Approve Agreement for Technical Services with Chris Lewis for Middle School Writing - $5,600 (Curriculum and Instruction Division)

We request approval of the Agreement for Technical Services with Chris Lewis to plan and deliver writing lessons for teachers and students at Dowdell, Eisenhower, Franklin, Jennings, Progress Village, Shields, Sligh, and Turkey Creek Middle Schools beginning October 3, 2007, through November 30, 2007.

For the past seven years, Hillsborough County eighth grade student writing scores have ranked either first or among the top in the state. Chris Lewis, a former language arts teacher, is a specialist within the writing arena who has provided his services to Hillsborough County since 2004. Through his extensive work with FCAT Writing+, Chris has developed effective instructional practices which help raise FCAT Writing+ scores across all levels of student learners. His true commitment and specialization are helping our lower-level students become successful communicators.

Instruction in higher level elaboration will be provided to teachers and students. The consultant will implement the + part of writing for teachers and students, with a goal of a 5% increase in the number of students scoring a 4.0 or above and a 5% increase in the developmental scale score on the state writing test. Mr. Lewis’ responsibilities will include:

• Assess weaknesses of student papers prior to site visit;
• Use sample writing papers to plan instruction;
• Teach in the classroom at each site for three days;
• Model how to plan instruction for teachers at the 8 middle school sites listed above, and
• Train teachers and work with students on writing strategies. The strategies are based on the sunshine standards, district benchmarks, and middle school grade expectations.

Goal 4-The percentage of students achieving a score of 4.0 or higher on FCAT Writing will increase a minimum of 5 percentage points.
Goal 5-The district will eliminate the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) achievement gap by a minimum of 10 percentage points as reported by No Child Left Behind.

Funds of $5,600 are available through the Staff Development budget, Project 1380.

Evaluation will be determined by State FCAT Writing+ scores which will be available May 2008.