Action Item
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Curriculum and Instruction
Action Item |
| DATE: | Tuesday, February 22, 2011 |
| TO: | School Board Members |
| FROM: | MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent |
| SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS | |
| Approval of Renewal Proposal with Scientific Learning Corporation for the Purchase of Fast ForWord Site Licenses for 24 Sites (Curriculum and Instruction Division) | |
| EXECUTIVE SUMMARY | |
| In September 2006, Scientific Learning Corporation's Fast ForWord instructional software was implemented at three pilot elementary sites. Since 2006, the use of this unique, foundational intervention software program has expanded to 24 sites serving a diverse population of students at all levels in the district. Renewal of this software program will continue existing support at each of the sites through July 2012.
This computer-based intervention program, using neuroscience-based learning principles, works in concert with the standard reading curriculum to develop and/or improve the cognitive skills of memory, attention, processing, and sequencing, which have been proven to be prerequisite skills for successful reading. The interactive and individual exercises adapt to the level of the students; the duration of the intervention ranges from 12 to 18 weeks. A list of sites is attached. |
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| STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES | |
| • Increase promotion rates at all grade levels and the percentage of high school graduates | |
| FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted: Yes) | |
| Grant funds of $329,250 are available through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). | |
| EVALUATION | |
| A thorough evaluation is conducted by the Department of Assessment and Accountability annually to assess the program's effectiveness for increasing student achievement. The results of this evaluation are shared with Scientific Learning Corporation and district officials and are used to determine future purchases. | |
| SUBMITTED BY: Joyce L. Wieland, General Director, Department of Exceptional Student Education | |
| Wynne A. Tye | Gretchen Saunders | |
| Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction (813) 272-4221 |
Chief Business Officer (813) 272-4270 |
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| A 5.05 | ||
| Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20110222_454 (Board Meeting) * Section A Item# 5.05 | ||