School District Teacher Round Table

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Driver Education Teachers from around the state gathered to shape the future of ADTSEA-FL.

Date: 2/19/25
Participants:
High school driver education teachers from various Florida school districts, along with members of ADTSEA-FL leadership.

Meeting Overview

ADTSEA-FL hosted a driving conversation roundtable with public school driver education teachers from across Florida. The discussion focused on challenges, opportunities, and areas for collaboration in improving Driver Education within the K-12 public school system.

Key Discussion Points

Challenges in Driver Education Delivery

• Many counties have transitioned from in-person classroom instruction to online courses (FLVS), leading to reduced behind-the-wheel instruction.
• Disparities exist between counties, with some maintaining in-school programs while others lack them entirely.
• The disconnect between online learning and practical driving instruction limits students' preparedness.
• Some counties require students to complete driver education for credit, while others only offer non-credit options.

Resource Gaps and Training Needs

• Instructors expressed the need for additional training, particularly in behind-the-wheel instruction techniques.
• A significant gap exists in resources for parents to support their teens after completing a driver education course.
• Resources are useful to guide accommodations for neurodivergent students in driver education programs.
• Funding for professional development and access to modern teaching tools is inconsistent.

Professional Development and Collaboration

• The need for a centralized system to share best practices across districts was emphasized.
• Participants suggested leveraging existing professional development credit systems to incentivize instructor training.
• Collaboration with statewide driver education conferences was discussed as a means to enhance networking and knowledge sharing.

Vehicle Availability and Scheduling Issues

• Many programs face challenges securing vehicles for instruction due to budget constraints and liability concerns.
• Limited scheduling flexibility makes it difficult for students to participate in behind-the-wheel training.
• Some counties suggested the use of centralized driving ranges with classroom facilities to improve efficiency.

Funding and Standardization

• Discussion on the use of Dori Slosberg funds, with some counties utilizing them effectively while others struggle with allocation, support, and distribution.
• A call for improved transparency in how funds are distributed to ensure sustainability of programs.
• Participants explored the idea of a standardized certification process for driver education instructors through the Department of Education to improve program consistency and reduce costs.

Next Steps & Recommendations

1. Data Collection & Documentation: ADTSEA-FL will compile feedback from this roundtable and consolidate findings at the next board meeting.
2. Increased Engagement: Encourage participation in future listening sessions, including those with commercial driving school operators.
3. Professional Development Support: Develop and share training resources to support instructors across different counties.
4. Best Practices Repository: Create a centralized database for counties to share successful strategies and curriculum structures.
5. Statewide Conference Planning: Explore the possibility of a Florida Driver Education Conference to foster collaboration between educators and policymakers.
6. Membership & Volunteer Recruitment: Encourage participants to join ADTSEA-FL ($50 annual membership) and take part in shaping its initiatives.

Conclusion

This Driving Conversation Roundtable provided valuable insights from public school driver education teachers across Florida. Moving forward, ADTSEA-FL aims to enhance collaboration, professional development, and advocacy to strengthen driver education programs statewide.

Join ADTSEA-FL. $50 annual membership includes ADTSEA membership

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