Hillsborough County Public Schools Curriculum and Instruction
Action Item

DATE: Tuesday, November 20, 2007
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent

SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS

Approve Agreement for Technical Services for Visiting Children’s Author, Michael Shoulders - $9,600 (Curriculum and Instruction Division)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

We request approval of the Agreement for Technical Services with Michael Shoulders, children’s author, to visit fifteen (15) elementary schools beginning November 26, 2007, to discuss how writing connects with curriculum with the emphasis on historical fiction.

The author will explore the importance of research and touch on many topics relevant to social studies standards (research methods and frontier life); the writing process and elements of fiction in the readings relevant to language arts standards (symbolism and figurative language); and answer common questions about the economics of being a writer which addresses math standards (percentages, multiplication, and real-life applications). He will explore the importance of writing and art work in a book, the details of how a book is made, where writers can find ideas for their books, and review the importance of using revision to improve pieces of writing. Goal setting will also be covered when presenting to grades three – five.

Each elementary school had the opportunity to sign up to have Michael Shoulders visit and provide two large group presentations per school. The thirty-two presentations will impact 6,800 students and 850 teachers, administrators, and parents. The fifteen schools include: Alafia, Bryan, Chiles, Corr, Davis, FishHawk, Limona, Lutz, Heritage, Hunters Green, McKitrick, Mitchell, Oak Grove, Summerfield, and Westchase Elementary Schools.

Mr. Shoulders, wrote M is for Magnolia, which is one in a series of historic state alphabet books.

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

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

FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted: Yes)

Funds of $9,600 will be paid from school funds of fourteen elementary schools at $600 per school for a half day (two presentations) and one elementary school at $1,200 for a full day (four presentations).

EVALUATION

SUBMITTED BY: Barbara B. Hancock, General Director, Elementary Education 
Barbara Rooks, Supervisor, Elementary Media Centers

Michael A. Grego, Ed.D.
Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction
(813) 272-4221
Gretchen Saunders
Chief Business Officer
(813) 272-4270
A 5.08
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20071120_270 * Section A Item# 5.08