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1 FALL 2011 VOLUME 27, ISSUE 3 Executive Board of Directors PRESIDENT S MESSAGE... Janita Patrick President Tallahassee Community College Michael Vensel President Elect Miami Dade College Shirley Rehberg Treasurer Florida Gateway College Meribeth Fields Secretary College of Central Florida Julie Alexander Florida Department of Education Division of Florida Colleges Dr. Nick Bekas Valencia Community College Efrain Bonilla North Florida Community College Karen Eisenhauer Brevard Community College Chris Elder Florida Gateway College Patti Levine-Brown Florida State College at Jacksonville Karen Nails-Porter FCRC President Bethune-Cookman University Lisa Richardson Pasco-Hernando Community College Marjorie Simon Publications Editor Palm Beach State College Happy Fall 2011, Wow! Another academic year has begun and we are already half way through the first semester! About now we would normally all be attending the FDEA state conference, however two years ago the membership voted to not have a 2011 conference, so funds would be available to attend the 2012 NADE conference, which will be in Orlando, February 22-25, We have begun planning the 2012 FDEA state conference and are considering the Tampa / St. Petersburg area. More information will be in upcoming newsletters. This is also the time of year for FDEA membership renewal. The membership year is November 1 October 31, so if you haven t already renewed take a minute to do so. A membership form is included in this newsletter. At a time when Developmental Education is a national focus we need as many voices as possible to express our collective ideas, concerns and experience with politicians, funders, and the public. They are all listening right now, so don t you want to be a part of the messages they hear? For several months, the Board has expressed an interest in having the membership share their best practices, and motivating ideas used in and out of the classroom. It was decided to have a column in the newsletter dedicated specifically for this. So please send your submissions in Word format, to the Publications Editor, Marjorie Simon (simonm@ palmbeachstate.edu). Each newsletter will include as many as we have room for. Speaking of the Board, we are pleased to announce the new and returning members you elected last month. Inside this issue they are introduced to you again. Congratulations to them all. However we can t forget to whole-heartedly thank those members leaving the Board for all their years of service. We hope they will continue to move FDEA forward as members with the same passion they had while on the Board. As mentioned earlier, NADE 2012 will be in Florida this year and FDEA is the host. We still need volunteers and ask you to re-consider. Volunteering doesn t mean you will not be able to attend the conference, just that you will give some of your time before or during the conference to help it run smoothly and be a success. The volunteer form is available on the website See you in Orlando, Janita Janita Patrick FDEA in Spam? Did you find this in your SPAM or JUNK file? We ve received a few notices from members stating that is where FDEA s are going. Since the direction of the is a function of the way your account is set up we cannot control this. However if you add the address patrickj@tcc.fl.edu to your safe sender list, the s will go to your mailbox and not spam or junk. If you don t know how to do this please search the help section for your software or contact your system administrator.

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3 FALL 2011 PAGE FLORIDA DEVELOPMENTAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS Joseph Howland FDEA Excellence in Developmental Education Scholarship ($1,000.00) A Student is eligible to apply for the Joseph Howland FDEA Scholarship if he or she: Attends a college that is an FDEA Institutional member. Has successfully completed one developmental math course and one other developmental course either in writing or in reading. Has six semester hours of mainstream college level course work (AA/AS). Has achieved an overall 3.0 grade point average for all course work. Follow other instructions as listed on the application on the website. President's Circle Award ($1,000.00) One award in the amount of $ will be given to a deserving developmental student each year. Applications may be submitted each year from January 1 until June 1, and the award will be presented at the annual FDEA conference. The following criteria must be met by each applicant. Must be currently enrolled and have completed one semester of classes at a college with a current institutional membership. Must have completed at least one developmental class. Must submit a President's Circle Award application and essay as described on the website. Must submit a current official transcript. Must submit a letter of recommendation from a developmental instructor. Must submit a photograph, or digital picture in JPG format, and release form. Follow other instructions as listed on the application on the website. FDEA Student Essay Contest ($500.00) FDEA is sponsoring a Student Success Essay Contest. One award of $ will be given to the winning essay. The deadline for submissions each year is June 1. The winner will be contacted in August, and the award presented at the annual FDEA Conference. Applicants must meet the following criteria: Must attend a college that with a current institutional membership. Must have completed at least two developmental level courses. Must submit a current, official transcript. Must submit at least one letter of recommendation from one of your developmental instructors. Must submit a photograph or digital photo in jpg format. Must submit an essay between words, size 12 font, double spaced, on the topic of your choice. Follow other instructions as listed on the application on the website.

