By Lynn Hatter
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wfsu/local-wfsu-986041.mp3
Tallahassee, FL – Florida's Higher Education Coordinating Council has a list of recommendations for the legislature.. At the top of the list is greater coordination between the state's education governing bodies. But as Lynn Hatter reports, some of the suggestions in the report are contradictory.
Florida has a state board of education for public schools and colleges. There's a Board of Governors for universities. The higher education coordinating council says both groups need to talk to each other more. One example of conflicting agendas is in how both groups approach new degree programs.
Sound- "From the state university system: recommend changes to the governing structure that will provide Floridians expanded access to baccalaureate degrees in the most efficient and cost-effective way. Set against the Florida College System: which reads, the legislature should recognize, accept and support the New Florida College system model of education it's created without ambiguity fueled by perceived threats to traditional higher education."
Florida's colleges and universities have clashed over new degree programs. The higher education coordinating council is working on recommendations for lawmakers. A final product is due at the end of the year. The 2012 legislative session starts in January.