Understanding Sweeping Education Policy Implementation: Institutional Response to Developmental Education Reform in Florida

• In Event: 66.041 - Insights on Policy Implementation: The State Role in Higher Education Effectiveness and Finance

Abstract

Through Senate Bill 1720 (2013), the Florida legislature drastically restructured developmental education placement and instruction, mandating that the 28 state colleges (formerly the community colleges) in Florida College System (FCS) provide developmental education that is more tailored to the needs of students. This study investigates the early stages of policy implementation at each campus via a cluster analysis from survey data collected from college administrators. We identify three clusters of respondents with varying approaches for implementing the new policy, yet a common belief that while the policy has increased cross-campus collaborations, it is unclear whether it will have a positive impact on students in developmental education. We conclude by offering suggestions for future analyses of student outcomes.

Authors

• Toby Park, Florida State University

• Shouping Hu, Florida State University

• David Allen Tandberg, Florida State University