Approve Renewal Agreements of Understanding with Community-Based Training (CBT) Sites for Exceptional Education Students for the 2008/2009 school year Various (Exceptional Student Education)

We request approval of renewal Community-Based Training sites to provide valuable training experiences for exceptional education students with mild and moderate disabilities. A list of the community business is attached. By providing training in entry-level positions at a variety of businesses in the community, these students are better prepared to successfully enter the workforce. During the 2008/2009 school year, 20 schools will participate to provide training opportunities for approximately 235 exceptional education students.

CBT Business Partnership Evaluations were completed by 23 out of the 30 participating sites. The participating businesses rated students on their performance based on the following criteria:

• Students’ appropriateness for training sites
• Students’ ability to perform assigned tasks
• Students’ dress and hygiene
• Overall program effectiveness

During the 2007/2008 school year, the ratings from the businesses overall produced positive outcomes in each of the following areas:

• 62% of the students were rated above average in the five areas previously listed.
• 34% of the students were rated satisfactory in the five areas.
• 4% of the students were rated as needing improvement.

Critical Success Factor 5.c – Design and implement program scheduling to meet the remediation and enrichment needs of students.

The Agreements of Understanding are non-financial. The estimated cost for transporting students to and from the business sites is approximately $350,000 and is included in the divisional special revenue/federal programs budget for Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Evaluations will be concluded on 05/30/09.