4 Joseph Howland FDEA Excellence in Developmental Education Scholarship Job Wanted: Role Model By Vincent F. Woodbury I am a first generation college student at 41years of age. Although at times the challenge seems great, my desire to succeed at Florida Gateway College is evident in my positive attitude and tremendous effort. I completed my first semester at FGC with a 3.66 grade point average and my second semester with a 3.5. The Joseph Howland Scholarship would ensure that I am able to continue to excel and reach my goal of becoming a positive role model for young men in my community. After completing my military career I worked as a teacher's aide at Columbia High School, as a substitute bus driver for the Columbia County School System and an assistant football coach for the freshman team at Columbia High School. Working with high school students, especially young males, I realized there is a need for men who are willing to positively affect as many young men in our society as possible. The best way I can do this is to become a teacher, and that's what led me to enroll in college. I was disappointed at first when I found I would have to take prep English. After 20 years of honorable and faithful service to our country as a United States Marine and a combat decorated veteran, I believed I was ready for anything. After spending a semester learning all the things I had forgotten about English and writing, I know that the prep English class was exactly what I needed to be fully prepared for the rest of my college career. My teachers, Elizabeth Cobb and Shirley Rehberg, taught me the skills I needed, but more than that, they showed me, by example, just how caring, compassionate teachers can motivate students to excel. I believe I can bring about change simply by being a caring and law abiding citizen as I work with Columbia County youth, leaving a positive example for others to follow, just as my prep English instructors provided for me.

5 President's Circle Award Belief in Success By Shameka Cullins I was raised by my mother and father, who were unable to go to college because they had no money; from the stories I was told when I was a child, their parents were in the same situation. I remember times being so hard back then my mother would have to feed me and my sisters beans and bread for dinner because that was all she had, and several times when I was in elementary school, I would be sitting outside of the school alone after school had let out. I was only six years old the first time this happened; I was waiting in the rain, in fear, stomach in knots from feeling unsafe, hoping my mother would find a ride from work to pick me up. Finally, hours later she would arrive. What a relief that was. I have endless stories I could share, but basically the woman I have become wants more than that for my family, and this is why I chose to attend a community college. The smaller classes and teacher who have time and are willing to help me are things I do not believe I could get at a university. I believe my past is what has established my belief in education and applying one's self to do better. I thank God for this opportunity to attend college, considering my parents never had the willpower to go to college nor the opportunity to apply for scholarships. I will do everything in my power to stop this generational cycle in my family. I am determined to not allow my childhood be my demise. Developmental classes have given me the skills I must have to end this cycle. Developmental English and reading have readied me to complete my prerequisites and co-requisites with a final grade point average of a 4.0 in order to get accepted into the Registered Nursing Program at FGC. Meanwhile, I continue to read as many books as possible while completing my nursing degree so that I can be as educated as possible. My developmental reading class instilled in me a love of reading and the ability to clearly understand and absorb the material. Even more than the skills I gained from my developmental classes, my teachers instilled in me the belief that I can succeed. The only thing slowing me down is funding. This scholarship will help to provide me with books, gas, college equipment, and all the essentials to help me stay focused while in school.

