HCPS FL Logo Teaching and Learning
Action Item
DATE: Tuesday, February 19, 2019
TO: School Board Members
FROM: Jeff Eakins, Superintendent
SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS
Approve the Purchase of Club Invention Materials and Curriculum and Related Professional Development from the National Inventors Hall of Fame (Office of Teaching and Learning)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The National Inventors Hall of Fame is a non-profit partner of the United States Patent and Trademark Office that serves to recognize inventors, promotes creativity, and advances the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship. Experiences with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and opportunities to build 21st century skills play a vital role in students’ college and career readiness. The program, Club Invention, will provide a unique, augmentative learning pathway for students to explore STEM via hands-on, problem-solving activities primarily in an out-of-school time program. The interdisciplinary curricula inspires students to be curious about their world and prepare them for the future, encourages and enhances a discovery-based learning environment, provides a pathway to workforce skills and development, and provides tools for learning in after-school programs, clubs, and competitions.

Sixteen Achievement Schools, grades K-5, have self-selected to utilize the program for the remainder of the 2018/2019 school year. The program is a component of our strategic Title IV plan for Achievement Schools.

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.
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
• Improve the high school graduation rate • Provide a student-centered learning environment that engages every child
FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted:  Yes)
Funds in the amount of $64,600 will be available from Title IV, project 3543.  As of February 4, 2019, the remaining balance less encumbrances for this line item equaled $82,000.
EVALUATION
District staff will review the implementation of the program in the participating schools.  Student achievement, participation, and perceptions of opportunities in STEM will be indicators explored for evaluation of the out-of-school time program.
SUBMITTED BY:  Larry R. Plank, Ed.S., Director, K-12 Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
Deborah Cook   Gretchen Saunders
Chief Academic Officer, Teaching and Learning
(813) 272-4221
  Chief Business Officer
(813) 272-4270
    B 6.17
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20190219_918 (Board Meeting) * Section B Item# 6.17