State and national education officials are not waiting for lawmakers to focus on educational priorities for older youths. Florida Department of Children and Families Spokeswoman Erin Gillespie says discussions today are brainstorming how to push at-risk youth in to higher education to set them up for more success in the future. She says these children typically run in to a number of problems without a higher degree.
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Based on today's discussions, DCF plans to move forward with ideas on how to achieve these goals. Gillespie says the best way to create real change is to look case-by-case.
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She says although the department is focusing on education this year, it doesn't have any specific goals lined up with the legislature.