Hillsborough County Public Schools Curriculum and Instruction
Information Item

DATE: Tuesday, October 2, 2007
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent

SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS

Presentation to Stewart Middle Magnet School a National Aeronautics and Space Administration Grant Recipient, $50,000 (Curriculum and Instruction Division)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

We request the School Board recognize Dr. Jaydeep Mukherjee, Director, Florida Space Grant Consortium, Kennedy Space Center as he presents Stewart Middle Magnet School principal, Ms. Baretta Wilson, with a check for $50,000.

The awarding of National Aeronautic and Space Administration’s (NASA) Initiative to Develop Education through Astronomy and Space Science (IDEAS) grant will continue the collaborative initiative among students and teachers from Stewart Middle Magnet School, Just Elementary School, and Dunbar Elementary Magnet School in the implementation of science and aerospace activities. IDEAS will use Stewart’s established partnerships with NASA, NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), the University of South Florida (USF), the Museum of Science and Industry, The Education Channel, and WUSF to raise student appreciation of the sciences and to increase science literacy. The program will bring STARLAB, a portable planetarium to Stewart and will culminate in a 30-minute documentary television program made by Stewart students in collaboration with USF Mass Communications students to inspire the Tampa community to become more involved in science education.

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 2 – The percentage of students scoring at Level 3 or higher on FCAT Mathematics will increase a minimum of 5 percentage points.
Goal 3 – Student performance on FCAT Science will increase a minimum of 5 percentage points.

FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted: Yes)

Funds of $50,000 for the implementation of the grant activities are provided through the National Aeronautics and Space Administration IDEAS program and will be included in the district budget.

EVALUATION

SUBMITTED BY: Susan King, Supervisor, Magnet Schools and Programs



Michael A. Grego, Ed.D.
Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction
(813) 272-4221
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Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20071002_267 * Section C Item# 4