Title: G3-Title III No Child Left Behind Act ELL Student Education Program Grant

Recommendation:
I recommend that the School Board approve the Title III No Child Left Behind Act ELL Student Education Program Entitlement Grant to the Florida Department of Education in the estimated amount of $2,514,384 effective July 1, 2007 through June 30, 2008, 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 grant funding is intended for English language learner (ELL) students enrolled in Palm Beach County public schools and nonprofit private schools during the 2006-2007 school year.

The estimated amount of the grant is based on the enrollment of 18,260 ELL students during the 2006-2007 school year.  Funds are supplemental and may not be used to supplant other funds appropriated for the target population.

Grant expenditures will support critical areas of education/academic enhancement requested by schools including:  computer equipment, curriculum writing, software, tutorial services, instructional materials, family education, translation services, multicultural curriculum resources, student field trips, staff development, recruitment, and retention.

The 2006-2007 achievement data indicates that District English language learner (ELL) students demonstrated significant gains on progress indicators over time on FCAT reading, writing, science, and mathematics tests.

A District level evaluation will be used to review the overall benefits of the enhancements provided through the grant for the designated English language learner students.  The evaluation of the grant will consist of English language learner student achievement data as measured by FCAT reading, writing, mathematics, and science tests.

Financial Impact:
The financial impact to the Special Revenue - Other Fund is an increase of $2,514,384 from the Title III No Child Left Behind Act ELL Student Education Program Grant funds.  These funds will be allocated to the Department of Multicultural Education budget.  All grant expenditures and contracts are authorized for payment up to the amount of revenue.

For Additional Information, contact:
Ann Killets (akillets@palmbeach.k12.fl.us)
Brenda Magee, Ed.D

Attachments (list):
2007-2008 Title III Grant Application.pdf
Multicultural Ed Data Panel.pdf