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Title: Recommendation: I recommend that the School Board approve the submission of the Learning for Life Grant Application to the Florida Department of Education for $180,000, effective July 1, 2007 through July 31, 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: § The Learning for Life Character Education Grant supports implementation of Conference Report on Senate Bill 2800, Specific Appropriation 98, which authorizes the Commissioner of Education to award grant dollars for projects to selected districts to assist schools in implementing the Learning for Life Character Education Program. § Although backdating board reports and contracts is not our standard practice, it was necessary in this particular case due to the Florida Department of Education (DOE) notifying the School District and the Gulf Stream Council about the grant application and funding level after July 1, 2007. The grant application by the Gulf Stream Council is not due to DOE until September 14, 2007; however, the effective date will be July 1, 2007. This action does not prejudice the rights of the School Board. § This grant is awarded annually to the Gulf Stream Council. Although the § In SY08, up to 34 schools will receive the Learning for Life Program – see attachment. Priority for participation will be given to critical needs schools. Selection is based on need and individual school commitment to the program. Thirty-one schools participated last year. § The outcome objectives of the program are to: increase positive student classroom behaviors and improve the learning environment; improve student life skills such as critical thinking and problem solving; and improve student character traits, such as self-worth, self-confidence, motivation and ethical decision-making. § The curriculum for each grade level consists of 44-61 lesson plans designed to reinforce social, ethical and academic skills in areas including: critical and creative thinking, citizenship, ethical decision making, interpersonal relationships, practical living skills, reading, writing, and other language arts. § The results of an external evaluation contracted by the Learning for Life in SY07 were positive as indicated on the attached data panel. The same evaluation will be conducted at the end of SY08. Financial Impact: The financial impact to the Special Revenue-Other Funds budget is an increase of $180,000. These funds will be distributed to Gulf Stream Council, Inc. 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 Attachments (list):
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