Approve Agreement for Technical Service with Stephen Barkley, Consultant for Performance Learning Systems To Provide Professional Development Training and Support for Twin Lakes Elementary (Student Services and Federal Programs Division)

During the 2005-06 and 2006-07 school years, Stephen Barkley has supported Twin Lakes’ leadership team in implementing a culture of collaboration that focuses on student achievement. Recent school data reveals that student achievement is rising in the areas of reading, writing, and math. The percentage of students scoring a 3.5 or higher on the FCAT Writes increased by 8% over the 2006 results. The percentage of 3rd grade students scoring a level 3 or higher on the FCAT Reading and Math tests have increased by 5% and 12% respectively. Mr. Barkley has coached individuals and teams to link the needs of the students with the instruction provided. During the 2007-08 school year, Mr. Barkley will assist Twin Lakes in implementing the direct peer coaching model, along with his continued support of teacher teams. As teachers experiment with new and modified learning plans for students, a colleague observing the teacher and students can add richly to the reflection and conscious practice that is critical for new professional strategies to be internalized. Teachers and leadership members will need training, modeling, and coaching as they open themselves to increased “public” teaching. That vulnerability is critical to administrators, teachers, and student learning. Mr. Barkley will continue his observation and coaching of teachers individually as they begin the practice of coaching team members. The ultimate goal will be to create a sustaining model of support that will continually focus on student learning. Mr. Barkley will commit 8 full days to on-site development, observation, and coaching. In addition, Mr. Barkley will provide ongoing phone and e-mail support throughout the year. This comprehensive contract will cover the cost of year-long training and support, along with all necessary material and travel expenses.

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 Service Agreement will be paid out of Twin Lakes’ Title I Staff Development dollars. ($25,000)

The leadership team, along with the staff at Twin Lakes, will review student achievement data quarterly to determine the effectiveness of the direct peer coaching model. At the conclusion of the year, qualitative data will also be collected from each participating staff member to determine the impact the training, and support provided by Stephen Barkley had on professional growth and student performance. All data collected will be used in determining future contracts with Mr. Barkley.