Hillsborough County Public Schools Curriculum and Instruction
Action Item

DATE: Tuesday, September 18, 2007
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent

SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS

Approve Agreement for Technical Services with The Peace Education Foundation to Deliver Peer Mediation/Conflict Resolution Training - $11,250 (Curriculum and Instruction Division)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

We request approval of the Agreement for Technical Services with The Peace Education Foundation to provide beginning and advanced training to school coordinators (90) who oversee the district-mandated Peer Mediation/Conflict Resolution program at their school sites. Participants will be trained on strategies, skills, and techniques that will enhance the peer mediation program and decrease bullying situations in order to create a safe and orderly school environment.

The Peace Education Foundation will provide the trainer, all educational books, workbooks, manuals, and materials needed to provide beginning peer mediation training in September 2007; advanced peer mediation training in October 2007; and bullying prevention training in January 2008. Trainings will be held at NOVA Southeastern University.

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

Critical Success Factor 5.d - Provide staff development programs that match instructional delivery strategies with diverse student achievement needs.

FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted: Yes)

Funds of $11,250 are available from the Staff Development budget.

EVALUATION

The success of this training will be determined by tracking student discipline data found in the school district’s Student Information System. This data will show how many successful school mediation's were used in lieu of out-of-school suspensions and other disciplinary actions.

SUBMITTED BY: Pat Smith, Director, Guidance Services 
Rhonda Harris, Supervisor, Guidance Services

Michael A. Grego, Ed.D.
Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction
(813) 272-4221
Gretchen Saunders
Chief Business Officer
(813) 272-4270
A 5.13
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20070918_266 * Section A Item# 5.13