Title: 3.  PURCHASE OF SOFTWARE LICENSES FOR GIZMOS

Requested Action:

1.  THAT THE DUVAL COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD APPROVE THE PURCHASE OF GIZMOS LICENSES FROM EXPLORELEARNING, A DIVISION OF VOYAGER EXPANDED LEARNING, FOR ALL TITLE I STUDENTS IN GRADES THIRD THROUGH EIGHTH.  THE LICENSES WILL RUN FROM NOW THROUGH OCTOBER 31, 2008.  AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $97,000.

2.  THAT THE DUVAL COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD APPROVE THE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR ALL TEACHERS AT THE TITLE I SCHOOLS IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $17,000. 

Summary Explanation and Background:

ExploreLearning Gizmos are online simulations in grades three through eight science and grades six through eight mathematics that support student inquiry and exploration.  ExploreLearning is a powerful addition to the Duval County curriculum that will help teachers to engage their students more effectively and more deeply in mathematics and science learning.

The subscription cost of Gizmos will provide an annual site license for grades three through eight Title I teachers and students, automatic updates and maintenance of the program components, and project management services to build and support a cadre of trainers for the fidelity of the program within schools. This will be provided for all Title I schools including Wayman Academy of the Arts Charter school.  All subscriptions will be activated upon receipt of the purchase order and will expire November 30, 2008. 

The professional development for the mathematics and science teachers will include planning the implementation with district personnel, learning how to generate usage reports and reviewing them.  The on-going professional development that each participating teacher will receive at their school will be provided by ExploreLearning for the duration of the subscription year. 

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

Financial Impact (Including HR/headcount/Source of Funds):
This will be funded by the Title I School Improvement Initiative Grant.  Not to exceed $114,000 total.

For Additional Information, contact:

Lynette Weber, Supervisor, Title I   390-2123

Frank Herrington, Supervisor, Title I  390-2123

Kathryn LeRoy, Chief Officer, Mathematics & Science  390-2522