Hillsborough County Public Schools Business
Action Item

DATE: Tuesday, November 18, 2008
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent

SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS

Approve Agreement for Technical Services with The Great Books Foundation - $18,000 (Curriculum and Instruction Division)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

We are requesting approval for Great Books Foundation to provide Shared Inquiry services for four career centers; Bowers-Whitley, D. W. Waters, Simmons, and South County. They will prepare and provide reading instruction curriculum implementation materials for FCAT and GED reading skill enhancement program using Shared Inquiry Discussions research-based, inquiry-based instruction. Services include training, coaching, and providing follow-up and classroom demonstrations for teachers who will become site trainers; 40 classroom coaching sessions; 10 hours of follow-up conferences with teachers; 40 hours of classroom observations; materials for implementation for 300 students; and 10 hours of teacher reading team implementation planning meetings. Reading outcomes will include student achievement gains in reading comprehension, student ability to use textual information to support their answers, listening skills, FCAT reading scores, critical thinking, GED passing rate, and school diploma completion at the four career centers.

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

* Increase promotion rates at all grade levels and the percentage of high school graduates, * Demonstrate consistent and effective teaching methods, * Motivate students to become responsible learners, * Challenge and support all students with an appropriate curriculum

FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted: Yes)

Funds of $18,000 are included in the Comprehensive Reading Plan budget, Project 4526.

EVALUATION

May 2009. Student FCAT test scores will be reviewed and compared to previous year’s scores. A report of the findings will be generated.

SUBMITTED BY: Pamela Campbell-Peralta, General Director, Career and Technical Education
 Kristine Hensley, Supervisor, Career and Technical Education
 Charlotte Hughes, Coordinator Grants, Special Projects, and CTSO

Wynne A. Tye
Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction
(813) 272-4221
Gretchen Saunders
Chief Business Officer
(813) 272-4270
A 5.11
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20081118_305 * Section A Item# 5.11