Approve Agreement for Technical Services with Performance Learning Systems, Inc. - $8,500 (Curriculum and Instruction Division)

The School District was awarded two federal grants for Smaller Learning Communities initiatives which require ongoing staff development. A contract has been developed with Performance Learning Systems, Inc. for $8,500 to provide school reform staff development activities for seven high schools (approximately 105 teachers and administrators) August 10-30, 2005. The contract includes honoraria for 3 experts in SLC effectiveness, travel expenses, and materials.

Specific training needs for implementation of Smaller Learning Communities are identified by the teacher team leaders, school administrators, and faculties at each school. The program content is designed to address the professional development needs of administrators and classroom teachers of the seven sites in the areas of change and school reform, as well as integration, team building, and scheduling reform most relevant and applicable to the individual school population and local community. Inservice will be provided after school with no loss of instructional time.

Smaller Learning Communities planning sites are Armwood, Bloomingdale, Hillsborough, Jefferson, King, Middleton, and Robinson High Schools.

Goal 5 - The district will eliminate the FCAT achievement gap by a minimum of 10 percentage points as reported by No Child Left Behind.

Funds of $8,500 are available in the district special revenue/federal programs budget from the Smaller Learning Communities Planning Grant. There is no additional cost to the district.

01/17/06