Hillsborough County Public Schools Curriculum and Instruction
Action Item

DATE: Tuesday, June 9, 2009
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent

SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS

Approve Renewal Agreement for Services with St. Joseph’s Hospital for the Realizing Exceptional Achievements at a Community Hospital (REACH) Program, 2009/2010 (Exceptional Student Education)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

We request approval of the renewal of agreement for services to continue the partnership with St. Joseph’s Hospital for the REACH Program which was established in 2006/2007.

The REACH Program facilitates transition for high school students with disabilities, ages 18-21 years old, under the supervision of a district teacher. The REACH Program is a two-year program which includes a balance of classroom instruction emphasizing functional academics, integrated social and recreational activities, and career experience opportunities. St. Joseph’s Hospital currently provides multiple opportunities for career exploration in areas such as maintenance, child care, kitchen/cafeteria, imaging transportation, sterilizing processing, mailroom/material distribution, and clerical. The district provides a teacher, paraprofessional, transportation, and additional support as identified. The young adults with disabilities benefit by interacting with non-disabled, age-appropriate peers in a postsecondary setting.

Program Highlights:

  • 21 students have been enrolled in the REACH program since 2006/2007 school year.
  • 4 students currently enrolled in the program are employed.
  • ANNUAL DISTRICT GOAL(S) AND CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTOR(S)

    * Motivate students to become responsible learners

    FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted: Yes)

    Funding is included in the divisional general operating budget.

    EVALUATION

    SUBMITTED BY: Deborah Davis, Supervisor, ESE Secondary Curriculum & Instruction/Transition

    Joyce L. Wieland
    General Director, Exceptional Student Education
    (813) 273-7025
    Wynne A. Tye
    Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction
    (813) 272-4221
    A 1.03
    Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20090609_352 * Section A Item# 1.03