Hillsborough County Public Schools Curriculum and Instruction
Action Item

DATE: Tuesday, October 26, 2010
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent

SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS

Approve License Contract with the Tampa Convention Center to Host the 2011 Middle School Battle of the Books (Curriculum and Instruction Division)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

We request approval of the contract with the Tampa Convention Center to host the district Middle School Battle of the Books competition on May 12, 2011. The Middle School Battle of the Books is a districtwide reading program for students in grades 6 through 8.

The first Middle School Battle of the Books was held in April 2005, with 12 middle schools participating and has increased each year. Students from 48 schools participated in the 2010 battle and students from the same number of schools are expected to compete in the 2011 district battle.

Students read the current middle school Sunshine State Young Readers titles during the year and take a qualifying test based on the books in the spring. At each school the six students with the highest scores are selected to serve on their school's battle team and represent their school at the Middle School District Battle of the Books. Each team competes in four rounds of battle by answering questions about each of the battle books. The teams score one point for each correct answer and the points are totaled for the four rounds. The three teams with the highest cumulative scores go on to compete in the final battle for the District Battle Cup.

The purpose of the Battle of the Books is to increase reading and cultivate a love of reading in our students. The books used in this program expose students to many different authors and a wide variety of genres. Students have the opportunity to read books that interest them, while practicing their reading skills.

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

* Motivate students to become responsible learners

FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted: Yes)

Donations of $6,990 from 20 book and technology vendors will be used to cover most of the cost of renting the Tampa Convention Center. The remaining funds of $2,000 are budgeted through Part 1 departmental funds for Library Media Services 6-12 and/or Pepsi Grant. The total amount of the contract is $8,990.

EVALUATION

Records will be kept on the number of students and schools participating in the 2010/2011 Middle School Battle of the Books and will be reported to the board as part of next year's contract approval.

SUBMITTED BY: Josie Sanders, General Director, Middle School Education
Christine Van Brunt, Supervisor, Library Media Services 6-12

Wynne A. Tye
Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction
(813) 272-4221
Gretchen Saunders
Chief Business Officer
(813) 272-4270
A 5.05
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20101026_429 * Section A Item# 5.05