HCPS FL Logo Curriculum and Instruction
Action Item
DATE: Thursday, August 9, 2012
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent
SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS
Approve the Recommendation Regarding the Purchase of Gizmos Licenses from ExploreLearning (Sole-Source Provider), a Division of Cambium Learning, Inc. (Curriculum and Instruction Division)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
ExploreLearning will provide an online subscription service of Mathematics and Science Gizmos and associated professional development and training.  The ExploreLearning license fee includes:  (1) Annual site licenses for Hillsborough County high school administrators, science teachers, and students, (2) Ongoing upgrades and maintenance, additional Gizmos, and new products, and (3) Professional development and follow-up support for all of our schools to be provided by ExploreLearning.

ExploreLearning is Gizmos' award-winning online simulations that drive student inquiry and exploration.  With over 450 Gizmos online and more added regularly, ExploreLearning is a powerful addition to the Hillsborough County curriculum helping teachers to engage their students more effectively and more deeply in mathematics and science.

ExploreLearning provides the online subscription services of Mathematics and Science Gizmos and holds the copyright to these services, therefore, is exempt from the solicitation process per Florida Department of Education rule 6A-1.012.

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
• Increase promotion rates at all grade levels and the percentage of high school graduates • Align financial resources to support the district’s strategic goals • Demonstrate best financial practices
FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted:  Yes)
Budgeted funds of $379,214.36 are available through Supplemental Academic Instruction (SAI). 
EVALUATION
Evaluation of the program will be based on the classroom usage of the instructional tool by teachers and students through online data reporting, as well as targeted students' proficiency upon Florida End of Course (EOC) examinations in Algebra I, Biology I and Geometry. During the 2011/2012 school year, Gizmos usage by students and teachers increased over 200%.
SUBMITTED BY:  Larry R. Plank, Director, K-12 STEM
Wynne A. Tye   Gretchen Saunders
Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction
(813) 272-4221
  Chief Business Officer
(813) 272-4270
    A 5.14
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20120809_511 (Board Meeting) * Section A Item# 5.14