Approve Agreement for Technical Services with Mary Lewis, Professional Development for Achievement, Inc. for Staff Development in Reading, Writing, and Critical Thinking Skills Throughout the 2008-2009 School Year -$36,000 (Curriculum and Instruction Division)

We request approval of the Agreement for Technical Services with Mary Lewis, Professional Development for Achievement, Inc., to develop and implement professional development designed to improve school achievement. Ms. Lewis will provide reading, writing, and critical thinking instructional strategy skills training to 25 teachers at Sligh Middle School from September 17, 2008 to March 6, 2009.

• Develop and prepare content and materials for teacher trainings based on the Sunshine State Standards
• Link subject area content to additional skills required to improve student scores school-wide on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) in reading, writing, and science
• Assist teachers in aligning instruction to assessment
• Coordinate training dates and deliver trainings after school and during allowable teacher planning period in-service
• Provide follow-up support for all training

In November 2007, the U.S. Department of Education awarded to Hillsborough County Magnet schools a Magnet School Assistance Program (MSAP) grant. As part of this grant, Sligh Middle School is implementing an Advanced Course Scholars (ACS) program at the school. The purpose of the ACS program is to increase academic rigor and college-going culture at the school.

All district goals and critical success factors

Funds of $36,000 are included in the divisional special revenue/federal programs budget through the Magnet Grant, Project 1433.

The district Department of Assessment and Accountability office, as well as external grant evaluators, will conduct performance evaluation and submit a report based on measures determined by the grant.