Hillsborough County Public Schools Curriculum and Instruction
Action Item

DATE: Tuesday, July 29, 2008
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent

SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS

Approve Grant Application to the Florida Department of Education, and if Approved, Accept Funds for the Florida Inclusion Network, 2008/2009 - $212,000 (Exceptional Student Education)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

We request approval to submit a grant application for Florida Inclusion Network (FIN) to continue to provide direct services to all schools, school staff, families, and agencies to ensure that educational services are inclusive to all students. The major goals for 2008/2009 include increases for students with disabilities in learning gains in reading and math within the least restrictive environment, and increases in family centered activities sponsored by FIN.

FIN collaborates with various district instructional divisions in providing district and school-based workshops and learning opportunities for all teachers, both ESE and General Education, in meeting the needs of diverse learners in the general education classroom; school-based technical assistance and follow-up; problem solving planning sessions; individual collaborative team planning for students with disabilities; and sharing of current research information and resources resulting in the inclusion of all students and increased student outcomes. A summary narrative is attached.

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

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)

If approved, grant funds of $212,000 will be included in the divisional special revenue/federal programs budget.

EVALUATION

Performance evaluation measures are determined by the Florida Department of Education. The completed annual state performance report will be available in December 2009. The results of the evaluation will be shared with all stakeholders.

SUBMITTED BY: Rose Calco, District Resource Teacher, Florida Inclusion Network



Wynne A. Tye
Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction
(813) 272-4221
A 1.02a
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20080729_296 * Section A Item# 1.02a