6 FDEA Student Success Essay Contest Who l Am By Herixdaniel Gonzalez I am a 37-year-old male of Puerto Rican descent, born in a poor section of New York. Being poor and part of a minority has helped make me a more compassionate member of society and work harder to change my status about being poor and not let it dictate who I will become. When I was two months old, my mother took me to Puerto Rico to visit her family; while there, I contracted polio. This left me sentenced to a wheel chair for thirteen years and affected the right side of my brain, as well as my right arm and leg. My mother fed me through a tube, which was traumatic for her; however, we had a wonderful and magical relationship. My father, a Vietnam veteran, had issues with drug addiction. When I was twelve, my life changed dramatically. My parents were arrested for illegal drug activity, and my grandfather took custody of my brother and me. He was a tough New York Puerto Rican, rude, firm, not well-educated, but wise. I was angry and hard to deal with, so he sent me to Puerto Rico to my step-grandmother's house. She and her family were the cruelest people I had met in my short life. She did not send me to school because she felt it a waste of time; therefore, seventh grade was my last formal schooling. She made me work long hours on her farm instead; my only friends were the animals in the barn where I had to stay. After seven years, I moved back to New York and then Miami. I had many jobs dishwasher, chef assistant, Home Depot, Dade County Schools, bar tending, gardening, and mechanics. In October 2005 I received news that my only brother was killed in Iraq. That day my whole world collapsed and my soul tore apart. Because life's circumstances had tom us apart, I never had the chance to tell him how much I loved him. From devastation, I shifted my life to pursue happiness and help others. In June 2008, I got my GED from Miami-Dade college. I was afraid of school in the beginning but found wonderful people in the GED lab; they provided me with the tools I needed to complete my GED. In 2009 I began taking credit courses. This is where I have met wonderful angels who are patient, smart, and dedicated to helping me succeed. At Miami-Dade College, I have a 3.84 GPA, volunteer as a note taker and tutor for ACCESS students, am president of the Diverse Student Organization, and in 2010 earned the Presidential Award for volunteering over 100 hours. As a student at Miami-Dade, my life has changed dramatically, and I have surpassed my expectations as I continue to pursue my happiness. I see this college as a safe place where age, background, language, culture, or race are never obstacles to succeed and where dynamic and dedicated teachers and staff make a wonderful environment in which to grow.

7 UPDATE: 2010 FDEA President s Circle Award Winner, Phil Campbell Phil Campbell, a former Marine, was homeless. With help from the National Veteran's Homeless Support, he now has an apartment, a car, a job and is attending BCC. He works at an area Chevron store. By Cathy Lally Last year, Phil Campbell, from Brevard Community College, wrote a winning essay detailing his life as a homeless vet who returned to school so he could become an effective member of society, and in turn become a role model for his fellow homeless vets. Over the course of the past year, Phil has not only continued to do very well in college, taking classes which will lead to a major in sociology or counseling, but he has also made an impression on the community. In fact, the Florida Today recently ran a front page article detailing Phil s recent achievements. While Phil was attending school, the owners of a convenience store close to his encampment in the woods allowed him to use their internet connection so he could complete his classwork. They were so impressed with his dedication, that they eventually offered him a job three months ago. Phil also works for a mission group providing nighttime security in turn for an apartment in their office. He also became involved with the National Veterans Homeless Support group, and through this organization, an anonymous donor gave Phil a car. Of course, Phil is always one to pay it forward, so in turn, he is giving his motorized bike to another homeless person and he is mentoring two younger vets. In his FDEA scholarship essay, Phil said with the help of his support systems, his future looks brighter. Right now, Phil is basking in a well deserved spotlight.

