Title: CLS1-The Florida Educational Equity Act 2005-2006Annual Update

Recommendation:
I recommend that the School Board approve the District's Florida Educational Equity Act 2005-2006 Annual Update for submission to the Florida Department of Education.

Description:

The Florida Educational Equity Act, Florida Statutes, Section 1000.05, became law in June 1984 and the State Board of Education adopted the implementing rules in February 1985.
  
Each year the Commissioner of Education designates the areas of concentration under the requirements of the Educational Equity Act. The focus of the Florida Educational Equity Act 2005-2006 Annual Update Implementation Plan is on African American and Hispanic student access to high quality instruction.

The 2005-2006 Plan Update will continue to evaluate the success of methods and strategies to reduce gaps in student performance or increase participation of under represented groups by race/ethnicity and gender in upper level courses.

The 2006 FCAT data shows an increase in the School District's Mean Scale Scores in reading and mathematics at the third grade.  The Combined Mean Writing Score has also shown improvement at the elementary level.

Compared to FY05, there is an increase in the percentage of African American and Hispanic students enrolled in Advanced Placement, Dual Enrollment, Honors and Level III Courses.

The FY05 data also show continuance of Gender Equity in Athletics, an area being monitored by the Florida Department of Education (FDOE).

The requirements of the report are included in the Executive Summary section.

A copy of the complete report is attached.  A copy is also on file in the School Board Minutes Office for review.

Financial Impact:
There is no financial impact to the School District.  Funds are allocated to support various program strategies through the District Operating Budget and Grants.

For Additional Information, contact:
Ann Killets/(akillets@palmbeach.k12.fl.us)
Janice Cover

Attachments (list):
Equity Report final 6-06.pdf