HCPS FL Logo Curriculum and Instruction
Action Item
DATE: Tuesday, August 12, 2014
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 (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 at various elementary and middle schools. 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 twenty-first century technology into the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) classroom.
  • Provides a tool that allows students to problem solve, test solutions, and draw conclusions.
  • Professional development for Hillsborough County Public School teachers will be provided by trained LEGO MINDSTORMS facilitators.

LEGO Education is designated as sole-source and is the exclusive United States distributor of all LEGO Educational Division school-range products, curriculum, and related workshops.  Therefore, this purchase is exempt from the requesting competitive solicitations by the Florida Department of Education 6A-1.012 Purchasing Policies (11) (b).
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 2014/2015 school year are $175,000. Expenditures were $104,650 in 2013/2014 and $325,971 in 2012/2013. Funding will be available from Race to the Top (RTTT), STEM, Title I, and science laboratory allocation.
EVALUATION
Evaluation of technology implementation will be conducted by the elementary and middle school science supervisors.  Continual professional development will be held for participating teachers throughout the year.  When the Director of K-12 STEM completes the list of participating schools, the Board will be notified via the Friday Report.
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 6.02
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20140812_638 (Board Meeting) * Section A Item# 6.02