Destinations, Incorporated is a non-profit, membership-based organization that connects people through travel and cultural exchanges. To help give resources and education to local leaders and legislators, Destinations Florida has recently enhanced and expanded its annual report, Destinations Florida s Annual Summary Report. Download the complete report from our website and read more… Below are some of the key highlights from last year’s report:
Destinations achieved double-digit growth in all areas of excellence in five categories – Connectedness, Research, Entertainment, Destination and Hospitality. Overall, Florida continues to lead the nation in many categories including destination marketing. With the nation’s largest and most diverse population, Destinations continue to meet the needs of today’s global traveler. The organization also continues to partner with leaders at all levels of government, business and civic organizations to promote economic growth, job creation and youth job training in key states across Florida.
Last year’s report also included an analysis of the state’s progress in meeting workforce and educational needs. In this section, we provided information on student performance in Destinations Florida High Schools. We compared student performance in elementary, middle school and high schools. We looked at the progress of students who identify as a racial or ethnic background and compare to other students. Our report also compared the progress of students who identified themselves as having disabilities.
In the previous section, we provided information on Destinations Florida High School Enrollment trends. This section provided comparative data on overall growth and student concentration within Destinations’ network of schools. To be eligible for a state-mandated test, a student must enroll in a Destinations High School for a minimum of three years. For students who earned a diploma at a high school within the network of Destinations, at least one credits transferor is required. ( Credits transferor are available to students who did not earn a high school diploma.)
Last, we provided an overview of the Florida Department of Education’s (DOE) involvement and activities in the state’s network of high schools. The goal of the DOI is to enhance and support students who demonstrate potential to become leaders and advance students from low-income and minority groups. Among the activities of the DOI, the department administers the Florida High School Admissions Test (HFST) and conducts entrance exams for students who are eligible to participate in the exam. The exam is administered every May. The DOI also administers the Florida Comprehensive Academic Network (FCAN) and provides financial and academic assistance to students who meet eligibility requirements.
The aforementioned summary offers a broad overview of the activities of the Florida Department of Education. Our intention is not to re-write the law or review its application. Rather, we are providing information in a basic fashion so that parents, students, and practitioners know what is required of them when they apply to a Destinies High School. In the spring, as part of the implementation of our work, Destinies will take a comprehensive HSE/FOESQ assessment and report on how our efforts are working. Our hope and promise is that this report will serve as a guide to parents and students alike as they seek to enter one of the nation’s most competitive high schools.