HCPS FL Logo Curriculum and Instruction
Action Item
DATE: Tuesday, January 20, 2015
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent
SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS
Approve the Renewal Purchase of Student Licenses from Renaissance Learning, Inc. (Sole-Source Provider) (Curriculum and Instruction Division)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Reading practice is essential in developing the critical-thinking and problem-solving abilities that ensure a lifelong love of reading and learning. While Accelerated Reader does not replace the reading instruction given in a classroom and is not intended to limit student choice, it can be used to support the reading curriculum. The Department of Elementary Education supports Accelerated Reader as a motivational reading program.

Support is provided digitally from the vendor as well as the Renaissance Place Conference (RP Conference) located in IDEAS for exchange of questions, suggestions, ideas, and success stories.

In accordance with the Florida Department of Education, Purchasing Policy 6A-1.012 (11) (b), the requirement for requesting competitive solicitations for commodities or contractual services from three or more sources is hereby waived as authorized by Section 1010.04 (4) (a), F. S. for purchase by district school boards of educational services and any type of copyrighted materials where such materials are purchased directly from the owner of the copyright. Renaissance Learning, Inc. holds all copyright, patent, trademark, and all other intellectual property rights to Accelerated Reader.

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
• Demonstrate consistent and effective teaching methods
FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted:  Yes)
Each school is responsible for the recurring yearly subscription cost for student licenses needed at their site. Districtwide funds will be available from numerous sources including:  Internal, Title I, Parent Teacher Association (PTA). Year to date commitments are $117,260 and 2013/2014 expenditures were $204,468.
EVALUATION
Success will be measured through statistical data retrieved from Renaissance Place.  This will include usage at each site and more importantly the success index based upon 85 percent or higher on reading comprehension quizzes.
SUBMITTED BY:  Barbara B. Hancock, Instructional Leadership Director, Elementary
Wynne A. Tye,   Gretchen Saunders
Assistant Superintendent, Student Services
(813) 273-7033
  Chief Business Officer
(813) 272-4270
    A 6.08
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20150120_682 (Board Meeting) * Section A Item# 6.08