March 29, 2024
‘A lost generation': Fewer low-income students apply to college despite record numbers otherwise

Florida Trend Education

‘A lost generation': Fewer low-income students apply to college despite record numbers otherwise

| 2/11/2021

‘A lost generation’: Fewer low-income students apply to college despite record numbers otherwise

Competitive schools across the country, including the University of Florida and Florida State University received their highest-ever number of applicants, while 10% more students than last year have submitted the Common App, an application now accepted at more than 900 campuses, including most of the state’s public universities. But advocacy groups say they’re concerned students who are already underrepresented in higher education, including students of color and those from low-income backgrounds who would be the first in their families to attend college, are even less likely to apply this year. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]

Concerns growing over standardized testing in Florida during COVID-19 pandemic

There are growing concerns about the approaching statewide standardized tests in Florida. Students are required to take the Florida Standards Assessments, or FSA, in person, and the scores can impact things like graduation, teacher raises, school funding, and even being promoted to the next grade level. Many parents said now is not the time for that kind of pressure. [Source: WPTV]

Florida lawmakers begin stacking up education agenda

Florida lawmakers will deal with the pandemic’s impact on education when they reconvene in Tallahassee in March. Among the issues: a steep drop in student attendance, growing concerns about learning losses and a Republican effort to consolidate the state’s school choice programs. [Source: WUSF]

See also:
» Florida’s legion of ‘phantom students’ could lead to funding cuts

Florida Trend Exclusive
Online test proctor Honorlock is one of Florida's fastest-growing companies

The pandemic-fueled shift to online college learning proved a boon to Boca Raton-based Honorlock, an online test proctor founded by two Florida Atlantic University graduates. Honorlock last year placed No. 236 on Inc.’s fast-grower list with 1,860% three-year growth. It raised $11.5 million in March as it plans to add to its 80 employees, further expand in the domestic market and develop the corporate and international market. Along with FAU and FIU, the company has UF and other Florida institutions as clients among several hundred nationally. [Source: Florida Trend]

Florida Prepaid College Program is now accepting applications and waiving enrollment fee through Feb-28

Even during a pandemic the future of your child still looms. That includes paying for college. The Florida Prepaid College Board is encouraging families to start saving for college, especially this month. Open enrollment for the Florida Prepaid College Plan runs Feb. 1 - April 30. If you enroll during February, the $50 application fee will be waived. [Source: WJHG]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Duval School's 'take off your mask' campaign causes ire among parents, teachers
When Julia Reisinger, a mother of three and a Duval Schools teacher, read an email from Duval County Public Schools, she was shocked. That's because the note to parents and guardians about mental health awareness and suicide prevention started by encouraging students to take off their masks. Now, the school district says it will re-adjust.

› FIU College of Medicine wins national award for diversity
The Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society (AΩA) has chosen the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine (HWCOM) as a recipient of its 2020 Award for Excellence in Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity in Medical Education and Patient Care. "As clearly expressed by our mission statement, we celebrate diversity as one of our core values," said Dr. Robert Sackstein, HWCOM dean. "Diversity, equity and inclusion are integral to the very fabric of our college and are reflected in our curriculum, our programs and our processes."

› Kid struggling with e-learning? New bill to allow parents to hold their child back a grade
A bill filed by state Sen. Lori Berman, a Palm Beach County Democrat, was just approved by the education committee that would allow a parent or guardian to hold their child back. If the bill passes, it would be good for one year and would give the parents the option of holding their children back for the 2021-2022 school year.

› UF professor and associate dean appointed to National Commission on Math Instruction
A University of Florida associate dean has been appointed to a national mathematics board that promotes the advancement of mathematics education throughout the world. Thomasenia Lott Adams, Ph.D., professor and associate dean for research and faculty development, was appointed to the U.S. National Commission on Mathematics Instruction as of Jan. 1, 2021. The commission is a standing committee of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.

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