PROPOSAL TO THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SOCIETY FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A FLORIDA GEOGRAPHIC ALLIANCE

Abstract

This request is for establishment of a Florida Geographic Alliance to increase and improve geographic education in the state. The Alliance will provide a vehicle for coordination and communication among Florida's classroom teachers, academic geographers, public school administrators, and geographic and social studies education organizations. Concerns of the Alliance will include courses for credit, workshops, development of curriculum, availability and evaluation of classroom materials, development and evaluation of teaching strategies, and other professional outreach activities.  In Florida, the Department of Education, the public schools, and the post-secondary educational institutions all recognize the need for improving geographic education in both the state and the nation. Although some efforts were being made within the Florida Department of Education and some support was evident in the Florida Legislature, it became obvious that more concerted efforts were needed to improve the quality of achievement by the Florida students in geography.