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According to a report released Dec. 4 by the Florida Department of Education, Florida Southern College’s elementary education program is the best among all private colleges in the State of Florida and tied for second out of 75 public and private elementary education programs in the state.

The Florida Department of Education (FDOE) annually evaluates every state-approved teacher preparation program in Florida and awards a score known as the Annual Program Performance Report Score (APPR) for each program. In the FDOE report, “Continued Approval of Teacher Preparation Programs in Florida (January 2016),” ¹û¶³´«Ã½’s elementary education program was ranked second alongside public universities including Florida State University and the University of Central Florida. It was the highest-ranked private college.

“Florida Southern College has a long and outstanding reputation for preparing future teachers. This report is further evidence of the hard work and dedication of our students, faculty, and staff, as well the high quality program we offer,” said , Dean of Education. “Through a curriculum that embraces engaged learning that provides authentic clinical experiences from the beginning of the program to its completion, ¹û¶³´«Ã½ graduates are making a difference with the children they teach.”

The FDOE ranking is based on APPR Summative Rating Scores, based on data gathered in 2014 on 287 programs from 127 different institutions. The report card gives results of outcome-based performance metrics determined by the Florida Legislature through statutes and rules. Programs submit evidence of performance outcomes of their completers (graduates) and the students of their completers. Evaluation of each program is based on these outcomes.

“For Florida’s students to have the learning opportunities they deserve, Florida-trained educators must have the preparation they need. This report is a major milestone for Florida, placing us again in the very top tier of states in the country in making commitments to college and career readiness for every student. I commend our teacher preparation programs for their collaboration on this great effort,” said Education Commissioner Pam Stewart.