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 Reading Excellence: Word Attack and Rate Development (REWARDS) Reading Intervention Materials from Voyager Sopris Learning (Academic Support and Federal Programs)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Research shows that students with reading disabilities, including dyslexia, make the most gains when provided intentional instruction that is explicit, systematic, and multi-sensory. The REWARDS reading program is an evidence-based program that systematically and explicitly teaches students the multi-syllabic decoding skills required for proficient reading.  The purpose of this program is multi-faceted and includes: Improving multi-syllabic reading instruction and proficiency in intermediate grades and beyond for students with disabilities Decreasing the district's current achievement gap between students with reading disabilities and their non-disabled peers Improving the high school graduation rate for students with reading disabilities 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 the purchase of educational services and any type of copyrighted materials including, without limitation, educational tests, textbooks, and printed instructional materials where such materials are purchased directly from the producer, publisher, or the owner of the copyright.
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
• Improve the high school graduation rate • Improve Student Achievement
FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted:  Yes)
Grant funds up to $200,000 will be available in the divisional special revenue/federal programs budget, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
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 6.07
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20200204_978 (Board Meeting) * Section B Item# 6.07