Approve Renewal Cooperative Agreement with Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic (RFB&D) for Recorded Books and Equipment, 2009/2010 (Curriculum and Instruction Division)

We request approval of the agreement with RFB&D which will provide recorded texts for students with print disabilities. The agreement provides annual institutional memberships for 35 sites for 25 recorded textbooks at $350 per site and two annual district memberships at $950 per membership. The agreement also provides for technical support services of RFB&D to include on site training of district staff and students, assistance with procurement of materials, and management of reading devices. RFB&D will provide the electronic reading devices and necessary software.

RFB&D, a national non profit organization, will provide the necessary recorded books and equipment for individual students with disabilities in all grade levels who use the recorded texts to access general education textbooks. The number of identified students in need of recorded educational materials has continued to increase.

Student data analysis verifies that supplementary educational materials provided by RFB&D assists students with disabilities to achieve at higher levels. The agreement has been approved by the School Board attorney.

* Increase promotion rates at all grade levels and the percentage of high school graduates, * Challenge and support all students with an appropriate curriculum

Funds of $29,445.50 are available through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Grant, Project 1731.