Hillsborough County Public Schools Curriculum and Instruction
Action Item

DATE: Tuesday, August 31, 2010
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent

SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS

Approve the Recommendation Regarding the Purchase of Gizmos Licenses from ExploreLearning (Sole-Source Provider), a Division of Cambium Learning, Inc (Curriculum and Instruction Division)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

These items from ExploreLearning are considered sole source items and are exempt from the bidding process per Department of Education 6A 1.012 purchasing policies.

ExploreLearning is an online subscription service of Mathematics and Science Gizmos and associated professional development and training.

The ExploreLearning license fee includes:

  • Annual site licenses for Hillsborough County high school administrators, science teachers, and students.
  • Ongoing upgrades and maintenance, additional Gizmos, and new products.
  • Professional development and follow-up support for all of our schools to be provided by ExploreLearning.

    ExploreLearning Gizmos are award-winning online simulations that drive student inquiry and exploration. With over 450 Gizmos online and more being added regularly, ExploreLearning.com is a powerful addition to the Hillsborough County curriculum helping teachers to engage their students more effectively and more deeply in science.

    One or more initial training sessions are recommended depending on the number of teachers participating in the school or district adoption of Gizmos followed by ongoing support for staff development. Participants in the initial training session(s) may be classroom teachers, school/district staff training specialists, or both. Training topics for initial teacher-only sessions include the enrollment and set-up process for Gizmo delivery platform, use of exemplary Gizmos in relevant grade levels and subject areas, and management of student log-in and assessment results.

  • ANNUAL DISTRICT GOAL(S) AND CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTOR(S)

    * Increase promotion rates at all grade levels and the percentage of high school graduates

    FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted: Yes)

    Budgeted funds of $125,797 will be available from Part 1, Title II, Supplemental Academic Instruction (SAI), and Title 1.

    EVALUATION

    SUBMITTED BY: Denny B. Oest, General Director, Secondary Education
     Larry R. Plank, Supervisor for Secondary Science

    Wynne A. Tye
    Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction
    (813) 272-4221
    Gretchen Saunders
    Chief Business Officer
    (813) 272-4270
    A 5.07
    Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20100831_418 * Section A Item# 5.07