8 FALL 2011 PAGE 8 Course Redesign at NFCC By Efrain Bonilla North Florida Community College is offering a new Pre-Algebra and Introductory Algebra Redesign course, which is already becoming popular among NFCC students. The new computer-based course offers student s selfpaced learning through web-assisted software called MyMathLab. NFCC was one of five colleges in Florida to receive funding from the state through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to fund the redesign project. NFCC s Pre-Algebra and Introductory courses were redesigned using student-centered coursework, which incorporates new teaching strategies, technology, tutoring, and individual and group learning. The goal of the redesign is to encourage students to take an active role in their own learning; giving them freedom to learn at their own pace through activities most suited to their particular learning styles. The redesign is based upon NCAT s Emporium Model of instruction, replacing classroom lectures with a learning resource center model featuring interactive computer software and on-demand personal assistance from faculty and peer tutors. NFCC s Learning Resource Center is available five days per week and staffed with peer tutors for a wide range of hours allowing students to work at their convenience. For more information, contact NFCC Redesign Course Coordinator and Instructor Efrain Bonilla at (850) or bonillae@nfcc.edu. Nominations Committee Announcement The Nominations Committee would like to announce our Executive Board for the year: President: Janita Patrick Tallahassee Community College President-Elect: Michael Vensel Miami Dade College Kendall Treasurer: Shirley Rehberg Florida Gateway College Secretary: Meribeth Fields College of Central Florida Past President: The Nominations Committee welcomes our newest board members: Dr. Nick Bekas from Valencia College Chris Elder from Florida Gateway College Lisa Richardson from Pasco-Hernando Community College We also welcome back the following elected members of the board: Marjorie Simon Palm Beach State College Karen Eisenhauer Brevard Community College Efrain Bonilla North Florida Community College Patti Levine-Brown Florida State College Jacksonville Julie Alexander from the Florida Department of Education, Division of Florida Colleges and Karen Nails-Porter, President of Florida College Reading Council also serve as board members. If you are interested in serving on the board, watch for the announcement in the spring newsletter and send me your information. If you have any questions about FDEA business, please contact any board member. ~ Michael Vensel, Nominations Chair, President-Elect mvensel@mdc.edu

9 FALL 2011 PAGE 9 Welcome to our Newest FDEA Board Members! Dr. Nicholas Bekas - Valencia College Nick is the Project Director of the Developmental Education Initiative and Wal-Mart Initiative (2009-Present) and is also English Faculty (1998-Present) at Valencia College. In addition to teaching developmental education and college-level writing courses, Nick has served as the College-wide Coordinator of College Preparatory, Communications and as the Learning Assessment and Developmental Education Specialist. From , he created and directed Valencia s Educator Preparation Institute (EPI). Chris Elder - Florida Gateway College Chris is the Math Specialist under FGC's Title III grant. Since entering the field of developmental education in the spring of 2010, he has been implementing changes to strengthen FGC's developmental math program. He is currently forming a plan to mandate one hour learning groups to all developmental math courses. This will involve creating a sound logistical plan, forming lesson plans that individualize instruction, and training tutors to help run the groups. Meribeth Fields - College of Central Florida Meribeth is the lead faculty coordinator for Developmental Reading and Writing. In addition to teaching, she coordinates course scheduling, adjunct hiring, and training, and heads the department s course redesign. In fall 2010, she was appointed to the state developmental education taskforce. This group helped align the P.E.R.T. exam to the developmental education core competencies. She continued working with the state by participating in the P.E.R.T. diagnostic item writing workgroup in February Lisa Richardson - Pasco-Hernando Community College With 23 years of experience as an educator, Lisa has served as the Assistant Dean of Developmental Education at Pasco- Hernando Community College (PHCC) since August As an assistant dean, she is responsible for providing leadership and administration for the programs of instruction within the Division of Developmental Education, including Adult Basic Education (ABE), General Educational Development (GED) preparation, college preparatory instruction in reading, writing, and mathematics, and the College s Teaching-Learning Centers located on each of the four PHCC campuses. Prior to assuming her role as the Assistant Dean of Developmental Education, she served as a Teaching-Learning Center Coordinator, developmental reading instructor, and ABE/GED instructor at PHCC. Additionally, she served as a public school teacher specializing in students with learning disabilities.

