An Examination of the Florida Education Fund’s Summer SAT Prep Program - Applied Mathematics SAT Prep Summer Camp

Sep 14, 2026

Uploaded by Violet

The paper analyzes the effectiveness of the Florida Education Fund (FEF) Applied Mathematics SAT Prep Summer Camp, implemented statewide in Florida for the past five years. It frames the need for stronger K-12 preparation in STEM to address workforce demand and persistent educational gaps. The study outlines program design, including applied mathematics instruction, simulated SAT math assessments, and post-camp measurement using SAT simulations, supported by repeated measures ANOVA.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages9

Reading Time23 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Background

Program Goals

Program evaluation methods

AC 2011-1520: EXAMINING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE FLORIDA EDUCATION FUND APPLIED MATHEMATICS SAT PREP SUMMER PROGRAM Claude Villiers, Florida Gulf Coast University Dr. Villiers received a Ph.D. in Civil and Coastal Engineering with a concentration in Materials and Construction, from The University of Florida in 2004 . He is currently an Assistant Professor of Civil Engineering at Florida Gulf Coast University. He is working with the Founding Director, Department Chair, and fellow faculty in the growth of the new U.A. Whitaker School of Engineering into a nationally and internationally recognized center of academic excellence in interdisciplinary engineering education. Previously Dr. Villiers was an Assistant Professor at The City College of The City University of New York. Prior to this position, he was employed by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) as a research engineer. Dr. Villiers also was employed by The University of Florida and worked on several projects sponsored by the FDOT and the Federal Highway Administration. Shelby Gilbert, EdD, Florida Gulf Coast University Dr. Yves J. Anglade, Florida A&M University/Florida State University 􀀍c American Society for Engineering Education, 2011 Page 22.664.1 An Examination of the Florida Education Fund’s Summer SAT Prep Program Abstract In the expanding global economy, many scientific and technological jobs in the United States are being outsourced to other countries where better-skilled workers are willing to do the work for smaller wages. Unfortunately, many corporations and national organizations have pointed to the lack of adequate K-12 educational opportunities for U.S. students to successfully enter, and complete, baccalaureate degrees in the scientific, technological, engineering, and mathematical (STEM) fields. As a result, the U. S. has called to action a new focus on preparing its workforce to meet the demands of these highly-skilled occupations to improve its economic standing globally. To address the issue, many universities and independent organizations have developed summer programs to provide high school students with opportunities to increase their mathematics and science understanding, improve their SAT scores, and experience real-world applications in STEM careers. The objective of this paper is to describe the effectiveness of one such program, the Florida Education Fund (FEF) Applied Mathematics SAT Prep Summer Camp, which has been implemented across the State of Florida for the last 5 years. Background The Florida Education Fund (FEF) was funded initially by a major grant from the McKnight Foundation of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and, subsequently, a challenge grant from the Foundation which required matching funds from the Florida Legislature. As a not-for-profit corporation established in 1984, the FEF has provided an avenue to ensure that educational advancement is possible 1. This quasi-public entity with a statewide mission and national impact was originally known asthe McKnight Programs in Higher Education, administered by the Florida Association of Colleges and Universities and serving as the forerunner to what is now known as the Florida Education Fund. The impact of the FEF's innovative programs and non-traditional approach to enhancing educational outcomes has been demonstrated across various educational levels, through three highly acclaimed programs 1 : McKnight Doctoral Fellowship (A doctoral fellowship program) Minority Participation in Legal Education (A law school and college pre-law scholarship program) Centers of Excellence (A multifaceted program to motivate elementary and secondary students to prepare for and ultimately enter college) Since 2004, FEF has successfully offered yearly summer camps with the goal of increasing the availability of for-credit academic programs offered during the summer months; improving student SAT scores; increasing the number of students who are prepared and eligi

FAQs

What problem does the paper address regarding U.S. STEM education and workforce needs?

It links outsourced jobs and weak preparation in K-12 education to students’ difficulty entering and completing STEM fields, motivating new efforts to improve readiness and outcomes.

How is the FEF Applied Mathematics SAT Prep Summer Camp structured and supported?

The camp embeds pure and applied math instruction, employs certified teachers and administrators, and uses simulated SAT math assessments to provide repeated test-environment exposure.

How does the paper measure the camp’s effectiveness?

Each student receives a math pre-test on day one, followed by a fourth SAT simulation as a posttest after the 20-day camp; repeated measures ANOVA compares pretest and posttest scores and calculates gain.

Sep 14, 2026

Uploaded by Violet