Hillsborough County Public Schools Curriculum and Instruction
Action Item

DATE: Tuesday, October 5, 2010
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent

SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS

Adopt Resolution - "Disability History and Awareness Weeks" (Exceptional Student Education-Curriculum and Instruction Division)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Senate Bill 856 created section 1003.4205, Florida Statutes, entitled "Disability History and Awareness Instruction," and was signed into law by Governor Crist on June 13, 2008. The law requires school districts to designate the first two weeks of October as "Disability History and Awareness Weeks." The Bill promotes providing instruction for students in all K-12 public schools to expand student knowledge, understanding, and awareness of individuals with disabilities, and disability rights history. The attached resolution for Hillsborough County Public Schools has been prepared for recognition by the School Board.

The Department of Exceptional Student Education provides all students with disabilities the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to realize their potential through the provision of specially designed instruction and related services. The goal of the district is to provide equal opportunities for the identification, evaluation, and education of students with disabilities for using general education classrooms and adapting them to meet the needs of students with disabilities.

Hillsborough County Public Schools continues to provide exemplary educational opportunities for all students and the Department of Exceptional Student Education is proud of the dedication and professionalism of all individuals who provide services and support to students with disabilities.

In recognition of "Disability History and Awareness Weeks," our schools will provide intensive instruction on disability history, people with disabilities, and the disability rights movement, especially during the first two weeks of October, and periodically throughout the school year, and encourage other institutions to conduct and promote educational activities on those students.

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

All Strategic Objectives

FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted: No)

This agenda item has no additional cost to the district.

EVALUATION

SUBMITTED BY:

Joyce L. Wieland
General Director, Exceptional Student Education
(813) 273-7025
Wynne A. Tye
Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum & Instruction
(813) 272-4221
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Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20101005_428 * Section C Item# 01