Approve Renewal Agreements of Understanding with Community-Based Training (CBT) Sites for Students with Disabilities for the 2010/2011 School Year (Curriculum and Instruction Division)

We request approval of the renewal Agreements of Understanding with CBT sites to provide valuable training experiences for students with mild and moderate disabilities. A list of the community businesses is attached. By providing training in entry level positions at a variety of businesses in the community, these students are better prepared to successfully enter the workforce. During the 2010/2011 school year, 22 schools will participate to provide training opportunities for approximately 275 students with disabilities.

CBT Business Partnership Evaluations were completed by 19 of the 25 participating sites for 2009/2010. The participating businesses rated students on their performance based on the following criteria:

Students display appropriate behavior

Students display independence

Students follow company policies/rules

Students display appropriate dress/hygiene

Students perform assigned tasks

Overall program effectiveness

During the 2009/2010 school year, the ratings from the businesses overall produced positive outcomes in each of the following categories:

60% of the students were rated above average in the six areas previously listed.

40% of the students were rated satisfactory in the six areas.

All agreements are the same with the exception of Publix. A sample agreement and the Publix agreement are attached.

* Motivate students to become responsible learners

The Agreements of Understanding are non-financial. The estimated cost for transporting students to and from the business sites is approximately $350,000 and is included in the divisional special revenue/federal programs budget for Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Evaluations will be concluded on May 28, 2011.