Teaching and Learning Action Item

DATE:	Tuesday, January 23, 2018
TO:	School Board Members
FROM:	Jeff Eakins, Superintendent
SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS
Approve the Purchase of Imagine Language and Literacy Software Program from Imagine Learning, Inc. (Sole-Source Provider) (Office of Teaching and Learning)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Imagine Language and Literacy Software program from Imagine Learning, Inc., provides strategic first language support in 15 languages to facilitate and enhance English language acquisition.  It incorporates the five essential components of reading: phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. This program will be utilized with recently arrived immigrant refugee students with interrupted formal education.  In accordance with the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) Purchasing Policy 6A-1.012(12)(d), commodities or contractual service available only from a single source may be exempted from the competitive solicitation requirements.  When a district school board believes that commodities or contractual service are available only from a single source as specified by the FLDOE, the district school board may negotiate on the best terms and conditions with the single source vendor.
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
• Provide a student-centered learning environment that engages every child
FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted:  Yes)
Funds in the amount of $100,000 will be available in the Title III budget.  For tracking purposes, the project number specific to this agenda item is 3361.  As of December 14, 2017, the remaining balance less encumbrances for this line item equaled $222,240.
EVALUATION
An analysis of the Kindergarten Readiness Test for English language learners (ELLs) who used Imagine Learning for more than 20 hours showed statistically significant differences and had an average of 13 points greater growth than those students without Imagine Learning. Similarly, these students also demonstrated statistically significant growth on the annual language acquisition assessment, ACCESS 2.0 for ELLs, with between 0.3 and 0.8 increase in performance levels. In addition, use of Imagine Learning for 20 or more hours in a school year is positively correlated with between a 0.3 and 0.8 increase in performance level on the WIDA.  Evaluation continued on attachment.
SUBMITTED BY:  Deborah Cook, Chief Academic Officer, Office of Teaching and Learning Sandra M. Rosario, Supervisor, Programs for English Language Learners

Gretchen Saunders		Jeffrey Eakins
Chief Business Officer (813) 272-4270		Superintendent (813) 272-4047
		C 6.06
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20180123_858 (Board Meeting) * Section C Item# 6.06