Curriculum and Instruction Information Item |
DATE: Tuesday, May 8, 2007
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent
TEACHING AND LEARNING PRESENTATION
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
According to the Centers for Disease Control (2007), 1 in 150 children will have an Autism Spectrum Disorder. The School District of Hillsborough County (SDHC) currently serves over 500 students whose primary exceptional student education eligibility category is Autism. This number of students is in addition to the several dozens more currently being served primarily by our general education program. Our District currently has 81 full-time classrooms for educating students on the Autism Spectrum, which serve students at the elementary, middle, high school, and exceptional center levels.
April was “Autism Awareness” month and the districtwide campaign encouraged all schools to participate. Our District did a wonderful job in developing and implementing positive and creative Autism Awareness activities.
In addition to Autism Awareness Month activities in April, students on the Autism Spectrum have shared their talents and strengths in a variety of settings. We have students making significant gains in communication, socialization, academic and independent skills. Achievement for our students on the Autism Spectrum have included, increased performance on FCAT assessment and alternate assessment, saying their first words, ordering and purchasing items within the community, and participating in extracurricular activities (i.e. school plays, school bands, Special Olympics).
ANNUAL DISTRICT GOAL(S) AND CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTOR(S)
FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted: No)
EVALUATION
SUBMITTED BY: Glenda Koshy, Supervisor, Autism Spectrum Disorders
Wynne A. Tye
General Director, Exceptional Student Education (813) 273-7025 |
Michael A. Grego, Ed.D.
Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction (813) 272-4221 |
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Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20070508_241 * Section D Item# 1 |