10 FDEA Individual Membership Data Form The information below is my request for (check all that apply): Data Correction Membership Renewal for 201 to 201 (Nov. 1 st to Oct. 31 st ) New Membership 201 to 201 (Nov. 1 st to Oct. 31 st ) FDEA Scholarship Donation (note amount) Title (check one): Dr. Mr. Mrs. Ms. Name Institution Preferred Mailing Address Telephone ( ) This is important for all FDEA information and the FDEA Newsletter Area of Expertise/Position Annual FDEA Membership Dues: Faculty/Administrators ($50) / Adjuncts/Retirees ($25) / Full-time Grad Students ($15) Mail Checks Payable to FDEA : Karen Eisenhauer, FDEA Individual Membership Chair Brevard Community College Assistant Professor of Communications 250 Community College Parkway Palm Bay, FL 32909

11 We are hoping NADE s 2012 Silent Auction will be a huge success but that success cannot happen without you. Your assistance is again needed in soliciting items to use in the 2012 Auction. Artwork, gift baskets, hotel stays, vacation packages, cameras, sports memorabilia, jewelry, e-readers, ipads, ipods, computers, books, gift cards, event tickets, wine, services, decorative items, etc. are all examples of great ideas but I am sure that you can come up with many more. NADE SILENT AUCTION Opens 4 p.m., Wed. Feb. 22 Closes 9:30 a.m., Fri. Feb. 24 Exhibit Hall Coronado Springs Hotel Orlando, FL Don t ever think your item is too small or too large to include. Your items may be combined with other items to help create a beautiful gift basket or extra special vacation package!! A sample letter and donation form is available to assist you when contacting businesses. Items should be shipped or delivered to the address below by Jan. 17, If you are unable to ship due to size or time conflicts, items may be brought directly to the conference. For more information contact one of the following: Patti Levine-Brown Florida State College 501 W. State St. Jacksonville, FL plevine@fscj.edu Carrie Rodesiler 149 SE College Place Lake City FL (386) Carrie.Rodesiler@fgc.edu

12 NADE 2012 SILENT AUCTION DONATION FORM PLEASE RETURN THIS FORM NO LATER THAN JANUARY 17, 2012 Mail or this form to one of the following people: Patti Levine-Brown Florida State College 501 W. State St. Jacksonville FL Carrie Rodesiler 149 SE College Place Lake City FL (386) Silent Auction item listed below should be delivered or shipped to the address above. If you are unable to ship due to size or time conflicts, items may be brought directly to the conference. See conference website ( for on-site drop off times. NAME OF CHAPTER/PERSON/COLLEGE DONATING ITEM: NAME OF BUSINESS DONATING ITEM: DESCRIPTION OF ITEM: OTHER DETAILS: (include references to autographs, previous owners, etc.) Estimated Retail Value $ Thank you for your Donation!

13 FALL 2011 PAGE 13 FLORIDA DEVELOPMENTAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER MARJORIE SIMON PALM BEACH STATE COLLEGE 3160 PGA BOULEVARD PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL We trust your Fall 2011 term is going well. The FDEA Board hopes you have renewed your membership and are encouraging colleagues to join. We have updated our membership list, and all past members who have not renewed their memberships will no longer receive the newsletter. The FDEA Newsletter is published twice a year (or as needed). Articles should be kept to a maximum of 1,000 words in Microsoft Word format. Explicit guidelines are available from the editor, Marjorie Simon. The FDEA Board Members also encourage news items from affiliates and other organizations. The Editor and Board Members reserve the right to edit any material submitted. Submit articles to: simonm@palmbeachstate.edu. Membership Has Its Benefits Benefits of FDEA individual and institutional membership include: receiving the FDEA newsletter and information about the state conference sharing instructional and research information and networking with other developmental educators providing input to state agencies and receiving information about issues from the Division of Florida Colleges eligibility for students of your institution to apply for FDEA and FCRC scholarships Please contact our Membership Chairs to join or renew. Membership forms are on the FDEA website. For Institutional Membership Contact: Efrain Bonilla FDEA Institutional Membership Chair North Florida Community College For Individual Membership Contact: Karen Eisenhauer FDEA Individual Membership Chair Brevard Community College 325 NW Turner Davis Dr. 250 Community College Parkway Madison, FL Palm Bay FL We re on the Web! FDEA: NADE: FCRC: LEGISLATIVE UPDATES: