News-2 You and Unique Learning Systems were implemented as the core standards based curriculum for our low cognitive ability ESE students during the 2010-2011 school year.  These students are on alternative assessment.  This is an online program that has been very positively received by our low cognitive teachers and by parents.  It enhances access to the general curriculum for students with disabilities, it increases academic expections and rigor, and it provides the capacity to collect and use data to improve teaching for these students. This program offers a wealth of instructional resources to teachers who have traditionally had to develop their own curriculum and materials.

The purchase of this curriculum for our most challenging students exemplifies the EdVantage core value that all students have value and can add value.

While American Recovery and Reinvestment Act ( ARRA) funds are available, it is prudent to purchase this license for a two year period.  It also provides the curriculum at a reduced rate of $368.64 per class as opposed to the one year rate of $439.00 per class.

The Superintendent recommends approval to purchase Unique Learning Systems Online Curriculum for low cognitive ability Exceptional Student (ESE) Students for two years.

Motion and approval to purchase Unique Learning Systems Online Curriculum for low cognitive ability Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Students for two years.

The fiscal impact for the approval of this action is $53,248.00 for the software license for two years.  The funding source for this expenditure is Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Grant, Part B funds, and American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds.

Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Department

Nancy Beal/jb

05/09/11