Education: Trust and Educational Leadership, Research Paper Example

What are some best practices nationally, in Florida, in local schools, districts, Higher Education Institutions or Organization?

The Florida department of education defines best practices as approaches, activities or strategies emerging from valid research findings or evaluations. Subsequently, when tested they prove very effective in improving delivery and receptivity of education across the state. Essentially, the Florida college system has been utilized as a best practice model for the nation. Their programs have proven most innovative. Florida education best practices interventions encompass student affairs, economic development, academic affairs, workforce education, technology, innovation and administration (Florida Department of education, 2014).

Best practices in local school, and districts

Dual enrollment is a best practice implemented in Florida Local schools. This Dual Enrollment program allowed partnership between a school or district as well as a local higher education institution. Courses could be of an academic/career or technical nature depending on the potential exhibited by selected students. They earn college credits after completing and passing courses. Subsequently, their college performance is documented on a college transcript even if during the enrollment no high school credits could have been earned (Cassidy, L. Keating, K. Young, V.(2014).  Keating, Young, 2014).

This best practice began as an option for students considered academically advanced, but is now extended as a college accessibility strategy to involve a wider range of clients. Currently, the focus is on programs embracing students who were considered ineligible due to financial constraints, but have enormous potential. These programs are categorized as singleton ventures in the best practice protocol (Cassidy et.al, 2014).

Benefits of this program are enormous. It has significantly increased high school graduation rates as well as college enrollment. Besides, this strategy significantly closed gaps between high school and college. Prior to the dual enrollment initiative students entered college ill-prepared and often became drop-outs despite their potential to succeed. Utilizing this opportunity to facilitate the transition process was very useful. Community colleges and universities such as Florida Memorial and FIU are participants in the dual program best practice initiative (Hughes, 2010).

Best Practices in Higher Education Institutions or Organization  

Some higher education institutions/organizations’ best practices include the Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD) venture. This best practice is designed to equip academics with skills that enhance training of disabled persons by improving their education accessibility through the Americans’ Disability Act. The best practice offers guidelines to professors, especially, in articulating education delivery of this special needs group. It encompasses choice of materials, selecting appropriate accommodation and utilizing adequate strategies in educational delivery specific to the particular need (Florida Department of education, 2014).

Another important organization within Florida State that executes best practices in their education delivery is the second language acquisition and school achievement for English language learners program (ESOL).  Programs aim at offering academic/educational development in a culturally compatible environment. Application of strategies includes activating student’s prior general knowledge; respecting the native language/accent; using the native language to support learning; promoting interactive learning styles and be open to applying alternative strategies in assessment of learning outcomes (Collier, 2005).

Florida department of higher education also advocates best practices in addressing students’ affairs issues. Students’ relationships with colleagues and professors follow a best practice protocol enforced at the time of enrollment by mutual consent. Apart from the unique college programs offered by community colleges their student affairs practices is another distinguishing feature of higher education in Florida.

References

Cassidy, L. Keating, K. Young, V.(2014). Dual Enrollment: Lessons Learned on School?Level Implementation. US department of education.

Collier, V. (2005). Acquiring a Second Language for School. Directions in Language & Education. National. Clearinghouse for Bilingual Education

Hughes, K. (2010). Dual Enrollment: Postsecondary/Secondary Partnerships to Prepare Students. Journal of College Science Teaching, 39(6): 12?13

Florida Department of education (2014). Best practices criteria. Retrieved  on March 10^th  from http://www.fldoe.org/schools/higher-ed/fl-college-system/best-practices