Hillsborough County Public Schools Curriculum and Instruction
Action Item

DATE: Tuesday, June 12, 2007
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent

SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS

Approve Renewal Agreements for Services with the University of South Florida for Successful Transition After Graduation for Exceptional Students Program, Various - 2007/2008 (Exceptional Student Education)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

In 2004/2005, the District partnered with the University of South Florida to initiate the Successful Transition After Graduation for Exceptional Students (STAGES) program. We are requesting approval of the renewal agreements for services which have been developed for the 2007/2008 school year.

The STAGES program facilitates transition for 12-15 ESE high school students, ages 18-22, under the supervision of a District teacher on the USF campus. The STAGES program includes a balance of classroom instruction emphasizing functional skills, integrated social and recreational activities, and career experience opportunities that encourage participation of other support departments such as general maintenance, food service, landscaping, and clerical. The District provides the students, an instructor, a paraprofessional, transportation, and additional support as identified.

The ESE young adults benefit from real-world experiences by interacting with non-disabled age-appropriate peers in a postsecondary setting. In addition, USF students who are seeking a degree in special education, human resources, physical education, etc., benefit from interaction with ESE young adults through the application of educational theories and practices.

Program Highlights

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.
Critical Success Factor 5.c – Design and implement program scheduling to meet the remediation and enrichment needs of students.

FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted: Yes)

This program generates FTE funds; funding of $78,304 is included in the divisional special revenue/federal programs budget (IDEA), Project 1331, to cover the total cost to the district.

EVALUATION

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

Wynne A. Tye
General Director, Exceptional Student Education
(813) 273-7025
Michael A. Grego, Ed.D.
Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction
(813) 272-4221
1.08
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20070612_246 * Section E Item# 1.08