florida students are enrolled in secondary technical education programs.
Career and Adult Education Chancellor Rod Duckworth said, “Career and Technical Education provides students the opportunity to prepare for a career while in high school and move on to further post-secondary education. The Industry Certification component of CTE provides students with a business and industry recognized credential that is another tool in their educational tool box.  We are fortunate in Florida that all 67 school districts in the state have CTE programs as part of their educational system.”
There are a number of academic benefits associated with participation in CAPE Industry Certification programs.

  • Middle school and high school CAPE participants had higher average GPAs than their non-CAPE counterparts.
  • Middle school and high school CAPE participants were less likely to have been chronically absent than their non-CAPE counterparts.
  • High school CAPE participants were less likely to have dropped out of school than non-CAPE students.
  • Students who earned a certification were more likely to take Advanced Placement or dual enrollment courses than students who did not earn a certification.
  • The earning of industry certifications and, in some instances, CAPE participation are correlated with higher student performance among high school students.

CAPE Industry Certifications were earned in the following career clusters: agriculture, food and natural resources; architecture and construction; arts, A/V technology and communications; business, management and administration; education and training; engineering and technology education; health science; hospitality and tourism; information technology; law, public safety and security; manufacturing; and transportation, distribution and logistics. To learn more about Career and Technical Education in Florida, visit the Florida Department of Education’s Career and Technical webpage.