HCPS FL Logo Curriculum and Instruction
Action Item
DATE: Tuesday, April 23, 2013
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent
SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS
Approve the Purchase of “Comprehensive English Language Learning Assessment (CELLA) Online” from AccountabilityWorks (Sole-Source Provider) (Curriculum and Instruction Division)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The CELLA Online tests have been administered during the 2012-2013 school year to English language learners upon initial enrollment in all public schools in our district, as required by the Florida Consent Decree. This assessment enables Hillsborough County Public Schools to comply with:

  • Identification and program placement in Programs for English Language Learners
  • Enhanced diagnostic reports that support data driven instructional decision making
  • Data useful for charting individual and group progress over time
  • Research based emphasis on academic English to assist in determining whether students have the English language skills to succeed in a general education environment

CELLA Online was developed by AccountabilityWorks and Educational Testing Services (ETS) and a consortium of five states: Florida, Maryland, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Tennessee.  CELLA Online is administered by trained, site based personnel within the 20-day window outlined by the Florida Consent Decree. The district has already purchased a total of 12,700 licenses and training this year at a cost of $49,625.  This additional purchase of 3,500 licenses, in the amount of $13,125 will exceed the $50,000 threshold, requiring sole-source providers be Board approved. 

CELLA Online is considered a sole-source item and is exempt from the bidding process per Florida Department of Education 6A-1.012 purchasing policies as copyrighted materials.

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
• Challenge and support all students with an appropriate curriculum
FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted:  Yes)
Funds in the amount of $13,125 are included in the Part I budget, Project 6006.
EVALUATION
The effectiveness of CELLA Online will be measured by use of diagnostic content, scale scores, trends and gain scores of English language learners.
SUBMITTED BY:  Sandra M. Rosario, Supervisor, Programs for English Language Learners
Wynne A. Tye   Gretchen Saunders
Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction
(813) 272-4221
  Chief Business Officer
(813) 272-4270
    A 6.06
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20130423_560 (Board Meeting) * Section A Item# 6.06