HCPS FL Logo Curriculum and Instruction
Action Item
DATE: Tuesday, May 21, 2013
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent
SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS
Approve the Recommendation Regarding the Purchase of Expert 21 from Scholastic, Inc. (Sole Source Provider) (Curriculum and Instruction Division)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Expert 21 curriculum is designed to challenge and enrich 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students scoring a high Level 2 on the 2012-2013 FCAT reading assessment who are mandated to take a reading course.  The curriculum is developed with Inquiry-based learning focusing on explicit instruction in reading, writing and thinking preparing our students for college and career readiness.  Expert 21 provides the students with opportunities to read both printed text and digital text through a web-based learning environment.  The program provides students with exposure to online computer-based assessments while allowing teachers to progress monitor student achievement through embedded formative assessments.  This curriculum purchase includes a five-year technology subscription to Expert Space Scholastic Reading Inventory (SRI), xSkills (computer component), the product support and hosting.  In addition, the purchase price includes six 2-day training sessions for all teachers implementing the Expert 21 curriculum.

The Expert 21 curriculum from Scholastic, Inc. is considered sole source and is exempt from the bidding process per Florida Department of Education 6A-1.012 purchasing policy as copyrighted materials.  The Superintendent is authorized to approve any extension agreements per the terms of the specifications. 

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
• Increase promotion rates at all grade levels and the percentage of high school graduates
FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted:  Yes)
Budgeted Comprehensive Reading Plan Grant Funds, Project 4528, are available in the amount of $438,409 for this project year and an additional $90,000 over the next five years.  
EVALUATION
Review of FCAT 2.0 student achievement data for the Intensive Developmental A students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade.  Formative assessment data will be captured and correlated to student outcome FCAT data.
SUBMITTED BY:  Lory Reddel, Supervisor, 6-12 Reading
Wynne A. Tye   Gretchen Saunders
Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction
(813) 272-4221
  Chief Business Officer
(813) 272-4270
    A 6.04
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20130521_564 (Board Meeting) * Section A Item# 6.04