Title: 9.  EDUCATIONAL DIRECTIONS LLC PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE IN SELECTED SCHOOLS

Requested Action:

THAT THE DUVAL COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD APPROVE THE PURCHASE OF SERVICES FROM EDUCATIONAL DIRECTIONS LLC FOR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR ADDITIONAL ELEMENTARY, MIDDLE, AND HIGH SCHOOLS FOR THE 2007–2008 SCHOOL YEAR IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $170,000.

Summary Explanation and Background:

The objective is to provide four (4) elementary schools, four (4) middle schools and one (1) high school with technical support in the implementation of best practices to improve student achievement. Educational Directions LLC schools will consistently use data and frequent student progress monitoring to modify classroom instruction for optimum results.  The coaching and technical support will include data management and analysis, strategy identification, teacher collaboration, individual coaching, and support as well as coaching for school leadership.

The impact from Educational Directions LLC will result with improved FCAT scores, district benchmark scores, school pre and post mini-audits, and development of core competencies for staff. This will be accomplished by providing each school training and coaching by Educational Directions LLC consultants and a district liaison to monitor and assess each school’s progress throughout the year.

Educational Directions LLC will provide services to an additional nine (9) schools that will be funded by each school’s operating budget. Those schools are as follows:

1. Hogan Spring Glen Elementary
2. Enterprise Elementary
3. Windy Hill Elementary
4. Susie Tolbert/R.V. Daniels Elementary
5. Highlands Middle
6. Southside Middle
7. Jeff Davis Middle
8. Oceanway Middle
9. First Coast High

New Century Commission Recommendation/OPPAGA Recommendation/Council of Great City Schools Recommendation:
N/A

Financial Impact (Including HR/headcount/Source of Funds):

Not to exceed $ 170,000 from each school’s operating funds

• Hogan Spring Glen            $20,000
• Enterprise                       $20,000
• Windy Hill                        $20,000
• Susie Tolbert/R.V. Daniels  $20,000
• Highland                         $20,000
• Southside                       $20,000
• Jeff Davis                       $20,000
• Oceanway                      $20,000
• First Coast                     $10,000 *coaching only

For Additional Information, contact:

Myrna Amos, Executve Director, School Programs
390-2133

Amy Lingren, Chief Officer, Liberal Arts and School Programs
390-2377