Approve Contract with Harcourt Assessment, Inc. for Proofreading Services for Program for Visually Impaired Students - $8,000 (Exceptional Student Education)

On September 7, 2006, the School Board approved a contract with Harcourt Assessment, Inc. for $28,000 for proofreading services for the Braille version of the FCAT Norm-Referenced Test. Funding for this initiative was awarded to Harcourt Assessment, Inc. by the Florida Department of Education.

A second contract has been developed with Harcourt Assessment, Inc. for $8,000 for proofreading services for Braille versions of the FCAT Sample Tests in a contractor/subcontractor relationship for the period October 12, 2006, through June 30, 2007. Services provided include:

• Provide third-party proofreading of both the contracted and uncontracted Braille version of the 2006-07 FCAT Sample Tests (Grades 3-10).
• Tasks include review of materials item-by-item; errors highlighted and edits suggested as needed; and written report of the proofreaders' comments/suggestions provided to Harcourt.
  

The contract has been reviewed by the School Board attorney.

Goal 1 – The percentage of students scoring at Level 3 or higher on FCAT reading will increase a minimum of 5 percentage points.
Goal 2 – The percentage of students scoring at Level 3 or higher on FCAT mathematics will increase a minimum of 5 percentage points.

Harcourt Assessment, Inc. will pay the district $8,000 for services provided and the funds will be included in the divisional special revenue/federal programs budget. There is no additional cost to the district.