Hillsborough County Public Schools Curriculum and Instruction
Action Item

DATE: Tuesday, June 10, 2008
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent

SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS

Approve Renewal Agreements for Services with University of South Florida (USF) for the Successful Transition After Graduation for Exceptional Students (STAGES) Program, 2008/2009 - Various (Exceptional Student Education)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

We request approval of the renewal agreements for services to continue the partnership with USF for the STAGES (Successful Transition After Graduation for Exceptional Students) Program which was established in 2004/2005.

The STAGES Program facilitates transition for ESE high school students, ages 18-21 years old, under the supervision of a district teacher on the USF campus. The STAGES Program is a two-year program which includes a balance of classroom instruction emphasizing functional academics, integrated social and recreational activities, and career experience opportunities. USF currently provides multiple opportunities for career exploration in areas such as; general maintenance, food service, landscaping, child care, and clerical. The district provides an instructor, a paraprofessional, transportation, and additional support as identified.

The young adults with disabilities benefit from real-world experiences by interacting with non-disabled age-appropriate peers in a postsecondary setting. In addition, USF students who are seeking a degree in special education, human resources, physical education, medicine, engineering, and computer science benefit from interaction with young adults with disabilities through the application of educational theories and practices.

Program Highlights:

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

Critical Success Factor 5.c – Design and implement program scheduling to meet the remediation and enrichment needs of students.

FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted: Yes)

This program generates FTE funds; funding of $88,512 is included in the divisional special revenue/federal programs budget (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), to cover the total cost to the district.

EVALUATION

Program success will be based on the number of students served and transitioned to successful employment.

SUBMITTED BY: Deborah Davis, Supervisor, ESE Secondary Curriculum and Instruction/Transition

Wynne A. Tye
General Director, Exceptional Student Education
(813) 273-7025
Michael A. Grego, Ed.D.
Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction
(813) 272-4221
A 1.19
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20080610_330 * Section A Item# 1.19