Approve Agreement for Technical Services with Dr. Beverly Ray, Consultant with aha! Process, Inc., to Provide Professional Development Training for Senior High Teachers and Administrators (Curriculum and Instruction Division)

We request approval of Agreement for Technical Services with Dr. Beverly Ray, consultant with aha! Process, Inc., who will present two workshops on August 11, 2009, at Freedom High School and August 12, 2009, at Bloomingdale High School to approximately 1,750 teachers and administrators assigned to Armwood, Bloomingdale, East Bay, Freedom, Plant, Plant City, Spoto, and Wharton high schools. The workshops which are based on the book, “A Framework for Understanding Poverty,” will provide an in-depth study of information and issues that will increase participants' knowledge and understanding of the poverty culture. Topics include:

• How economic class affects behavior and mindsets
• Why students from generational poverty often fear education
• Resources that impact school success
• The “hidden rules” within economic classes

Additionally, teachers will be provided with discipline techniques and intervention strategies to work with students from diverse backgrounds. Suggestions for building relationships with parents and developing support systems for students will also be discussed.

Contract includes all travel expenses and workshop materials for each participant.

* Demonstrate consistent and effective teaching methods, * Motivate students to become responsible learners, * Recruit, develop, and retain a highly effective, diverse workforce

Funds of $5,500 are included in Supplemental Academic Instruction (SAI) funds.

By October 30, 2009, participants will complete an opinionnaire designed to measure the quality of the professional development provided by Dr. Beverly Ray of aha!Process, Inc. By June 1, 2010, all participants will be asked to complete an effectiveness survey to determine if the professional development provided by Dr. Beverly Ray of aha!Process, Inc. had a positive impact on student learning and the culture of the teacher’s classroom.