Hillsborough County Public Schools Student Services and Federal Programs
Action Item

DATE: Tuesday, February 7, 2006
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent

SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS

Approve Agreement for Technical Services with the American Reading Company (Student Services & Federal Programs Division)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Ferrell Middle Magnet School sees the need to further encourage and engage their students in independent reading. The company’s core program, 100 Book Challenge, will provide the school with a unified system for independent reading. The entire system is delivered to schools direct from American Reading Company and includes all books, program materials, software tools and on site professional development that, collectively, insure measurable results. This program is designed to supplement the core reading program. By using this program, Ferrell hopes to increase the amount of quality independent reading time for students and at the same time increase reading levels of all participating students.

ANNUAL DISTRICT GOAL(S) AND CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTOR(S)

Goal 1- The percentage of students achieving a score of level 3 or higher on FCAT reading will increase a minimum of 5 percentage points.

FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted: Yes)

Funds in the amount of $7,680.00 are included in the district’s Title I budget, Project 1095.

EVALUATION

The anticipated date of evaluation is May 19, 2006. At that time, FCAT reading results will be analyzed to determine the program’s impact. Since the program is starting mid year, however, teachers and administrators will look at end of year reading level data to determine the program’s effectiveness on raising student reading levels. This data will be shared with the provider and the district so that a determination can be made on the awarding of future contracts to the provider.

SUBMITTED BY: Jeff Eakins, Principal on Special Assignment, Federal Programs

Gwendolyn L. Luney
Assistant Superintendent, Division of Student Services & Federal Programs
(813) 272-4879
Gretchen Saunders
Chief Business Officer
(8130 272-4270
5.06
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20060207_168 * Section E Item# 5.06