• Overview
  • Introduction
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Historical Perspectives - Inception and the Early Years (1999 - 2002)
  • Historical Perspectives - The Expansion Years (2003 - 2005)
  • Our Archives: A Listing of Courses Previously Offered
  • Comments from Past Participants
  • Data from the Field
• Virtual ESE Course Offerings
  • Summer 2008
  • Proposed Schedule/Course Offerings
• Participating Universities and Contacts
  • Locate a University Contact
• Technology Expectations
• Related Resources
  • Certification Information
• Home

Historical Perspectives - The Expansion Years (2003 - 2005)

Page 1

Next

The Project Director of the Florida Comprehensive System of Personnel Development Project and the Virtual ESE Program Coordinator, in collaboration with department chairpersons representing Florida's special education personnel preparation programs, continued the implementation of the special project initially funded by the Florida Board of Regents entitled Virtual Varying Exceptionalities Online Program among All Departments of Special Education in the State University System (Virtual VE).

As was stated previously, initial funding for the Virtual ESE Online Project for the first year (1999-00) was $134,554.00.  During 2001-02, Board of Regents general revenue carry forward funds, new State University System Mini-Grant funds ($44,712.67), as well as funds from the Florida Department of Education (Florida CSPD Project) ($28,404.50) were used to support the Virtual ESE Online Program.  During 2003-04 Florida CSPD Project funds ($102,870.00) supported the program coordinator and the development and implementation of courses by university faculty.  The Project also changed its name in 2002 from Virtual VE to Virtual Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Online Program to reflect changes in ESE K-12 Certification in the state.

The Virtual ESE Coordinator/Research Associate, funded through the Florida CSPD Project coordinated the activities of the planning, implementation and support of the Virtual ESE Program.  Virtual ESE teaching faculty workload time was purchased by Virtual ESE Program funds.

The Virtual ESE Program drew registrants from around the state for each of the course offerings.  Each student registering for Virtual ESE Program courses pays registration fees for courses taken. The university in the student's home region is the university where the student registers.  Each university earns FTEs for those registered students.  As a result of the success of the Program, a cost-sharing plan was devised and was put into effect for the 2003-04 academic year.  This cost-sharing plan between the university programs and the Florida Department of Education (through the Florida CSPD Project) kept the program operational.