HCPS FL Logo Instructional Support
Action Item
DATE: Tuesday, May 7, 2013
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent
SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS
Approve Renewal Agreements of Understanding with Community Work Exposure (CWE) Sites for Students with Disabilities for the 2013/2014 and 2014/2015 School Years (Exceptional Student Education)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

We request approval to renew the Agreements of Understanding with CWE sites, Beaux Arts Gallery and Winthrop Town Center, to provide training opportunities for students with disabilities to gain essential employment skills.  CWE offers career exploration experiences and opportunities to job shadow professionals in different careers. Three times a week, students will experience working on specific tasks as they rotate through several businesses. The intent of this program is to provide exposure to multiple positions, rather than mastery of any given position.

CWE Business Partnership Evaluations were completed by both participating sites for 2012/2013. The participating businesses rated students in their performance based on the following criteria:

  • Students display appropriate behavior
  • Students display independence
  • Students follow company policies/rules
  • Students display appropriate dress/hygiene
  • Students perform assigned tasks
  • Overall program effectiveness

During the 2012/2013 school year, the ratings from the above criteria produced the following positive outcomes:

  • 100% of the students were rated above average in the six areas previously listed.
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
• Motivate students to become responsible learners
FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted:  Yes)
The estimated cost for transporting students to and from the business sites is approximately $15,600 for the two year period and is included in the divisional special revenue/federal programs budget for Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
EVALUATION
Business evaluations will serve as an integral part of assessing the efficacy of the program.   Businesses involved will be given quarterly evaluations for completion, with the final evaluations to be conducted no later than May 28, 2015.
SUBMITTED BY:  Deborah Davis, Supervisor, Exceptional Student Education
Maryann Parks   George Gaffney
General Director, Department of Exceptional Student Education
(813) 273-7025		   Assistant Superintendent, Instructional Support
(813) 273-7033
    A 2.03
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20130507_561 (Board Meeting) * Section A Item# 2.03