A portion of each of the two grants was dedicated specifically for professional development training for teachers in HCPS and for teachers throughout the state. This professional development is intended to deliver training to teachers on writing items, reviewing the effectiveness of these items and scoring student responses to constructed response and performance task items.  The intent of the grant is to allow an independent provider to present the training to ensure that the participants become more effective item writers, reviewers and scorers.  

 Hillsborough Consortium for Technology and Education (H.C.T.E.) has a solid reputation for providing outstanding professional development in the educational field and is available to provide the district with their services. HCTE would provide 208 hours of training instruction in seven training sessions and would utilize two trainers. 

In accordance with Florida Department of Education, Purchasing Policy 6A-1.012(11)(a), the requirement for requesting competitive solicitations for commodities or contractual services from three or more sources is hereby waived as authorized by Section 1010.04(4)(a), F.S. for purchase by district school boards of professional services.