Sixty-four college students from eight universities across the state participated in Florida’s first Student Education Policy Conference. The conference presented students with a tremendous opportunity to debate critical policy issues affecting public education in Florida. Student delegations arrived well prepared following months of research and analysis on the issues affecting Florida’s PreK-20 public education system. Specifically, four critical issues were researched and debated with two university delegations paired to each topic:
- Adding rigor and relevance to Florida’s high school curriculum (FSU & UNF)
- Reforming failing high schools (FAMU & FAU)
- Reforming the financial aid system, inclusive of Bright Futures Scholarship Program, (USF & UF)
- Expanding our system of higher education to accommodate increasing student demand and need (UCF & FIU)
Joining the students at the conference were former Florida State University System Chancellor Mark Rosenberg, Rep. Anitere Flores, Florida Atlantic University President Frank Brogan and current FAU Provost John Prichett. As part of the research, analysis and debate,each student delegation presented policy resolutions which were voted on by all student delegates. Final resolutions were later introduced to members of the Florida Legislature by each student delegation Chair. On March 31st, all sixty-four students will travel to Tallahassee to meet with legislators and to begin the advocacy process toward improving our public education system.
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