Hillsborough County Public Schools Curriculum and Instruction
Action Item

DATE: Tuesday, May 16, 2006
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent

SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS

Approve Agreements of Understanding with Community-Based Training Sites for Exceptional Education Students, 2006/2007, Various (Exceptional Student Education)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Community-Based Training Program was initiated by the district for exceptional education students with mild and moderate disabilities. By providing training in entry-level positions at a variety of businesses in the community, these students are better prepared to successfully enter the workforce. During the 2006/2007 school year, 20 schools will participate to provide training opportunities for approximately 250 exceptional education students. These community business partners provide valuable training experiences for exceptional education students. Attached is a list of the Community-Based Training partners for 2006/2007.

Community-Based Training Business Partnership Evaluations were completed by 14 out of the 21 participating sites. The participating businesses rated students on their performance based on the following criteria.
  • Students' appropriateness for training site
  • Students' ability to perform assigned tasks
  • Students' overall behavior
  • Students' dress and hygiene
  • Overall program effectiveness
The ratings from the businesses overall produced positive outcomes in each of the following areas.
  • 64% of the students were rated above average in the five areas previously listed.
  • 36% of the students were rated satisfactory in the five areas.
  • No students were rated as needing improvement.

ANNUAL DISTRICT GOAL(S) AND CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTOR(S)

Goal 5 - The district will close the FCAT achievement gap by a minimum of 10 percentage points as reported by No Child Left Behind.

FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted: Yes)

The Agreements of Understanding are non-financial. The estimated cost for transporting students to and from the business sites is approximately $200,000 and is included in the divisional special revenue/federal programs budget for Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Project 1022.

EVALUATION

SUBMITTED BY: Deborah Davis, Supervisor, ESE Secondary Curriculum & Instruction/Transition

Edward H. McDowell, Jr.
General Director, Exceptional Student Education
(813) 273-7025
Michael A. Grego, Ed.D.
Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction
(813) 272-4221
1.05
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20060516_176 * Section E Item# 1.05