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 Purchase of "LEGO Education Materials and Curriculum" and Related "Professional Development Workshops" from LEGO Education to be Utilized at Various Elementary, Middle, and High Schools (Sole-Source Provider) (Curriculum and Instruction Division)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
These learning tools have been specifically chosen based on the grade levels served by each school.  LEGO robotics equipment and curriculum offers students the following benefits:

  • Integrates the power of robotics technology with inquiry-based content and assessment
  • Encourages and enhances a discovery-based science learning environment
  • Brings 21stcentury technology into the science classroom
  • Provides a tool that allows students to problem solve, test solutions, and draw conclusions
  • Professional development will be provided by trained LEGO MINDSTORM facilitators

LEGO Education provides the LEGO MINDSTORM equipment along with the related workshops, holding the copyright to both, therefore is exempt from the solicitation process per Florida Department of Education rule 6A-1.012.
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
• 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)
Anticipated purchases for the 2012/2013 school year are $350,000.  Funding will be available from Race To The Top (RTTT) Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), Title 1, and Science Laboratory Allocation.
EVALUATION
Evaluation of technology implementation will be conducted by the elementary, middle, and high school Science supervisors.  Continual professional development will be held for participating teachers throughout the year.
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 5.13
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20120809_511 (Board Meeting) * Section A Item# 5.13