Teaching and Learning Action Item

DATE:	Tuesday, December 4, 2018
TO:	School Board Members
FROM:	Jeff Eakins, Superintendent
SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS
Approve the Purchase of Classroom Libraries from American Reading Company (Sole Source Provider) and Teacher Created Materials Publishing (Sole Source Provider) (Office of Teaching and Learning)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The curated classroom library collections were selected by a committee to support the effective implementation of culturally relevant independent reading collections for the Achievement Schools, grades K-8. The Achievement Schools will select the most appropriate classroom libraries from the approved curated collections. Independent reading is a mandated instructional rotation within the elementary and middle school reading/writing literacy block based on extensive research that shows that a student’s volume of reading is the best predictor of reading achievement and is linked to attaining higher-order literacy proficiencies.  Teacher professional development is included as a part of the acquisition of the classroom libraries to support matching readers with texts and progress monitoring the volume of student reading and growth in reading. 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 • Provide a student-centered learning environment that engages every child
FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted:  Yes)
Funds in the amount of $1,344,909 will be available in the Title IV budget, project 3543.  As of November 7, 2018, the remaining balance less encumbrances for this line item equaled $1,651,282.
EVALUATION
Data on the placement of classroom libraries in each Achievement School, grades K-8, will be collected. Increases in student Florida Standards Assessment proficiency, and gain score and growth on interim assessments from students in the impacted classrooms, will be analyzed. Student interest inventories will be collected to determine positive impact of self-selected, independent reading.
SUBMITTED BY:  Lynn Dougherty-Underwood, Director, Literacy

Deborah Cook		Gretchen Saunders
Chief Academic Officer, Teaching and Learning (813) 272-4221		Chief Business Officer (813) 272-4270
		C 6.34
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20181204_911 (Board Meeting followed by Public Hearing) * Section C Item# 6.34