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 Restructuring of the Department of Exceptional Student Education (Curriculum and Instruction Division)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

We request approval of the Department of Exceptional Student Education restructuring proposal in an effort to better meet the needs of students with disabilities and provide specific support and resources to classroom teachers and schools. The Department of Exceptional Student Education (ESE) evaluated the current program structure, and as a result of these efforts has redesigned the organizational structure and recommend the following changes:

Delete Three (3) District Resource Teachers (DRT)

  • Speech/Language - This position is currently vacant. The responsibilities assigned to this position have been shifted to the Supervisor of Speech/Language/Hearing.
  • ESE Improvement and Accountability - This position is occupied. This individual would apply for a vacant position in the district. The roles and responsibilities specific to this position have been moved to the current Supervisor of Improvement and Accountability.
  • ESE Curriculum and Instruction - This position is currently vacant. The responsibilities of this position have been shifted to the appropriate Elementary or Secondary ESE Supervisor for Curriculum and Instruction.
Delete Program Manager, McKay Scholarship
This position is currently occupied. This individual would apply for a vacant position in the district. The responsibilities for the oversight of Choice Options, specifically McKay Scholarship, for students with disabilities would move to the current Supervisor of Improvement and Accountability.

Delete Three (3) Behavior Specialists

The Behavior Specialist positions were created to assist schools in specific areas with effective classroom management techniques and interventions, specifically targeting students with disabilities. These efforts have been successful and the ongoing support and resources necessary to sustain these programs have been shifted to the ESE Area Teams and other ESE district support staff. There is one Behavior Specialist position currently occupied and that individual will apply for a vacant ESE position in the district.

Create Position – Administrator on Special Assignment, IDEA

This individual would provide assistance to the General Director of ESE in the provision of services to students with disabilities and their parents; provide support for ESE area teams; assist schools with the implementation of ESE programs, curriculum, and procedures; monitor FTE; provide inservice training; and coordinate ESE services with other programs at the schools and in the community.

Create Position – Secretary 3, IDEA

This individual will be responsible for assisting the Administrator on Special Assignment and the Supervisor of Improvement and Accountability.

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

All District Goals and Critical Success Factors

FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted: Yes)

If the recommended restructing is approved, an approximate savings of $400,000 will be realized to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Project 1531.

EVALUATION

Increased student achievement for students with disabilities as evidenced by the 2008/2009 Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) data.

SUBMITTED BY:

Wynne Tye
General Director, Exceptional Student Education
(813) 273-7025
Michael A. Grego, Ed.D.
Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction
(813) 272-4221
A 1.12
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20080610_330 * Section A Item# 1.12