Approve the Technical Service Agreement for Dr. Calvin Mackie, to Provide a Motivational Presentation to Minority Males at Five Title I High Schools (Student Services and Federal Programs Division)

Dr. Calvin Mackie is an associate professor of mechanical engineering at Tulane University, and was formerly an instructor of mathematics at Morehouse College. Dr. Mackie is also a well-known motivational speaker and author. He will share his message of perseverance and commitment to 500 minority males in our five Title I high schools. The schools are Blake, Jefferson, Lennard, Leto, and Middleton. The males targeted for this presentation are those most at risk of failing to complete the necessary high school requirements. Dr. Mackie’s message focuses on how these young men can overcome discouragement and disengagement as they strive to achieve academic and career goals. Dr. Mackie will share his story and other positive experiences that will give each student the motivation to overcome any obstacles they may face. As a follow up, the Student Intervention Specialists at the participating schools will assist each student attending with goal setting and then track their academic and behavioral data over a six month period, beginning in August of the 2007-08 school year, to determine progress toward their set goals.

Goal 5 – The District will eliminate the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) achievement gap by a minimum of 10 percentage points as reported by No Child Left Behind.

This Technical Services Agreement will be paid out of Title I, Part A Funds ($5,500).

At the end of the presentation, each student will complete a 10 question survey to provide evaluative feedback on the presentation. The students’ academic and behavioral data will be tracked during the first six months of the 2007-08 school year to determine progress toward set goals. This data will be used to determine the overall effectiveness of the provider.