Hillsborough County Public Schools Curriculum and Instruction
Action Item

DATE: Tuesday, May 29, 2007
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent

SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS

Approve Agreement for Technical Services with Performance Learning Systems, Inc. for the K-3 Reading Coach Project Institute, $8,822 (Curriculum and Instruction Division)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

We are requesting approval of the Agreement for Technical Services with Performance Learning Systems, Inc. for the services of Stephen Barkley to provide two all-day sessions for the eighth year of the District K-3 Reading Coach Project Institute for 35 reading coaches. On June 11, 2007, Stephen Barkley will present Conferencing Skills for Coaches and on June 27, 2007, he will present Building a Culture of Coaching in Schools. The sessions will be held at Mort Elementary from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. This institute will provide new coaches an opportunity to sharpen both their listening as well as verbal communication skills as thy provide ongoing feedback to faculty and staff at their school sites.

Mr. Barkley, Executive Vice President of Performance Learning Systems, Inc., is nationally recognized for his ability to facilitate change. His dynamic energy and focus provide a model for the skills necessary for effective change in schools and districts. Mr. Barkley is a highly motivational and riveting speaker who is extraordinarily knowledgeable about life in the classroom. A catalyst for growth, he is a true role model who practices what he teaches.

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

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

Funds of $8,822 are available from the K-12 Comprehensive Reading Plan budget, Project 4526.

EVALUATION

May 2008. 2008 FCAT reading scores for students of participants will be analyzed to determine effectiveness of training.

SUBMITTED BY: Barbara B. Hancock, General Director, Elementary Education 
Mary Vreeman, District Resource Teacher, K-3 Reading Coaches

Michael A. Grego, Ed.D.
Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction
(813) 272-4221
Gretchen Saunders
Chief Business Officer
(813) 272-4270
5.28
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20070529_244 * Section E Item# 5.28