Hillsborough County Public Schools Curriculum and Instruction
Action Item

DATE: Tuesday, May 20, 2008
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent

SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS

Approve District-Proposed High School Major Areas of Interest, 2008/2009 (Curriculum and Instruction)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

We request approval of the attached district-proposed high school Major Areas of Interest (MAI) for 2008/2009 and the authority to offer any majors approved by the State Department of Education at the high schools, career centers, ESE centers, alternative programs, and charter schools which service our high school students.

A major component of the 2006 A++ legislation (House Bill 7087) addresses the need for middle school students to participate in career development activities, create an educational planner, and select a high school Major Area of Interest. Through these initiatives, students are more likely to see the relevance of their educational experiences to a future career.

Beginning with the 2007/2008 school year all students entering Grade 9 select a high school career focus during middle school. The major is reviewed in 8th grade as well as annually and may be changed as needed. Each student is required to complete four classes in a major, but they are allowed to change majors as they progress through high school. The four credits need not be in the same major.

In addition, students are engaged in career exploration and planning during Grade 7 as part of their M/J Geography and Career Planning course. The career course will utilize the electronic Florida Academic Counseling and Tracking for Students (FACTS.org) which will result in an electronic Personal Education Plan (ePEP.) The ePEP must be signed by the parent, student, and counselor, and then reviewed annually.

The teachers will utilize the free Career Cruiser workbook and the CHOICES online planner that are available from the Florida Department of Education. An implementation plan has been developed that includes teacher/counselor training, career activities, ePEP timelines, counselor conferences, parent meetings, website communications, and PowerPoint presentations.

The initial State High School Major Areas of Interest - 2007/2008 list was approved by the School Board on November 21, 2006, Agenda Item E 1.02. The MAI offerings can be viewed at Major Areas of Interest. Once on the site, select Hillsborough County, All High Schools, No Career Cluster, and All Major Areas of Interest. This will provide an interactive list which enables you to view our schools, the Major Areas of Interest, and the courses required.

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

All District Goals and Critical Success Factors

FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted: Yes)

Administrative staff time to develop and market new MAI options or courses currently offered.

EVALUATION

An annual report will be developed by the Florida Department of Education indicating the number of students in our district who have completed the required ePEP.

SUBMITTED BY: David J. Steele, Ph.D., General Director, Secondary Education
Pamela Campbell-Peralta, General Director, Career and Technical Education 
Josie Sanders, General Director, Middle School Education 
Wynne Tye, General Director, Exceptional Student Education



Michael A. Grego, Ed.D.
Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction
(813) 272-4221
A 1.07
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20080520_293 * Section A Item# 1.07