Action Item
|
Curriculum and Instruction
Action Item |
| DATE: | Tuesday, October 22, 2013 |
| TO: | School Board Members |
| FROM: | MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent |
| SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS | |
| Approve the Renewal of Renzulli Learning™ System (RLS) Site Licenses from CompassLearning, Inc. for the 2013/2014 School Year (Curriculum and Instruction Division) | |
| EXECUTIVE SUMMARY | |
| Approval is requested for the renewal of the subscription of site licenses for 4,200 non-Title I and 2,900 Title I elementary gifted students. The licenses include: (1) unlimited web-based access, (2) Renzulli Profiler, an assessment analysis tool of interest areas, learning styles, and expression styles, (3) unlimited access to Differentiated Database of educational, age-appropriate resources, (4) student, teacher, manager, and parent portals, (5) database searchable by Common Core Standards, (6) access to differentiated projects, assignments, and unit supplements, and (7) student and teacher E-Portfolio. RLS is based on 35 years of research by the University of Connecticut's Drs. Joseph Renzulli and Sally Reis.
Both quantitative and qualitative evaluation measures support continued use of RLS. Differentiated features within RLS correlate with effective teacher behaviors included on the district Teacher Observation Instrument. Quantitative analysis indicates that during the past 12 months, gifted teachers have used RLS to provide 36,832 differentiated lessons, assignments, and projects to gifted students. Qualitative analysis indicates 97% of gifted teachers surveyed view RLS as a valuable teaching tool. The Renzulli Learning™ System licenses are considered sole source items and are exempt from the bidding process per Florida Department of Education 6A1.012 purchasing policies. |
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| STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES | |
| • Demonstrate consistent and effective teaching methods • Challenge and support all students with an appropriate curriculum | |
| FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted: Yes) | |
| Budgeted funds of $34,800 will be available from Title I funds and $50,400 from Supplemental Academic Instruction (SAI) in the general fund. | |
| EVALUATION | |
| Use of RLS will be evaluated using quantitative and qualitative measures. Analysis will include examining usage of specific RLS features and effective teacher behaviors as determined by the district Teacher Observation Instrument. Additional evaluation strategies will include the analysis of student and teacher usage data and attitudinal surveys. | |
| SUBMITTED BY: Barbara B. Hancock, Instructional Leadership Director, Elementary | |
| Wynne A. Tye | Gretchen Saunders | |
| Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction (813) 272-4221 |
Chief Business Officer (813) 272-4270 |
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| A 6.06 | ||
| Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20131022_600 (Board Meeting) * Section A Item# 6.06 | ||