Approve Continuation Grant Application to Florida Department of Education, and if Approved, Accept Funds for Assistive Technology Educational Network Regional Center, 2006/2007 - $192,865 (Exceptional Student Education)

Since 1994, the Florida Department of Education/Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services has sponsored funding for five (5) regional centers of the Assistive Technology Education Network (ATEN). Hillsborough District has operated the FDLRS/ATEN Region 4 Technology Center as the fiscal agent for the past 12 years. The Center provides assistive and instructional technology services designed to determine appropriate technology for students with exceptionalities, facilitate the provision of technology instruction and services to exceptional students, train regional educators on current technology, and promote awareness of benefits of assistive and instructional technology. Our ATEN Regional Center serves the 13 school districts located in west central Florida. ATEN is housed with the Florida Instructional Materials Center for the Visually Impaired (FIMC-VI). Grant funds will be utilized for salaries, instructional materials, equipment, software, and supplies.

Goal 1 – The percentage of students scoring at Level 3 or higher on FCAT reading will increase a minimum of 5 percentage points.
Goal 4 – The percentage of students achieving a score of 4.0 or higher on FCAT Writing will increase a minimum of 5 percentage points.

If approved, grant funds will be included in the divisional special revenue/federal programs budget. The Project is financed by Federal IDEA funds ($153,750) and IDEA Part B Trust funds ($39,115) provided by the Florida Department of Education, Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services.

Performance evaluation measures are determined by the Florida Department of Education. The completed annual state performance report will be completed in December 2007. The results of the evaluation will be shared with all stakeholders.