Title: G5-English Literacy and Civics Education Grant II

Recommendation:
I recommend that the School Board approve the continuation of the competitive English Literacy and Civics Education Grant II in the amount of $145,420 effective July 20, 2006 to June 30, 2007 with the Florida Department of Education 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 will be the third year of this grant.  Roll forward funds in the amount $42,657 have been added to the original grant award due to exceeding the goals of the previous year.

The purpose of this grant is to provide English literacy and civics education to adults 16 years of age or older, beyond compulsory school age, who do not have a secondary school diploma, are not enrolled in a secondary school, and are limited in English proficiency.

Activities include classroom instruction to provide oral communication skills to the adult English Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) population already in or preparing to enter the workforce by increasing listening and speaking skills needed to improve communication for the workplace.

The schools that will participate in this program include Atlantic Community High School, Boca Raton Community High School, Delray Full Service Center, Forest Hill Community High School and Santaluces Community High School. These community schools were selected based on needs of the student population including the need to obtain a job and/or improve communication skills on the job. In addition, a performance contract/agreement with the Palm Beach County Literacy Coalition will provide adult English Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) instruction to improve oral communication skills in the workplace. 

These funds will also be used to provide students with a variety of distance learning options.  These options will include workplace literacy, computer lab, television broadcast and library checkout.  These options will allow students to continue to participate in instruction and improve learning gains.

The grant will be evaluated internally to ensure compliance with all State and Federal requirements. In addition, a representative from the Department of Education will conduct an evaluation/monitoring process. The evaluation will include a review of student records, including student performance and completion rates.

Financial Impact:
The financial impact to the District is a $145,420 increase to the Special Revenue - Other Funds budget. These Workforce Development related grant funds are not part of the K-12 FTE funding. There is no capital impact. The funds will be allocated within the Department of Secondary, Adult and Community Education budget. All grant-related expenditures and contracts are authorized for payment up to the amount of the revenue.

For Additional Information, contact:

Ann Killets (akillets@palmbeach.k12.fl.us)

Brenda Magee, Ed.D.

Attachments (list):
English Literacy and Civics Ed Grant II Data Panel.pdf
English Literacy and Civics Ed Grant II.pdf