The Title 1 Program requests permission to contract with Learning Focused Solutions, Inc. for Professional Development Training.  

Jennifer Partrick and Carol Brewer, Learning Focused Consultants, will be working with teachers in selected Title 1 Schools to model flexible grouping techniques in Reading in order to support the District's 90 Minute Literacy Block and improve student achievement. Jennifer Partrick will support Oneco, Blackburn, Daughtrey and Manatee Elementary schools throughout the week of May 16, 2011 through May 20, 2011.  Carol Brewer will support Tillman, Ballard and Bayshore Elementary schools during the week of May 23, 2011 through May 27, 2011.  They will plan flexible group reading lessons with selected teams, model the lessons in classrooms, debrief with the teachers, and finally, plan next steps in reading instruction.

Professional development experiences mirror student learning in that they include discovery, exploratory problem-solving and self-educating techniques to improve student performance so that the mission, core values, and strategic objectives are reflected in every classroom.

The Superintendent recommends approval of the contract between the School District of Manatee County and Learning Focused Solutions, Inc. for the 2010 – 2011 school year.

Motion and approval of the contract between the School District of Manatee County and Learning Focused Solutions, Inc. for the 2010 – 2011 school year.

The estimated cost to implement this agenda item will not exceed $30,000.00, with Learning Focused Solutions, Inc. for the 2010 – 2011 school year, and will not exceed $109,386.00.  The funding source for this annually estimated expenditure is Title 1 Part A, Basic Programs Funds, and is included in the Federal Programs and Grants Department approved budget.

Federal Programs and Grants

Diane Nichols/cl

04/11/11