Approve Agreement for Technical Services with Michael J. Berson, Ph.D. for Teaching American History Grant, $8,000 (Curriculum and Instruction Division)

We request approval of the Agreement for Technical Services with Michael J. Berson, Ph.D., University of South Florida, to serve as the university partner and curriculum consultant for the Teaching American History Grant. This grant requires that the local educational affiliate partner with a university.

Dr. Berson will provide the following assistance with the Teaching American History Grant, "Linking Tradition to Tomorrow", from October 17, 2007, through June 6, 2008.

• Serve as chairman for the American History Curriculum Review Team
• Assist with reviewing and rewriting the K-12 Social Studies curriculum guides
• Assist with the coordination of the technology needs of the project
• Assist with planning and delivery of after school trainings and summer institutes
• Provide follow-up support for all training
• Coordinate the involvement of other professors from the University of South Florida and the use of university facilities

In July 2004, the Teaching American History Grant, "Linking Tradition to Tomorrow", was awarded by the Federal Government and comprised of two components. The first is to provide a variety of training to improve the knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of traditional American History among kindergarten through 12th grade teachers, thereby improving student achievement in American History content. The second component provides for the creation of kindergarten through 12th grade Social Studies curriculum guides that include specific American History content.

Goal 1 - The percentage of students scoring at Level 3 or higher on FCAT reading will increase a minimum of five percentage points.

Funds of $8,000 are included in the district special revenue/federal programs budget through the Teaching American History Grant, Project 0705.

The district Department of Assessment and Accountability Office will conduct a performance evaluation and submit a report based on performance measures as determined by the grant. The evaluation will be complete by December 2008 and will be shared with all stakeholders.