Hillsborough County Public Schools Business
Action Item

DATE: Tuesday, June 15, 2010
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent

SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS

Approve Contract Renewal From Class.com, Inc. for the Purchase of District Site License (Curriculum and Instruction Division)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

We request approval to renew the Master License Agreement with Class.com, Inc. to purchase educational software to support virtual education for students in grades 6 through adult.

Class.com offers a highly rigorous on-line curriculum with a wide range of core and elective offerings which will be used to support dropout prevention initiatives in middle school, high school, alternative education and adult education programs. In addition, Class.com will be used to improve the delivery of services to students enrolled in the Hospital Homebound Program and for dropout retrieval.

Class.com will be implemented in a variety of formats to best meet the needs of a population who have not been successful with traditional delivery options. Instruction will be provided by certified Hillsborough County teachers in a fully virtual environment. It is appropriate for grades 6 through adult and includes support for English Language Learners (ELL) and Exceptional Student Education (ESE) students. The Class.com, Inc. Master License Agreement was approved by the School Board of Hillsborough County on February 24, 2009. Hardware currently exists for implementation of this program and will require no additional cost to the district.

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

* Increase promotion rates at all grade levels and the percentage of high school graduates, * Demonstrate consistent and effective teaching methods, * Motivate students to become responsible learners, * Challenge and support all students with an appropriate curriculum, * Demonstrate best financial practices

FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted: Yes)

The financial impact of $274,500 will be split between Workforce funds of $164,700 for adult students and SAI funds of $109,800 for students in grades 6 through 12.

EVALUATION

An evaluation of the program will be conducted annually by the Division of Curriculum and Instruction to determine the effectiveness of the program in reducing the dropout rate. The results will be shared with district officials and will be used to determine future purchases.

SUBMITTED BY: Maria E. Tudela, Director, Adult and Community Education

Wynne A. Tye
Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction
(813) 272-4221
Gretchen Saunders
Chief Business Officer
(813) 272-4270
A 5.16
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20100615_402 * Section A Item# 5.16