Approve Agreement for Technical Services with Character Development Group, Inc. for Character Education Workshop - $11,500 (Curriculum and Instruction Division)

We are requesting approval of the Agreement for Technical Services with Character Development Group, Inc. for the services of Dr. Philip Vincent to deliver an intensive dual-track training in character education to three-member teams from 25 schools at Twin Lakes Elementary School, June 11-15, 2007. These 75 participants have indicated a commitment to implement a more focused approach to character education. The workshop includes:

• Providing participants with the knowledge relating to character education on which to build the foundation needed to support a school-wide process.
• Sharing the research supporting character education as a means to impact the culture and climate of school sites resulting in improved academics.
• Presenting strategies, ideas, and materials which will support the implementation of character education.
• Conducting a character education session specifically targeting the administrators from the 25 new participating schools.
• Assisting and leading the team in the development of implementation plans for their specific school sites.

In addition, approximately 125 participants from previous trainings will join the group for two days to participate in follow-up activities, extend their understanding of best practices, and share their experiences.

Goal 1 - The percentage of students scoring at Level 3 or higher on FCAT reading will increase a minimum of 5 percentage points.
Goal 5 – The District will close the FCAT achievement gap by a minimum of 10 percentage points as reported by No Child Left Behind.

Funds of $11,500 are available through the Safe and Drug-Free Schools Grant, Project 1220.

Evaluation measures required by the grant are determined by the United States Department of Education. Evaluation for this workshop will be included in the annual performance report and shared with all stakeholders.