Title: G1 Grant Application for Continuation of the Florida Inclusion Network Project Grant

Recommendation:
I recommend that the School Board approve the continuation of the Florida Inclusion Network Project Grant in the amount of  $212,000, effective October 1, 2005 through August 31, 2006, 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:

The grant application will be submitted to the Florida Department of Education (DOE).

The Florida Inclusion Network Grant Funds are used to:

Train teachers in research-based, effective instructional practices, which will benefit students, parents, and school staffs;

provide training as designated by the Florida Department of Education/Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services (BEESS) to assist the school district in the transition from traditional service delivery models to expanded models of student support;

maintain a working knowledge of the status of inclusion within the school district; and

increase the inclusion of students with disabilities in the state and district assessments in collaboration with other district programs and projects.

The project staff will assess the outcomes of the aforementioned goals by:

(1) Gathering data as measured by time with non-disabled peers;
(2) monitoring the provision of testing accommodations and modifications as appropriate for designated students with disabilities; and
(3) establishing and maintaining a follow-up support mechanism for all training models provided, i.e., effective instructional practices and expanded models of student support.

Financial Impact:
Pending state approval, the financial impact to the School District is an increase of $212,000 in Special Revenue funds. These funds will be allocated within the Exceptional Student Education Department budget.

For Additional Information, contact:
Ann Killets (akilletts@palmbeach.k12.fl.us)
Janice S. Cover
Russell Feldman

Attachments (list):
Data Panels Various Years.xls
Q&AG1.doc
Q&AG1.doc