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Title: Recommendation: I recommend that the School Board consider approval of the submission of a Partnerships in Character Education Grant Application to the U.S. Department of Education for $2,000,000, effective October 1, 2006 through September 30, 2010, and authorize the Superintendent or designee to sign all documents and contracts related to the grant which are required for implementation of the grant activities. Description: This competitive grant will design and implement character education programs that are able to be integrated into classroom instruction, are consistent with academic standards, and can be carried out in conjunction with other educational reform efforts. It is a collaborative effort with Atlantic Education Consultants and the Department of Educational Technology and Research at The program must demonstrate student effects through rigorous evaluation and will use an experimental design. Ready to Learn, Ready for Success, and Student Success Skills, three research-based programs, will be implemented at six randomly selected Title 1 schools (two elementary, sixth grades at two middle schools, and ninth grades at two high schools) and one school for disabled students, one charter and one private school. The programs help students develop the skills and attitudes they need to succeed in school. They focus on building academic and social competence of students while developing key attitudes and values related to the six character pillars: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, caring, fairness, and citizenship. Staff training, follow up peer coaching, and parent involvement activities are provided. Opportunities will be developed for student empowerment activities. The impact of this project will be measured by: the increase in students at the targeted schools scoring level 3 and above on FCAT Reading and Math; reduction of threat/intimidation and fighting incidents; demonstrated awareness and use of the character pillars; parent participation in training and Parent Teacher Organizations; and parental knowledge of character pillars. Financial Impact: The financial impact to the Special Revenue-Other Funds Budget is an increase of $2,000,000 for four years: $500,000 each year. All grant related expenditures and contracts are authorized for payment up to the amount of revenue. There is no financial impact to the Operating Budget. For Additional Information, contact: Ann Killets akillets@palmbeach.k12.fl.us Alison Adler Attachments (list):
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