HCPS FL Logo Information and Technology
Action Item
DATE: Monday, July 18, 2011
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent
SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS
Approve Purchase of Florida Assessment for Instruction in Reading (FAIR) Test Materials
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Florida Department of Education bore all expenses for Florida Assessment for Instruction In Reading (FAIR) test kits and materials for the initial two years of the program.  This year, districts are required to purchase all fill in and replacement materials from Drummond Press, Inc., the sole source provider of FAIR materials.

Materials in the earliest grades (Kindergarten through grade 2) require a combination of paper as well as electronic materials.  In grades 3-12, the kits consist of an Electronic Scoring Tool (EST) and a Tool Kit for each reading or language arts teacher.  These kits contain the Test Administration Manual, Ongoing Progress Monitoring and Oral Fluency Items for Grades 1 to 5, Scaffolded Discussion Templates, Lexiled Passages, an Academic Word Inventory, and a Phonics Screening Inventory for students in grades 3-12.  Materials are needed to ensure that the district has enough materials on hand to begin the year.  Funds will come from the Comprehensive Reading Plan budget.

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
• Increase promotion rates at all grade levels and the percentage of high school graduates • Demonstrate consistent and effective teaching methods • Motivate students to become responsible learners • Challenge and support all students with an appropriate curriculum
FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted:  Yes)
The purchase of these materials from Drummond Press will total $312,658.  These funds will come from the Comprehensive Reading budget.
EVALUATION
The Florida Assessment for Instruction in Reading (FAIR) test scores are regularly reviewed with appropriate school and district staff (three times per year) and are available to all teachers through the Instructional Planning Tool (IPT) and all teachers identified in the Progress Monitoring Reporting Network (PMRN) as reading teachers.
SUBMITTED BY:  Linda Gaughan, Supervisor, Reading Research
Samuel R. Whitten   David J. Steele, Ph.D.
Assistant Director, Assessment and Accountability
(813) 272-4341
  Chief Information and Technology Officer and Project Director, Empowering Effective Teachers Grant
(813) 272-4600
    A 4.03
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20110718_467 (Board Meeting) * Section A Item# 4.03