Daytona State College just misses gold with state ranking

After ranking dead last in the state just four years ago, Daytona State College scored nearly perfect in three of four categories in the state’s performance-based funding rankings, falling less than a point from achieving the top-ranked gold tier.

The state Board of Education's performance funding report is used to determine how much money the state’s 28 colleges in the Florida College System receive. DSC scored a 36.87, more than two points higher than last year, but less than a point from the minimum 37.78 of 40 points required to make the gold category.

Though the college improved, it remains in the silver tier and will receive $2.48 million, the same amount of money it did last year, DSC President Tom LoBasso said.

"This is truly the effects of a lot of the strategies we have put in place the past several years that are now showing results," he said. "We continue to make incredible progress, and I am so proud of our staff and faculty for the work and dedication they have put toward these efforts. As I said when performance metrics were initially instituted four years ago, we have the right people for the challenge and we are proving it every day."

The performance-funding model assigns the state's colleges one of four colored tiers based on points. The tiers range from purple being the lowest, then bronze, silver and topping out at gold. The higher the tier, the more money a school stands to receive.

Eighteen state colleges including DSC placed in the silver tier this year. Five colleges were ranked bronze and five earned the gold ranking.

Points are awarded in categories that include retention rates; completion rates; job placement and continuing education rates; and entry-level wages.

While DSC scored nearly perfect in three of the categories, the report showed it scored a 7.33 in completion rates and would need to improve in that area to achieve a gold ranking.

DSC’s completion rate score was better than it was last year, and LoBasso said addressing and improving retention rates also would lead to improved completion rates.

“The entire college is working hard to do these things, which ultimately are making a better learning environment for our students,” LoBasso said.

The college has taken a number steps to increase completion rates, including participating in the University of Central Florida’s Direct Connect program, which allows students who earn a two-year degree from DSC to enroll in UCF and complete a bachelor's degree, said Erik D'Aquino, DSC vice president of enrollment management.

The school also created an early alert system that notifies staff and students if students begin to fall behind. Also, DSC has begun a program that maps out a two-year degree pathway, guaranteeing students will graduate in two years if they follow the plan and pass the required classes, D’Aquino said.

The new ranking marks a drastic turnaround from when performance-based funding began four years ago. At that time, DSC placed last.

In response, the college increased student mentoring, added a required student success skills class and increased graduation advising. The following year, DSC scored just a few points below the state average. Last year, it improved further to about 2.5 points less than gold.

LoBasso said the college would continue working to improve its ranking.

“We will continue to work tirelessly toward that goal,” LoBasso said, adding, “We’re going to give it 100 percent and keep our eye on the goal of reaching the gold status.”