Hillsborough County Public Schools Curriculum and Instruction
Action Item

DATE: Tuesday, December 11, 2007
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent

SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS

Approve Contract with Renzulli Learning Systems, LLC for an Annual Subscription Site-License for 25 Elementary Schools - $87,500 (Curriculum and Instruction Division)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

We request approval of the Contract with Renzulli Learning Systems, LLC for the Annual Subscription Site-License for twenty-five (25) elementary schools currently participating in the School-wide Enrichment Model-Reading (SEM-R) Program. The SEM-R focuses on enrichment for all students through engagement in challenging self-selected reading, accompanied by instruction in higher-order thinking and strategy skills. A second core focus of SEM-R is differentiation of instruction and reading content. The Renzulli Learning Systems resources will provide students opportunities to conduct independent investigations based on personal interest and choice and enable students to learn to read critically, synthesize what they have read and apply it in a new context, and locate other enjoyable and enriching reading materials.

Based on 30 years of research at the University of Connecticut, the system is a web-based tool comprised of four components that will assess students, match individual or class activities, and enable students and teachers to plan and complete learning projects based on interest. In addition, students, parents, and teachers will have access to student portfolios that are easily transferable from grade to grade and school to school.

The contract stipulates that the price for Year Two will not increase as long as a minimum of 10 school site licenses is maintained.

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.
Goal 5 - The district will eliminate the FCAT achievement gap by a minimum of 10 percentage points as reported by No Child Left Behind.

FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted: Yes)

Funds of $87,500 are included in the Enhancing Education Through Technology (EETT) Grant, Project 1346.

EVALUATION

The program will be evaluated based on usage and impact on student achievement in participating schools.

SUBMITTED BY: Barbara B. Hancock, General Director, Elementary Education 
Glenda Brown, Supervisor, Elementary Language Arts/Reading

Michael A. Grego, Ed.D.
Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction
(813) 272-4221
Gretchen Saunders
Chief Business Officer
(813) 272-4270
A 5.30
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20071211_271 * Section A Item# 5.30