|
|
Curriculum and Instruction
Action Item
|
DATE: Tuesday, May 6, 2008
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent
SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS
Approve Agreements for Technical Services for the Hillsborough Scholars Summer Academy 2008 Summer Camp (Curriculum and Instruction Division)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Hillsborough County Scholars Summer Academy 2008 Summer Camp is a week-long fee-based academic camp designed for 4,600 highly talented rising Grade 8 students who were invited to take the SAT or ACT as part of the Duke Talent Identification Program. Students were identified by their FCAT Norm-Referenced Test scores. There were approximately 1,510 students who took the SAT or ACT in January 2008. Approximately 300 students will attend the camp which will be held at the University of Tampa and students may choose to attend from one of two sessions, June 9-13 or June 23-27, 2008. This fee-based camp will be taught by Hillsborough County instructors in collaboration with University of Tampa professors. Students will select from the following courses:
- Discover the Code – Students learn how to develop skills of perception, invention, and communication to “write” a picture.
- CSI for Students – Students will recreate crime scenes, examine blood spatters, and identify fingerprints.
- Phun with Physics – Students will construct mousetraps, cars, rockets, and other vehicles to learn that roller coasters, bridges, and rockets depend on natural laws of physics.
- Couch Potato Math – Students will concentrate on the applications inherent in today’s crime solving departments. They will explore the underlying math concepts behind specific episodes of the CBS show “NUMB3RS”.
- Photo Finish – Students will observe life, in a different way, through the lens of a camera. They will create exciting photographs by using six rules for basic compositions. Students will learn about optics, camera formats, lenses, lighting, and even the art of printmaking. They will also explore historical and contemporary issues within photography.
- Cool Chemistry of Life – Students will develop an interest in medicine and biomedical sciences, or heighten an existing interest. Participants will have an opportunity to explore the fun side of chemistry by observing chemical reactions. They will also tour a state-of-the-art biomedical research laboratory and see first hand, cutting edge science equipment in use, including an automated DNA sequencer.
In addition there will be time with a trained counselor and university personnel for guidance in preparation for college. There will be emphasis on exploring what courses students should take in high school to prepare for college as well as researching the college application process.
Permission is requested to add and/or delete consultants are necessary not to exceed the funding amount of $60,783.
ANNUAL DISTRICT GOAL(S) AND CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTOR(S)
All District Goals and Critical Success Factors
FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted: Yes)
Funds of $60,783 are included in the divisional general fund for Hillsborough Scholars Program, Project 4121, and includes registration fees of $325 per student to cover the cost of the program. Scholarships will be provided through Wachovia Bank.
EVALUATION
September 2008. Expansion of the program and revision of the courses offered in 2008/2009 will be considered upon review of the evaluation data.
SUBMITTED BY:
Josie Sanders, General Director, Middle School Education
David J. Steele, Ph.D., General Director, Secondary Education
Jorma Young, Supervisor, Academic Programs
Michael A. Grego, Ed.D.
Assistant Superindendent, Curriculum and Instruction
(813) 272-4221
|
Gretchen Saunders
Chief Business Officer
(813) 272-4270
|
A 5.27
|
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20080506_292 * Section A Item# 5.27
|