Academic Support and Federal Programs Action Item

DATE:	Tuesday, February 4, 2020
TO:	School Board Members
FROM:	Jeff Eakins, Superintendent
SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS
Approve the Recommendation for the 3-Year Purchase of Orton-Gillingham Phonics First Level 1 Materials and Continued Professional Development from Brainspring (Sole-Source Provider) (Academic Support and Federal Programs)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
According to evidence-based research, students with reading disabilities, including dyslexia, make the most gains when provided intentional instruction in letter sound relationships that is explicit, systematic, and multi-sensory.  Utilizing the Orton-Gillingham instructional methodology, this evidence-based program systematically and explicitly teaches students the foundational skills required for proficient reading.  Teachers with a strong foundation in the knowledge of the structure of English can significantly affect literacy learning in children (McCutchen, et al., 2002).  The provision of intensive teacher professional development and systematic early literacy instruction yields improved reading proficiency for students struggling with reading disabilities.
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
• Improve the high school graduation rate • Improve Student Achievement
FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted:  Yes)
Grant funds up to $600,000 will be available in the divisional special revenue/federal programs budget, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
EVALUATION
Student gains will be monitored using a variety of progress monitoring tools including broad scope measures such as the district Local Education Agency Profile, and curriculum-based measures including formal and informal assessments (i.e. Florida Assessment for Instruction in Reading, iReady, Florida Standard Assessment, running records, and program mastery tests). This data will be reviewed and analyzed annually by school-based personnel and district staff.
SUBMITTED BY:  Kimberly Workman, General Director, Exceptional Student Education

Tracye H. Brown, Assistant Superintendent		Gretchen Saunders
Academic Support and Federal Programs (813) 272-4879		Chief Business Officer (813) 272-4270
		B 6.06
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20200204_978 (Board Meeting) * Section B Item# 6.06