Hillsborough County Public Schools Curriculum and Instruction
Action Item

DATE: Thursday, September 6, 2007
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent

SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS

Approve Agreements for Technical Services for Elementary Reading Trainers, 2007/2008 - $302,125 (Curriculum and Instruction Division)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

We request approval of the attached list of trainers who will plan, conduct, and provide follow-up support for elementary teachers at various locations throughout the District beginning September 8, 2007, through June 30, 2008.

The District is committed to providing training for teachers to enhance their content and pedagogy knowledge in the area of reading to impact student achievement and eliminate the achievement gap. Trainings will be focused on scientifically research-based reading strategies in the essential components of reading which include: phonics, phonemic awareness, fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary.

Courses to be offered include:

In order to effectively provide training, permission is requested to add and/or delete trainers as needed, not to exceed the budget of $302,125.

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 $302,125 are included in the K-12 Comprehensive Reading Plan, Project 4526.

EVALUATION

The Department of Staff Development will conduct teacher evaluation surveys at the conclusion of each training.

SUBMITTED BY: Barbara B. Hancock, General Director, Elementary Education 
Glenda Brown, Supervisor, Elementary Reading/Language Arts

Michael A. Grego, Ed.D.
Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction
(813) 272-4221
Gretchen Saunders
Chief Business Officer
(813) 272-4270
5.12
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20070906_278 * Section E Item# 5.12